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Crispy Smash Burgers Perfect Recipe with Caramelized Onions and Special Sauce

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A quick and easy smash burger recipe featuring crispy edges, juicy patties, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy special sauce. Perfect for casual gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, for the griddle or skillet
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon pickle juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 soft burger buns (brioche or sesame)
  • Leafy green lettuce or baby spinach (optional)
  • Thinly sliced pickles (optional)
  • Cheese slices (American, cheddar, or preferred meltable cheese)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions, pinch of salt, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir occasionally until onions turn golden brown and sweet, about 20-25 minutes. Add a teaspoon of water if pan gets dry. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Prepare the special sauce: In a small bowl, mix ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon pickle juice, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and freshly ground black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Shape and season patties: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (~4 ounces each). Roll loosely into balls without overworking. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides just before cooking.
  4. Cook the smash burgers: Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of vegetable oil. When oil shimmers, place one or two meat balls on the pan without overcrowding. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly to flatten into ¼ inch thick patties. Hold pressure for 10 seconds to form a crust. Cook 2-3 minutes until edges are dark brown and crispy.
  5. Flip and add cheese: Flip patties carefully and immediately place a slice of cheese on top. Cook another 2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through but still juicy (medium rare to medium). Remove patties and keep warm.
  6. Toast the buns: Wipe excess fat from pan. Place buns cut side down on skillet and toast lightly until golden brown, about 2 minutes.
  7. Assemble the burgers: Spread special sauce on both bun halves. Add patty with melted cheese, a heap of caramelized onions, pickles, and lettuce if using. Top with other bun half and press gently.

Notes

Use cold beef for best crust and juiciness. Don’t overwork the meat to keep patties tender. Smash firmly and hold pressure for 10 seconds to create crispy edges. Season patties just before cooking. Caramelize onions low and slow for best flavor. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Cheese choices can vary for flavor. Leftover patties and onions store well in fridge; reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, crispy burgers, caramelized onions, special sauce, quick dinner, easy burger recipe, 80/20 ground beef

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/crispy-smash-burgers-perfect-recipe-with-caramelized-onions-and-special-sauce/