Ingredients:
Ground beef: 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is recommended for juiciness and flavor.
Salt and pepper: for seasoning.
Cheese slices: optional, for topping the burgers.
Hamburger buns: toasted.
Condiments and toppings: such as lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.
Instructions:
Preheat your skillet: Place a heavy skillet (cast iron works great) over high heat and allow it to get smoking hot. Preheat your oven to a low temperature (around 200°F) to keep the cooked burgers warm.
Prepare the patties: Divide your ground beef into equal portions, typically about 1/4 to 1/3 pound each. Avoid overworking the meat; gently form them into loose balls, and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Smash the patties: Once the skillet is hot, place a portion of ground beef onto the skillet. Use a flat spatula or a burger smasher to press down firmly on the patty to flatten it against the skillet. Press until it’s about 1/4 inch thick or so.
Sear the patties: Let the patties cook without moving them for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the crust to form. You should see the edges start to brown and crisp up.
Flip the patties: Using a spatula, carefully flip the patties. If you’re adding cheese, now is the time to place a slice on top of each patty. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness, depending on your preference and the thickness of the patties.
Assemble the burgers: Transfer the cooked patties to toasted hamburger buns. Add your desired toppings and condiments.
Serve hot: Smashed burgers are best enjoyed immediately while they’re hot and juicy.
Repeat: Continue the process with the remaining portions of ground beef until all the burgers are cooked.
Tips:
Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook 1-2 burgers at a time to ensure proper searing.
Use a sturdy spatula for smashing to get a good crust.
Experiment with different toppings and condiments to customize your burgers to your taste preferences.
You can also season the beef with other spices or herbs for added flavor variation.
Elevating the art of burger-making to a culinary masterpiece requires precision, passion, and the right technique. Enter the realm of smashed burgers, where simplicity meets sophistication, and each bite tells a story of sizzling perfection. With a few key ingredients and a skillet as your canvas, you can embark on a gastronomic journey that celebrates the harmony of textures, flavors, and craftsmanship.
The Art of Smashing: At the heart of every smashed burger lies the delicate dance between meat and heat. Begin with high-quality ground beef, ideally boasting an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio, promising a juicy tenderness that melts in your mouth. Dividing the beef into uniform portions, gently shape them into loose spheres, ensuring a delicate balance of density and form. As the skillet heats to a fervent crescendo, each patty meets its destiny, greeted by the symphony of a sizzle, as the meat submits to the searing embrace of the pan.
The Symphony of Searing: With the skillet ablaze, the patties descend, meeting their fate with a resounding hiss. As the aroma of charred beef fills the air, patience becomes the virtuoso’s virtue. Forging a crust of golden brown, the patties linger, embracing the alchemy of caramelization and Maillard reaction, weaving a tapestry of flavor that tantalizes the senses. With deft precision, the spatula becomes an extension of the chef’s hand, pressing firmly to unleash the essence of umami, while the edges crisp and beckon for the perfect balance of crunch and tenderness.
Building a Burger Symphony: As the patties reach their zenith, toasted buns stand ready to cradle the culmination of culinary craftsmanship. Toppings, both humble and haute, await their moment to shine: crisp lettuce, succulent tomato, piquant onions, and the tang of pickles. For those who dare, a decadent crown of cheese, its molten embrace a testament to indulgence. With a flourish, condiments dance across the canvas, from the richness of ketchup to the piquancy of mustard, each note composing a symphony of flavor that resonates with every bite.
Savoring the Experience: Assembled with care and reverence, the smashed burger beckons, its allure undeniable, its aroma intoxicating. With each indulgent bite, a chorus of textures and tastes unfolds, a crescendo of satisfaction that transcends the ordinary. Here, in the realm of smashed burgers, simplicity finds harmony with sophistication, and every morsel tells a story of culinary mastery and unbridled passion.
Conclusion: In the realm of gastronomy, the smashed burger stands as a testament to the transformative power of simplicity and technique. From humble beginnings to symphonic crescendos, each bite offers a journey of discovery, inviting both novice and epicurean alike to savor the artistry and craftsmanship that defines the perfect burger experience.