The Ultimate Smash Burger Recipe for Crispy, Juicy Perfection
There’s nothing quite like a smash burger. If you’ve ever had one fresh off a hot griddle, you know the magic - crispy edges, a juicy center, and that rich, beefy flavor that only comes from a properly smashed patty. Unlike traditional burgers, smash burgers cook fast, have insane flavor, and are ridiculously easy to make at home. All you need is some ground meat, a cast iron pan or flat top grill, and a few simple ingredients.
Equipment
- 1 Flat top grill or cast iron griddle for searing the patties
- 1 Burger press or bacon press for pressing the patties
- 1 Parchment paper to prevent sticking
- 1 Spatula for flipping
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1.25 pounds ground beef 80 20 fat content for juicy burgers
- 4 tablespoons salted butter melted for those toasty buns
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce for rich umami depth
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce trust the process
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika adds a tiny smoky kick
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder to round out the flavor
- Salt and ground black pepper to taste, gotta season well
- 6 slices American cheese melts perfectly on top
- 3 brioche buns or potato buns to hold all that goodness together
- Your favorite toppings like red onion, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and smash burger sauce
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your skillet or griddle over medium high heat.
- Divide that ground beef into four equal parts, keeping them loose.
- Melt your salted butter and brush it on the inside of the buns.
- Place each beef ball onto the hot skillet and smash it down flat.
- Season patties with Worcestershire sauce, fish sauce, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt and black pepper.
- Cook until edges are crispy and browned, about 3 minutes. Then flip and add cheese.
- Toast your buttered buns right on the skillet till golden brown.
- Assemble burgers by adding patties and your favorite toppings.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Special thanks to The Carnal Dish for the idea of putting fish sauce in the burgers. It adds an amazing "what is that secret ingredient".