Smash Burger

Best Way to Cook a Burger?

Ideally, to cook a traditional cheese burger, you would have a cast iron pan the exact same size as the burger patty. This would allow the burger to cook in its own juices, resulting in a browned patty with a perfectly pink interior. However, there are a few problems that a rise with this method.

First of all, who wants to cook one burger at a time? Then, how do you know the exact time to remove the burger? Finally, how can you get a perfectly cooked burger without the perfect pan? The Smash Burger method provides all the answers you’ll need.

The Smash Burger process starts with a 80/20% hamburger patty. Then, form a quarter to third pound hamburger ball (use picture above for reference). Finally, use all your force to smash the burger into as thin a patty as possible. The key is to use very cold (but not frozen) meat, and very high heat!

Why a Smash Burger?

The history of the smash burger starts with the line cook. Line cooks needed a way to make a whole lot of burgers, fast. The problem with that is, on a typical flat top used by line cooks, the juices all drain out. Using the traditional method to cook results in a charred, over-cooked mess. Thus, we invented the Smash Burger.

Smash burgers use a process called the Maillard Reaction. Which is a chemical reaction between protein and sugars that gives browned food its distinctive flavor. Heat is used to create new and complex flavors, similar to the process of caramelizing an onion.

To learn more about the browning process, check out this post about the Maillard Reaction

Tools for Making a Smash Burger

To make smash burgers, you will need a few tools. First, you will need a long and sturdy spatula (stainless steel if possible). Next, you will need some non-stick spray. This will help to keep the burger from sticking to the spatula. And last but not least, you will need a burger smasher. I purchased all the tools (pictured above) directly from Amazon. But, you can most likely find at a restaurant supply store as well!

When I first started, I purchased a tile trowel from the hardware store. As a result, the patty did not quite come out how I was expecting. The trowel was not wide enough, so I could not get a good smash. So, of course, I turned to the internet!

That is where I discovered the burger smasher. I highly recommend a burger smasher, as they make the process quick and simple. The trick to making a great smash burger is force. You are going to need to push down on the burger with all your power. A burger smasher is great because it gives you the required leverage, while keeping your hand away from the heat source.

How to Serve a Smash Burger

What goes well with a Smash Burger?

Smash burgers go great with many different side dishes and fixings. Whether served with sweet potato fries and some baked broccoli. On top of a fresh bed of lettuce. Or even on its own with a toasted bun, you can’t go wrong.

Fried Cheese and Special Sauce:

In the end, I don’t care how my burger is served, as long as its with some fried cheese and special sauce. Fried cheese adds the perfect texture to your burger, and is very easy to make. All you do is add a pile of shredded cheddar cheese to a skillet. Once the edges start to brown, flip the cheese.

Special sauce goes great with fried cheese. I make my special sauce by combining ketchup, mayo, dijon mustard and a little pickle juice. Mix the ingredients together. And spread over a toasted hamburger bun for the perfect smash burger!