Smash burgers are only as good as the ingredients used to make them, so don’t skimp out! We offer both grass fed and finished ground beef as well as wagyu ground beef, shipped overnight to guarantee an incredible smash burger at short notice.
We promise, these burgers are a game-changer.
Smash Burger History
The Smash Burger traces its roots back to mid-20th-century American diners, where cooks would press freshly ground beef onto a hot griddle to create a thin, crispy-edged patty packed with flavor. This simple technique helped the burger cook quickly while developing a caramelized crust that became wildly popular. In recent years, the smash burger has enjoyed a resurgence, celebrated for its bold texture and straightforward, satisfying taste.
Smash Burger Cooking 101
To cook the perfect smash burger, start with a flat, heavy cooking surface like a cast-iron skillet or griddle that can maintain high heat. Use loosely packed balls of ground beef and press them firmly onto the hot surface with a sturdy spatula to create a thin, even patty. This quick smashing technique helps form a crispy, caramelized crust while keeping the inside juicy. Because Smash Burgers cook quickly, usually just a few minutes per side, they’re a fast and delicious way to enjoy a classic burger with maximum flavor and texture.
Smash Burger Ingredients
For the Patties
-
1 pound of ground beef (80/20 blend)
- We also offer a 2lb box, which comes pre-pattied to cut out the prep work!
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Onion and garlic powder to taste (optional)
- Burger buns (soft, slightly sweet buns work best)
For the Toppings (optional, mix and match)
- Sliced cheddar cheese or your preferred cheese
- Crisp lettuce leaves
- Sliced ripe tomatoes
- Sliced red onions
- Pickles
- Ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise
For Cooking
- High smoke point oil (such as vegetable oil or grapeseed oil)
- Butter (optional, for an extra rich flavor)
Smash Burger Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Patties
- Divide and Shape: Divide your pound of ground beef into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a four-ounce loose ball (around ¾ the size of a baseball) – there’s no need to overwork the meat.
- Season: Sprinkle the seasonings on both sides of each meat ball. Make sure there’s an even coating. The simple seasoning will enhance the natural flavors of the meat without overpowering them.
Step 2: Smash and Sear
- Preheat Your Cooking Surface: If you don't have a flat-top grill, place a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a touch of high smoke point oil to prevent sticking.
- Smash Time: Once the cooking surface is hot, place a portion of ground beef onto it. Using a sturdy spatula, gently press down on the ground beef ball to flatten it into a thin patty (1/4 to 1/2 an inch thick). Press firmly to create maximum contact with the cooking surface. (Patties shrink as they cook, so don’t hold back when smashing them!)
- Sear: Allow the patty to cook undisturbed for about 1-2 minutes. You'll notice a beautiful crust forming around the edges.
- Flip and Top: Flip the patty and immediately add a slice of cheese on top. Let the patty cook for another 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the patty is cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
Step 3: Assembling Your Burger
- Toast the Buns (optional): While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the burger buns with a little butter on the cooking surface or in a separate pan. While optional, we highly recommend this as it adds so much to the texture and keeps the buns from getting soggy.
- Layer It Up: Add any sauces you’re using to the bottom bun, or both depending on your preference. Place the crispy patty with melted cheese on the bottom bun. Top it with lettuce, tomato slices, red onions, and pickles.
- Finishing: Complete your burger with the top bun, pressing it gently to hold everything together.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Congratulations! It’s that simple to make a restaurant-level smash burger in no time!
At Market House, we're all about savoring both quality ingredients and the process of cooking phenomenal meals. If you're looking sustainably-sourced, high-quality ingredients, check out our selection of grass fed beef – because a burger is only as good as its ingredients.
Stay tuned for more cooking tips and recipes from Market House!
