Ingredients
Burger Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon sweet relish
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Burgers
- 1 lb (453 g) 80-85% ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon cooking oil (avocado, canola, vegetable, or olive oil)
- 1 tablespoon salted butter
- 4 burger buns
- Sliced cheese (optional)
Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Onion slices
- Pickle chips
- Other desired toppings
Instructions
- Make the sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, and smoked paprika until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Form the patties: Line a plate with wax paper. Divide the ground beef into four equal portions of about 4 ounces (113 grams) each. Gently shape each portion into a loose round ball without overworking the meat.
- Season and chill: Place the beef balls on the wax paper lined plate. Sprinkle the top of each ball with salt and pepper, then keep chilled in the refrigerator or freezer while preheating your pan.
- Heat the pan: Drizzle one teaspoon of your chosen cooking oil onto a cast iron skillet. Use a paper towel to spread the oil evenly over the surface. Heat the pan over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke.
- Smash the burgers: Place one beef ball onto the hot skillet. Immediately press down firmly with a burger press or large spatula (use parchment paper if meat sticks) to flatten it into a thin patty.
- Cook the first side: Let the patty cook undisturbed for about 1 minute, allowing a crust to form. Avoid re-pressing or flipping prematurely. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper during cooking.
- Flip and add cheese: Use a spatula to carefully scrape under the patty, lifting all of the caramelized bits, then flip the burger. Add a slice of cheese if desired. Cook for about 45 seconds more until cooked through.
- Rest the burgers: Remove patties from the pan and place on a clean plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep warm.
- Toast the buns: Add butter to the still-hot pan and let it melt. Turn off the heat, then place burger buns cut-side down on the skillet. Toast briefly until warm and lightly toasted.
- Assemble and serve: Spread the prepared sauce on the toasted buns. Top with the smash burgers and your choice of lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, or other toppings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Do not overwork the ground beef when forming the patties to keep them tender.
- Using parchment paper between the spatula or press and the meat prevents sticking and helps achieve a perfect smash.
- Cook the burger on high heat to achieve a crispy caramelized crust without drying out the inside.
- To keep burgers warm, cover loosely with foil while toasting the buns.
- Customize your burger with cheese and fresh toppings as desired.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
