Here's our take on a classic burger – easy to make on the grill, over an open fire, or indoors on the stove. Smash burgers give you that extra crispy crust on the patty. All you need is a good carbon steel pan or a griddle – and of course a smasher / burger press.
Use ground beef with a high fat content for the best result. You can easily adjust the mayonnaise with a little extra Dijon mustard, paprika, and chilli sauce to your taste.
Serves 4.
Ingredients
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 large red onion, sliced
- Butter (for the burger buns)
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche)
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- Pickles and lettuce, for serving
- Mayonnaise (optionally seasoned with Dijon mustard, paprika, and chilli sauce)
- Oil for frying
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
Mix the mayonnaise with your favourite seasonings – for example Dijon mustard, paprika, and/or chilli sauce. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape into balls.
Heat the griddle or frying pan over medium-high heat for 3–5 minutes and spread on a thin layer of frying oil.
Once the griddle is hot, place the sliced red onion on it and cook for a couple of minutes until it takes on some colour. Set aside.
Place the four beef balls on the griddle and press them down with a lightly oiled smasher or burger press until completely flat. It doesn't matter if they're not perfectly round – the irregular edges will brown beautifully and form a delicious crust. Cook for about 2 minutes and sprinkle with salt.
Flip the patties and cook for another minute. Place the cheddar slices on top and cook for about 1 more minute, until the cheese melts.
Place the buttered brioche buns on the griddle and toast them for 1–2 minutes until golden – keep a close eye on them so they don't burn.
Your smash burgers are ready! Spread the mayonnaise dressing on the buns and top with lettuce, the patties with cheese, the red onion, and the pickles.
Enjoy!
