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The LA Smash Burger Recipe

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4.2 from 8 reviews

The LA Smash Burger is a classic American burger known for its crispy, caramelized edges and juicy interior. Made with high-quality ground beef chuck formed into thin patties, smashed on a hot skillet, and topped with melty American cheese and a tangy, homemade smash burger sauce. Perfect for a quick, satisfying meal with customizable toppings like lettuce, tomato, and pickles.

Ingredients

Smash Burgers

  • 1.5 pounds ground beef chuck
  • 4 burger buns – potato rolls or brioche
  • 8 slices American cheese
  • Optional toppings: iceberg lettuce, tomato, white onion, pickles

Smash Burger Sauce

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard (or Dijon)
  • 2 tablespoons pickle juice
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Patties: Use a kitchen scale to divide the ground beef into eight 3-ounce portions. If you don’t have a scale, you can estimate using a 1/4 cup measuring cup. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into a puck shape. Chill the patties in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to keep the fat solid, which helps with the smashing process.
  2. Heat the Cooking Surface: Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. This is essential to achieve a deep brown crust on the patties.
  3. Cook the Patties: Working in batches of two, season each patty generously with kosher salt. Place them directly onto the ungreased hot skillet. Using a heavy metal spatula, press firmly on each ball to smash them into thin patties about 1/8 inch thick, slightly wider than your bun.
  4. Brown and Flip: Cook the smashed patties for 2-3 minutes until deeply browned and caramelized around the edges. Flip the patties, then immediately top each with a slice of American cheese. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts perfectly.
  5. Assemble the Burgers: Stack two patties per bun for maximum juiciness and flavor. Place the stacked patties onto the burger buns and add desired toppings such as iceberg lettuce, tomato slices, white onion rings, and pickles. Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal texture and flavor.
  6. Make the Smash Burger Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, granulated sugar, and salt until fully combined. Adjust seasoning to taste. This sauce can be made up to three days in advance and kept refrigerated.

Notes

  • Ground Beef: Use the best quality beef possible, ideally with 15-20% fat content for juicy, flavorful patties.
  • Cheese: American cheese is traditional and melts well, but you can substitute with Cheddar if preferred.
  • Chilling Patties: Chilling the meat before smashing helps maintain the integrity of the patties and improves caramelization.
  • Cooking Surface: A heavy skillet or flat griddle is best for even heat distribution and creating the signature crust.
  • Sauce Storage: The smash burger sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to three days, making it ideal for prep ahead of time.

Find it online: https://flavorspath.com/the-la-smash-burger-recipe/