Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is recommended for juiciness)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sliced cheese (optional)
- Burger buns
- Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, condiments, etc.)
Instructions:
- Preheat Your Cooking Surface: Preheat a cast-iron skillet, griddle, or frying pan over medium-high heat. You want it to be hot enough to sear the meat quickly.
- Prepare Your Patties: Divide the ground beef into equal-sized portions, usually around 2 to 4 ounces each, depending on how big you want your burgers. Shape them into balls but don't pack them tightly.
- Season the Patties: Season each ball of meat generously with salt and pepper on one side.
- Smash the Patties: Place a ball of meat onto the hot cooking surface, seasoned side down. Immediately, using a flat spatula or a heavy-duty burger press, firmly press down on the meat to smash it into a thin patty. Press down for about 10-15 seconds. This creates more surface area for delicious caramelization.
- Season the Other Side: While the first side is cooking, season the top side of the patty with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Patties: Let the patties cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes. You should see the edges start to brown and crisp up. If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty after flipping.
- Flip the Patties: Carefully flip the patties using a spatula. If the patties stick a little, gently loosen them with the spatula before flipping.
- Finish Cooking: Cook for another 1-2 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness. Adjust the cooking time based on your preference for doneness.
- Toast the Buns: While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the burger buns on the cooking surface or in a separate pan.
- Assemble the Burgers: Once the patties are cooked to your liking and the buns are toasted, remove everything from the heat. Place the patties on the bottom half of each bun, add your favorite toppings, and cover with the top bun.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your smash burgers hot and enjoy the crispy exterior and juicy interior!
Feel free to customize your smash burgers with any toppings or condiments you like. The key is the smashing technique, which creates that irresistible crust and maximizes flavor.
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