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Ultimate Smash Burger Recipe Easy Homemade Smash Burger with Special Sauce for Juicy Flavor

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A quick and easy smash burger recipe featuring crispy edges, juicy meat, and a tangy special sauce that elevates the classic burger experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 soft hamburger buns (brioche or potato preferred)
  • 4 cheese slices (American or cheddar)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter
  • Special Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pickle juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml) smoked paprika
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) finely chopped dill pickles
  • Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, pickles

Instructions

  1. Make the special sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir in chopped dill pickles if using. Chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes.
  2. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces or 115 g each) and gently roll into loose balls without compacting.
  3. Preheat a cast iron skillet or heavy-duty non-stick pan over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes until very hot.
  4. Spread 1/2 tablespoon (7 g) butter on the cut sides of the buns. Place them butter-side down on the skillet and toast until golden brown and crisp, about 1-2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  5. Place one beef ball on the skillet. Using a metal spatula, press it down firmly until about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Hold pressure for 10-15 seconds to form a crust. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are brown and crispy.
  6. Flip the patty carefully and immediately place a slice of cheese on top. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through but still juicy.
  7. Assemble the burger by spreading a generous tablespoon of special sauce on the bottom bun, then add lettuce, tomato, and onion if using. Place the burger on top, finish with pickles and the top bun.
  8. Repeat for remaining patties, working in batches if needed. Keep cooked patties warm in a low oven (about 200°F / 95°C).

Notes

Do not overwork the meat to keep patties tender. Press firmly and quickly with a metal spatula to get thin patties with crispy edges. Season patties with salt and pepper after smashing, not before. Add cheese immediately after flipping. Do not press patties after flipping to retain juiciness. Keep skillet hot and avoid overcrowding to ensure proper searing.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, homemade burger, special sauce, crispy burger, easy burger recipe, juicy burger, cast iron skillet burger

Find it online: https://pokirecipes.com/ultimate-smash-burger-recipe-easy-homemade-smash-burger-with-special-sauce-for-juicy-flavor/