How to Make Smash Burgers

Dive into the world of gourmet burgers with our Smash Burger recipe.

Smash Burgers have taken the burger scene by storm, celebrated for their irresistibly crispy edges and succulent centres, all achieved through a simple yet effective technique of “smashing” the burger on a hot surface. This method not only enhances the Maillard reaction, creating a deep, caramelised crust, but also ensures the burger stays incredibly juicy inside.

Our recipe uses our Gourmet Burger Mince, made from a select blend of premium cuts, to ensure each bite is packed with rich, beefy flavour and a perfect balance of fat. Paired with simple, high-quality ingredients and your choice of toppings, this Smash Burger transcends the ordinary, offering a gourmet experience that’s easy to achieve at home.

Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a home cook looking to up your burger game, this Smash Burger recipe promises to deliver restaurant-quality results, turning a simple meal into a gourmet feast. Get ready to impress your guests or treat yourself to a burger that’s in a class of its own.

INGREDIENTS

Gourmet Burger Mince: High-quality beef with a fat content of around 20% for optimal juiciness. Shape into small balls (about 2-3 ounces each).
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
Cheese: American cheese is traditional for its melting qualities, but feel free to use your favorite, Ogleshield is a great choice.
Buns: Soft hamburger buns, toasted for added texture.
Toppings: Lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, and your choice of sauce (e.g., ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, or a special burger sauce).

METHOD

Equipment:

A heavy-duty spatula (preferably stainless steel) or flat iron.
A griddle or cast-iron skillet.
Parchment paper or a burger press (optional, to prevent sticking when smashing).

Instructions:

Preheat the Griddle: Heat your griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. It needs to be very hot to ensure proper searing and caramelisation.
Form the Beef: Lightly form your minced beef into loosely packed balls. Do not overwork the meat to keep the texture light.
Smash the Burgers: Place a ball of beef on the hot griddle. Immediately smash it down flat with the spatula to about ½ inch thickness. If the meat sticks, you can use a piece of parchment paper between the meat and spatula. Aim for a diameter that matches your buns. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook: Cook without moving for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy and browned, and there’s a nice crust on the bottom. Flip the burger (it should release easily), top with cheese, and cook for another minute until the cheese is melted.
Assemble the Burgers: Place the cooked smash burger on a toasted bun. Add your desired toppings and sauces.
Serve: Enjoy immediately while hot and juicy.

Smash burgers are a quick, delicious way to enjoy a different style of burger at home, with the crispy edges and juicy center creating a delightful contrast in textures.

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Gourmet Burger Mince – 2kg

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Smash burgers, celebrated for their crispy edges and juicy interior, pair well with a variety of sides that range from classic to inventive. Here are some side dishes that complement the rich flavours and textures of smash burgers:

French Fries: A classic choice, crispy golden fries are the quintessential burger companion. For a gourmet twist, try truffle fries or garlic parmesan fries.
Sweet Potato Fries: Offering a sweeter alternative to regular fries, they add a colourful and nutritious side to your meal. Serve with a side of aioli or spicy mayo for dipping.
Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings provide a crunchy texture and sweet flavor that pairs wonderfully with the savoury taste of smash burgers.
Coleslaw: A tangy and crunchy coleslaw can cut through the richness of the burger, offering a refreshing side that balances the meal.
Pickle Spears: The sharpness of pickled cucumbers complements the fatty, umami flavours of the burger, adding a refreshing crunch.
Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy and rich, mac and cheese is a comforting side that makes the meal even more indulgent.
Grilled Vegetables: For a lighter side, grilled vegetables like courgette, peppers, and asparagus bring a charred flavour and healthy balance to the burger feast.
Potato Salad: A creamy or vinegar-based potato salad is a hearty side that goes well with the casual nature of smash burgers.
Chili: A small bowl of spicy chili, either as a side or spooned over the burger for those who love extra heat and flavour.
Garden Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette can offer a crisp and refreshing contrast to the richness of the burger.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob, especially when slathered in butter and sprinkled with a bit of salt, is a summery side that pairs well with burgers.

