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homemade smash burger recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This recipe creates a classic smash burger with crispy edges and a juicy interior, paired with a rich roasted red pepper and smoked paprika aioli, perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.1 lb (500g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 4 brioche buns
- 4 slices American cheese
- 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil
- 4 lettuce leaves (iceberg or romaine)
- 8 thin slices red onion
- 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 1 large roasted red pepper (drained)
- 1 clove garlic (peeled)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Aioli: In a food processor, blend the roasted red pepper, garlic, paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir in the mayonnaise until combined.
- Prepare Burger Components: Thinly slice the red onion and wash/dry the lettuce. Slice the buns horizontally. Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions and roll them loosely into balls.
- Toast Buns: Heat a cast iron skillet over high heat until smoking. Add 1 tbsp oil, then place bun halves cut-side down on the skillet. Toast for 1-2 minutes until golden brown, then remove and set aside.
- Smash Patties: Place four beef balls on the hot skillet, ensuring adequate spacing. Place parchment paper over each ball and firmly press down with a flat spatula or press to create thin patties. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Flip and Melt Cheese: Cook patties undisturbed for 90 seconds to 2 minutes until a crispy crust forms. Use a sturdy spatula to scrape underneath, flip patties, and immediately top with cheese slices. Cook for 30-60 seconds more until cheese is melted and gooey; remove from skillet.
- Assemble Burgers: Repeat the cooking process with remaining patties. Spread aioli on both bun halves. Layer with lettuce, two cheese-covered patties, and red onion; add top bun.
Notes
Use a cast iron skillet and ensure high heat for smashing. To prevent sticking, scrape patties firmly with a metal spatula when flipping to retain the crispy crust.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Griddle
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 950 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1000 mg
- Fat: 75 g
- Saturated Fat: 25 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 40 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg