How To Cook Smashburger

How to Cook Smashburger

Smashburger is a type of burger that is cooked by smashing the ground beef onto a hot surface, such as a skillet or griddle. This cooking method creates a thin, crispy crust on the outside of the burger while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful. Here are the steps to cook a delicious smashburger:

How are Smash Burgers Cooked?

Smash burgers are cooked by taking a ball of ground beef and smashing it onto a hot cooking surface. The high heat helps to sear the meat and create a crispy exterior. The burger is then cooked for a few minutes on each side until it reaches the desired level of doneness. Some people prefer their smash burgers cooked to medium-rare, while others like them well-done. The key to a perfect smash burger is the technique of smashing the meat onto the cooking surface, which creates a thin and crispy patty.

How to Do Smash Burgers on Skillet?

To cook smash burgers on a skillet, follow these steps:

1. Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot.
2. Divide the ground beef into small balls, about 2-3 ounces each.
3. Place a ball of ground beef onto the hot skillet.
4. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly on the ball of meat to smash it onto the skillet. You can use a bacon press or another heavy object to apply more pressure.
5. Cook the smashed patty for 2-4 minutes on each side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. Remove the smash burger from the skillet and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

How Long Should You Cook a Smash Burger?

The cooking time for a smash burger depends on the thickness of the patty and your desired level of doneness. Generally, a smash burger should be cooked for 2-4 minutes on each side. This will result in a medium-rare to medium-well burger. If you prefer a well-done burger, you can cook it for a few minutes longer on each side. It is important to keep an eye on the burger while cooking to prevent it from burning or becoming too dry.

How do you make a Smashburger?

To make a Smashburger, you will need the following ingredients:
– Ground beef (preferably 80% lean and 20% fat)
– Salt and pepper (to season the meat)
– Hamburger buns
– Cheese slices (optional)
– Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, etc.)
– Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.)

Here is a step-by-step guide to making a Smashburger:

1. Preheat your cooking surface (griddle or skillet) over medium-high heat.
2. Divide the ground beef into small portions, about 1/4 to 1/3 pound each. Shape them into loose balls.
3. Season the meat balls generously with salt and pepper.
4. Place a ball of meat onto the hot cooking surface and use a spatula or a sturdy flat object to firmly press it down.
5. Flatten the meat ball into a thin patty, about 1/2 inch thick. Press it down for about 10-15 seconds to create a crispy crust.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining meat balls, making sure to leave enough space between each patty to prevent them from sticking together.
7. Cook the patties for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
8. If desired, place a cheese slice on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt.
9. While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a separate skillet.
10. Assemble your Smashburger by placing a patty on the bottom half of each bun. Add your desired toppings and condiments.
11. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade Smashburger!

Do you cook smash burgers on high or low heat?

When cooking Smashburgers, it is recommended to use high heat. The high heat helps create a crusty exterior on the patty while maintaining a juicy interior. The intense heat allows for a quick sear, resulting in a flavorful burger with a nice caramelized exterior.

Do you cook smash burgers in oil?

Yes, it is common to cook Smashburgers in oil. The oil helps prevent the patties from sticking to the cooking surface and aids in creating a crispy crust. It is recommended to use a high smoke point oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, which can withstand the high heat required for cooking Smashburgers.

Do you use butter or oil for smash burgers?

While some people prefer to use butter for its rich flavor, oil is more commonly used for cooking Smashburgers. Oil has a higher smoke point than butter, allowing it to withstand the high heat required for searing the patties. Additionally, using oil helps create a crispy crust on the burger patty.

Do I need a griddle for smash burgers?

While a griddle is commonly used for cooking Smashburgers, it is not a necessity. A skillet or frying pan can also be used to achieve similar results. The key is to use a flat, heavy-bottomed cooking surface that can withstand high heat and provide enough space to smash and cook the patties.

What is the best oil for smashburgers?

When it comes to cooking smashburgers, the choice of oil is an important factor in achieving the perfect result. While different oils can be used, many chefs and burger enthusiasts prefer using oils with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil. These oils can withstand high heat without burning, allowing the burgers to develop a delicious crust while maintaining a juicy interior.

Are smash burgers cooked well done?

Smash burgers are typically cooked to a medium or medium-well level of doneness. The process of smashing the burger patty onto a hot griddle or skillet creates a thin, crispy exterior while retaining a juicy interior. Cooking smash burgers to well done may result in a drier patty, as the leaner meat can lose more moisture during the cooking process.

Why do smash burgers taste different?

Smash burgers taste different due to the cooking technique used. The act of smashing the patty onto a hot surface creates more surface area in contact with the heat source, leading to a quicker cooking time and the development of a caramelized crust. This crust imparts a unique flavor and texture to the burger, resulting in a deliciously savory taste that sets smash burgers apart from other burger styles.

Why aren’t smash burgers dry?

Smash burgers are not dry due to the use of high-quality ground beef with a higher fat content. The fat content in the meat provides moisture and flavor to the burger, ensuring that it remains juicy and flavorful throughout the cooking process. Additionally, the fast cooking time and the creation of a caramelized crust help seal in the juices, preventing the burger from becoming dry.

How are McDonald’s burgers cooked?

McDonald’s burgers are cooked using a similar technique to smash burgers. The patties are made from 100% beef and are cooked on a flat grill. The grill is preheated to a specific temperature, and the patties are placed on the grill, where they are then smashed with a spatula to create the signature thin patty. The burgers are cooked on one side, flipped, and then cooked on the other side until they reach the desired level of doneness.

Summary

When it comes to smashburgers, using oils with a high smoke point such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil is recommended. Smash burgers are typically cooked to a medium or medium-well level of doneness to maintain juiciness. The unique taste of smash burgers comes from the cooking technique, which creates a caramelized crust. The high fat content in the ground beef used for smash burgers prevents them from becoming dry. McDonald’s burgers are cooked using a similar technique to smash burgers, with the patties being smashed on a flat grill.