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So… What’s a Smash Burger?
If you’ve never ventured into a Shake Shack or SmashBurger or any of your local non-chain faves (Bebe Zito if you’re in Minneapolis, YUM!), then it’s possible we’re saying “smash burger” and you’re all, “whaaa?”
But it’s exactly as described. It starts with a ball, not a patty, of very cold beef, and then it is, well, quite literally smashed on a very hot griddle and quick-seared to a stunning crisp in its own fats, making a perfectly thin little irregular disk that is still juicy and full of unbelievable flavor. It is most definitely not the super thick, dare we say, kinda dull dad-burgers that taste…just a little too…burger-y? You know? Certainly a time and a place for that on your grill, but this is not that time.
Let’s Talk About Sauce (And Other Magic)
What smash burger would be complete without a secret sauce? Luckily for you, we have absolutely no desire to keep it secret because we, like, reallyreallyreally want you to make it and absolutely not skip it because, my oh my, is it a zippy swath of magic on these burgs. Please! Take the extra step to make it! It’s the stuff of love letters.
For your house sauce:
- mayo
- ketchup
- horseradish (✨grabbing a little jar of this is SUCH a worthwhile investment!✨)
- Worcestershire
- sriracha
- paprika
- shallot or garlic, minced or grated
The other sauce to note that makes this particular recipe sing is the sneaky little mixture you put INTO your burger meat for an extra fun flavor-party. The type of beef you use will also be important. You need to choose a blend that has some fat in it or you won’t get that signature crisp. An 80/20 blend is a pretty ideal place to start.
Beyond that, you’ll need:
- melted butter
- Worcestershire
- fish sauce
- smoked paprika
This idea of adding this smoky umami flavorwave into the meat itself came from Carnal Dish and we absolutely do not regret one single drip of just general extra-ness that it provides. YOU WILL NOT EITHER. Smash burgers are already magic, but this becomes a real magic-plus situation.
And if you’re like, “MUST HAVE SMASH BURGERS EVERY DAY, but the heck with this indoors thing!” Maybe an outdoor flat top grill like this one (affiliate link) is on your wish list?
No better time than this summer to become the absolute envy of the neighborhood with one of those out back, right?! Imagine.
Happy smashing, friends.
