How to Make a Smash Burger on Griddle

Smash burgers have gained popularity for their crispy edges, juicy center, and robust flavor. Cooking technique and right equipment make all the difference in perfection-most particularly with a griddle. In this guide, you are going to learn how to make restaurant-quality smash burgers at home using a griddle.

Griddles are perfect for smash burgers for the following reasons

Even Heat Distribution: A griddle offers a uniform grilling surface, which is required for achieving that nice sear.
Space: Its flat surface enables you to cook many patties and toppings at the same time.
Versatility: Griddles can hold different sizes of burgers and ingredients-from small sliders to loaded smash burgers.

Ingredients

For the Patties:

Ground Beef: 1 lb (80/20 blend for optimal flavor and juiciness)
Salt and Pepper: To taste
Vegetable Oil or Butter: For greasing the griddle

For the Assembly:

Burger Buns:, lightly toasted
Cheese: 4 American cheese slices or your preferred melty cheese
Lettuce: Fresh, crisp leaves
Tomatoes: Sliced
Pickles: Optional but adds a tangy crunch
Onions: Thinly sliced or caramelized
Condiments: Mayo, mustard, ketchup, or your preferred burger sauce

Tools Needed

Griddle or Flat Top: A cast-iron griddle works best.
Burger Press or Spatula: To smash the patties.
Thermometer: To ensure doneness.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Griddle

1. Heat the Griddle: Set the heat to medium-high on your griddle. Test if it’s hot by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface—if they sizzle and evaporate, then it’s ready.
2. Grease the Surface: Brush the oil or butter onto the top in a thin layer to prevent the burger from sticking and enhance flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef

1. Separate the Beef: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions, then roll each portion into balls about 4 oz. Avoid overworking the meat as this can make the patties tough.
2. Season the Meat: Sprinkle the surface of each ball with salt and pepper generously.

Step 3: Smash the Patties

1. Place on the Griddle: Place the beef balls onto the hot griddle, ensuring there is an appropriate distance between each one.
2. Crush Them Flattening: Using a burger press or a heavy spatula, flatten the beef balls by pressing them down until they’re about 1/4 inch thick. Hold the press down for a few seconds to get a crust.

Step 4: Grill the Patties

1. Scorch One Side: Cook the patties without stirring them for 2-3 minutes. This creates a crusty, caramelized side.

2. Flip the Patties: Use a sturdy spatula to scrape and flip the patties.

3. Add Cheese: Place a slice of cheese on each patty immediately after flipping. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

1. Prepare the Buns: Spread butter on the cut sides of your burger buns.
2. Toast on the Griddle: Place the buns on the griddle, cut side down, for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble the Smash Burgers

1. Bottom Bun: Start with the toasted bottom bun.
2. Layer the Patty: Add the cheesy burger patty. For a double smash burger, stack another patty on top.
3. Add Toppings: Layer lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and onions.
4. Spread the Sauce: Apply condiments to the top bun and place it on the burger.

Step 7: Serve

Serve your smash burger hot with a side of fries, coleslaw, or your favorite drink.

Tips for Perfect Smash Burgers

1. Use the Right Beef: An 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) ensures juicy burgers with a flavorful crust.
2. Smash Once: Smash the patties immediately after placing them on the griddle. Don’t smash them again after flipping.
3. Preheat Properly: A hot griddle is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.
4. Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain even heat.
5. Cheese Selection: American cheese melts best, but cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack also work well.

Variations

1. Spicy Smash Burger: Add jalapeños and spicy mayo.
2. BBQ Smash Burger: Top with BBQ sauce, crispy onions, and bacon.
3. Veggie Smash Burger: Use a plant-based patty and load it with grilled vegetables.
4. Breakfast Smash Burger: Add a fried egg and crispy bacon for a breakfast twist.

Storage and Reheating

1. Refrigerate: Store leftover patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
2. Reheat: Warm patties on a griddle or in a skillet over medium heat. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the burgers rubbery.
3. **Freezing**: Packed raw patties can be frozen up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 burger):
Calories: ~500
Protein: 25g
Fat: 30g
Carbohydrates: 30g

FAQs

Can I use a skillet instead of a griddle?

Yes, a cast-iron skillet does the trick if you don’t have a griddle. Make sure it’s large enough for the patties so they don’t overlap.

How do I clean a griddle after cooking?

When the griddle is still warm, remove remaining residue with a spatula. Wipe down with a damp cloth and a small amount of oil to prevent rust.

Can I do smash burgers with turkey or chicken?

Absolutely, you can use ground turkey or chicken; however they’ll probably not crust up the same as beef. Use breadcrumbs to give it a better texture.

Why smash burgers are smashed thin?

Smashing maximizes the surface area so that by the time the burgers are turned over they will have started developing their flavorful crust with the juices locked in.

Can I make gluten-free smash burgers?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps to make your burgers gluten-free.

Smash burgers are all about simplicity and flavor. With a simple griddle and key ingredients, you can recreate the magic of a classic smash burger at home. Follow this guide, and you’ll have a crispy, juicy burger that rivals your favorite diner or burger joint!