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Crispy Ultimate Smash Burgers Recipe with Tangy Special Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy-edged, juicy smash burgers topped with a tangy special sauce that elevates the flavor to restaurant-quality comfort food.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, for the skillet
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles or sweet relish
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Pinch of garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 soft burger buns (potato buns or brioche)
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
  • Thinly sliced red onion
  • Leafy green lettuce (butter lettuce or romaine)
  • Fresh tomato slices

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. Cover and refrigerate.
  2. Preheat Your Skillet or Griddle: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
  3. Form the Beef Balls: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Roll into loose balls.
  4. Smash the Patties: Place a beef ball on the hot skillet. Press down firmly with a spatula to about ¼ inch thickness. Hold pressure for 10-15 seconds. Repeat for all patties.
  5. Season Immediately: Sprinkle salt and pepper on each patty right after smashing.
  6. Cook Until Crispy and Browned: Let patties cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges brown and crisp.
  7. Add Cheese and Flip: Flip each patty carefully. Place a slice of cheddar on top. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through.
  8. Toast the Buns: Split buns and toast face down on skillet until golden and slightly crispy.
  9. Assemble the Burgers: Spread special sauce on bottom bun. Add lettuce, tomato slice, cheesy patty, and red onion. Add more sauce if desired. Top with the bun.
  10. Serve Immediately: Enjoy hot for maximum crispness and juiciness.

Notes

Use high heat for crispy edges. Do not overwork the meat; form loose balls. Season immediately after smashing. Flip only once. Toast buns to prevent sogginess. Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Cheese and sauce add fat content; adjust as needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, crispy burgers, special sauce, quick burger recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, cast iron skillet burger

Find it online: https://clunkcook.com/crispy-ultimate-smash-burgers-recipe-with-tangy-special-sauce-easy-guide/