General Burger Tips

Creating delicious burgers at home with gourmet burger mince is both an art and a science. Here are some tips to help you make the most out of your high-quality mince and cook up burgers that could rival those of any gourmet restaurant:

Preparing the Mince

Handle Gently: When forming your patties, handle the meat as little as possible. Overworking the mince can lead to tough burgers. Lightly form into patties that are about ¾ inch thick, making a small dimple in the center to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.

Seasoning

Season Just Before Cooking: Salt can draw moisture out of the meat, so season your patties with salt and pepper right before they hit the grill or pan. This ensures a juicy burger and a nicely seasoned crust.

Cooking

High Heat Is Key: Whether you're cooking on a grill or in a skillet, high heat is crucial for creating a flavorful sear that locks in juices. If using a skillet, cast iron is preferred for its excellent heat retention and distribution.
Flip Once: To achieve a perfect crust, flip your burgers only once during cooking. Wait until you see juices pooling on the surface of the patty before flipping.
Don’t Press Down: Resist the urge to press down on the patties with a spatula while they’re cooking. Pressing the burgers squeezes out the juices and can lead to a dry, less flavorful burger.
Use a Meat Thermometer: For precise cooking, use a meat thermometer to ensure your burgers reach the desired doneness—71°c for fully cooked through, though many prefer medium-rare to medium, which is slightly less.

Resting

Let Them Rest: Allow your burgers to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute throughout the patty, ensuring a moist and juicy bite.

Building Your Burger

Choose the Right Bun: A good quality bun can make a difference. It should be sturdy enough to hold up to the burger and condiments but soft enough for an easy bite.
Toppings and Condiments: Customize your burger with a variety of toppings and condiments. Classics include lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, but feel free to get creative with items like avocado, bacon, or your favorite cheese.
Melting Cheese: If adding cheese, place it on the patty during the last minute of cooking and cover the pan or close the grill to help it melt evenly.

Serving

Serve immediately on the prepared buns with your chosen toppings and condiments. Pair with classic sides like fries or onion rings and a refreshing beverage for a complete gourmet burger experience at home.

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Hot Tips

Do Not Overpack: The beef should be handled as little as possible to keep the texture tender.
High Heat: Ensure your cooking surface is very hot to get a good sear and crispy edges.
One Smash Only: Smash the burger once right after placing it on the griddle. Multiple smashes will expel the juices and make the burger dry.
Work in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the griddle to ensure each burger has enough space to get a good sear.

Pairings

Lager: A crisp, cold lager is refreshing and light enough to cut through the richness of the burger without overpowering its flavours. Its clean finish makes it a versatile pairing.
Pale Ale: The hoppy bitterness of a pale ale balances the umami and fat of the burger, enhancing the overall taste experience with its subtle citrus and pine notes.
Amber Ale: With its malty sweetness and mild bitterness, amber ale complements the charred, caramelised crust of the smash burger.
Stout or Porter: For a bolder pairing, the roasted flavours of a stout or porter can stand up to the meaty richness of the burger, especially if it’s topped with cheese or bacon.
Cabernet Sauvignon: A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, with its tannins and dark fruit flavours, pairs well with red meat, making it a suitable choice for beefy smash burgers.
Zinfandel: The fruity yet spicy notes of a Zinfandel can enhance the flavours of a smash burger, especially if it’s served with barbecue sauce or a spicy aioli.

Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Iced Tea: Sweetened or unsweetened, iced tea provides a refreshing contrast to the savoury burger, with the option of lemon for an added zesty note.
Lemonade: The acidity and sweetness of lemonade cut through the fat, refreshing the palate with its bright citrus flavor.
Sparkling Water: For a simple, refreshing option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lime or lemon can lift the flavours of the meal without adding sweetness.
Craft Sodas: Artisanal sodas with unique flavours like ginger beer, sarsaparilla, or birch beer bring an interesting twist to the burger pairing, offering complexity without alcohol.