Smash Burgers: 4 Amazing Juicy Diner Burgers
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Create juicy diner-style smash burgers at home with crispy edges. This recipe focuses on achieving that classic, flattened burger experience.
- Author: Clara Alena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 burgers
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Griddling/Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: None
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 recommended)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 hamburger buns
- Butter, for toasting buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a loose ball. Do not overwork the meat.
- Preheat your griddle or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Lightly butter the cut sides of the hamburger buns and toast them on the griddle until golden brown. Set aside.
- Place the beef balls on the hot griddle, leaving space between them.
- Immediately smash each ball down firmly with a sturdy spatula, creating a thin patty with crispy edges.
- Season the tops of the patties generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 1-2 minutes without moving, until the edges are browned and crispy.
- Flip the patties. Season the other side with salt and pepper.
- Immediately top each patty with a slice of American cheese.
- Cook for another 1-2 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the burger is cooked through.
- Assemble the burgers: place a cooked patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add your favorite toppings and the top bun.
Notes
- Use a spatula with a wide surface to ensure a good smash.
- Don’t press down too hard after the initial smash, or you’ll squeeze out the juices.
- Work quickly once the patties are smashed to achieve the best crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: Approx. 550-650 (will vary based on toppings and cheese)
- Sugar: Approx. 5-10g
- Sodium: Approx. 800-1200mg
- Fat: Approx. 35-45g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 15-20g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 20-25g
- Trans Fat: Approx. 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 30-40g
- Fiber: Approx. 1-3g
- Protein: Approx. 25-35g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 100-150mg