Why Smash Burgers Are the Best Burgers and How To Make Them | OMK (2024)

SMASHING IT: HOW TO MAKE SMASH BURGERS

The basic principle of Smash Burgers is to take a big handful of minced beef, loosely packed lest you’ll end up with a beef-puck, and then slam it down onto a very hot, flat surface (cast iron pans work perfectly).

Then - and this part is key - smash the mound of beef as flat as you dare with a spatula or burger press (recommended). I like to aim for roughly 1cm in depth.

Once flattened, heavily salt the top of the patty and leave to sizzle and cook for a couple of minutes. Under no circ*mstance try to move or disturb your patty - what is happening underneath is culinary magic and should not be disturbed. When your patty has been cooking for a couple of minutes and you can start to see colour creeping up the side take a metal spatula and pry your way under the patty - there may be a little resistance from the crust built up underneath but you want to get as much of that crust as possible so work quickly and precisely.

Flip the burger and marvel at the magnificent Maillard-made crust that has formed. Salt again and then hit with a few slices of cheese of your choice if desired. Cover the pan, this will aid in cheese melting, and leave to cook for a few more minutes. Once cooked, place into a toasted bun, toasting is non-negotiable, top with bacon, again non-negotiable, a dollop of your favourite burger condiment and you are good to go. In all of a few minutes to boot!

Why Smash Burgers Are the Best Burgers and How To Make Them | OMK (2024)

FAQs

Why Smash Burgers Are the Best Burgers and How To Make Them | OMK? ›

Smashing the burger results in a sear on the outside of the meat, which locks in all of the juices and flavor. This method also helps to prevent flare-ups on the grill or griddle, as there is less surface area for the fat to drip onto the heat source.

Why burgers are the best? ›

One of the most beneficial aspects of burgers is their high protein content. Protein helps build muscle mass and keeps your energy levels up throughout the day. Each burger patty contains around 15-25g of quality protein that has been proven to keep you feeling fuller for longer periods of time.

What's better smashed burger or normal? ›

The traditional hamburger is typically cooked on a grill or griddle, and may be flipped once or twice during cooking. A smash burger, on the other hand, is made by smashing a meatball-sized portion of ground beef onto a hot griddle or frying pan, which produces a thin patty with a crispy exterior.

What is the secret to smash burgers? ›

Smashing ground beef firmly into an ungreased pan increases contact points, delivering maximum crust and maximum flavor. We use a stiff spatula or a bench scraper to scrape the burger up from the pan, making sure to get every last bit of tasty brown crust.

Why are smash burgers the best? ›

Minced chuck steak is gold for Smash Burger. Secondly, it's the smash that really makes it. When you smash the burgers down on a super-hot grill, the fat has nowhere to go but back up into the burger patty meaning you're essentially cooking your burger in its own beefy juices.

What makes burgers so delicious? ›

Burgers are hot, tangy, spicy and crunchy. You get the taste of everything from the tanginess of the sauces, the freshness of the greens, the spiciness of the fillings and the juiciness of the meat.

What makes up a good burger? ›

Beef: These basic burgers start with 1 ½ pounds of lean ground beef. Onion: A finely chopped onion takes the flavor up a notch. Cheese: You'll need shredded Colby Jack or Cheddar cheese. Egg: An egg lends moisture and helps bind the patties together.

What makes a smash burger special? ›

A smash burger is a burger that is made by smashing the ground beef onto the grill or griddle with a spatula. Smashing the burger results in a sear on the outside of the meat, which locks in all of the juices and flavor.

What is the obsession with smash burgers? ›

The hidden science that makes the meat mouth-watering is called the Maillard reaction which is the transformation of proteins and sugars in the presence of heat. That reaction gives rise to a beautiful brown crust, super crispy edges and because the process take so little, the burger comes out as juicy as can be.

Do you flip a smashburger? ›

Use a very thin metal spatula to scrape and get under that edge before flipping. Once flipped, cook the patty on that side no longer than 1 minute, ideally 30 seconds or less, just enough to put cheese(optional) on and melt it. A proper smash burger should be well done in my opinion.

Are smash burgers unhealthy? ›

With 70 percent of your daily max of recommended sodium, 113 percent of the daily fat max and 145 percent of the daily saturated fat max (based on a 2,000-calorie diet), this seemingly healthier burger is way out of calorie, fat and sodium control!

Do smashed burgers taste better? ›

Both burgers tasted quite juicy, while the smashed burger had better flavor (obviously!). Once you start smashing after the 1 minute mark, juices really start to flow and you end up with a dramatically drier burger—a good 50% more moisture is lost in a burger smashed after 1 minute versus one smashed within 30 seconds.

Is smash burger real beef? ›

We take great pride in using only the finest beef for our burgers, which is sourced from family-owned farms and ranches throughout the United States, such as Walter Angus located near our Colorado headquarters.

What is special about burgers? ›

Burgers are perhaps one of the most iconic meals on the planet, and for good reason. Traditional, juicy beef (or chicken), topped with a fresh, delicious salad, complimentary sauces, and sandwiched between two fluffy buns. The true perfect bite.

Why do people love burgers so much? ›

There is just something about the taste of a juicy burger that other meals just don't offer you. It satisfies your tastebuds and can be part of a satisfying meal or even just a much needed snack. And burgers are much more versatile that a lot people realize.

Why is hamburger so tasty? ›

High fat content, good meat,, proper seasonings, and CHAR. You can re-create the flavor of a restaurant-style burger at home if you know what you're doing. For the meat, you want something that inherently has good flavor AND a high fat content.

Why is America obsessed with burgers? ›

Burger Culture in America

In the United States, burgers are not just food but a cultural phenomenon. In America, burger culture is closely tied to the rise of fast food chains, which popularized the dish and made it an accessible food item for people across the country.

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