ArcaMax

Enjoy this previously published Zola recipe and column!

Smash Burgers

Smash burgers are all the rage. Step into a brew pub and you’ll likely find a smash burger on the food menu. These are NOT the huge, eight-ounce burgers we’ve been fed in the past. These are a thinner burger that’s usually six ounces or even less. You can always make your burger with two patties and bring it back to huge but more popular is to just make your burger with one patty. The meat is important to a fabulous smash burger. A mix of ground meats is the secret. Whatever mix you choose at the store it’s likely to contain some regular ground chuck. You want that for the fat content. It’s usually 80/20. But then you look to see what else is in the mix. They will have some combination of ground chuck mixed with maybe brisket or sirloin or other high-end meat. You want to try to find grass fed too.

Another secret to a great smash burger is high temperature. You heat the pan in advance. I make mine in a cast iron pan but a griddle or other sturdy sauté pan can work. When you put the meat in the pan it will sear it. A chemical reaction takes place called maillard. That’s the caramelization. The meat gets a little bit of a crispy crust on the surface and around the edges.

One reason it’s called a smash burger is you literally smash it with your spatula. The point is not to make a perfectly shaped burger. These can be a little wild. Misshapen is good. That means there will be nooks and crannies that also get browned and caramelized so the edges of the burger taste a bit crispy but you have a juicy burger on the inside.

Read the full column at PlanZDiet.com

Smash Burgers

These might be the best burgers yet!

Servings: Serves 3. Can be easily doubled.

Ingredients:

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