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The LA Smash Burger Recipe

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4 from 56 reviews

The LA Smash Burger is a deliciously crispy and juicy burger made by smashing thin patties of ground beef chuck on a hot skillet, topped with melted American cheese and a tangy homemade burger sauce. Served on soft potato rolls or brioche buns with optional fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles, this recipe delivers a classic diner-style burger experience at home in just 35 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Patties

  • 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

For the 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. Portion the Patties: Use a scale to weigh the ground beef into 8 portions of approximately 3 ounces each. If you don't have a scale, use a 1/4 cup or estimate by eye. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten them into a puck shape about 1/8th-inch thick. Chill the patties in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to solidify the fat, which helps with the smashing process. While chilling, prepare the cheese slices, buns, and any desired toppings.
  2. Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until hot and ready for cooking. No oil or grease is needed as the beef fat will render during cooking.
  3. Sear and Smash the Burgers: Working in batches of two, place the patties on the hot skillet. Immediately press down firmly with a heavy metal spatula to smash the beef balls into thin patties, just slightly wider than the buns. This smashing creates a crispy, caramelized crust.
  4. Cook the First Side: Cook the smashed patties without moving them for about 2-3 minutes until they develop a deep brown, flavorful crust.
  5. Flip and Add Cheese: Carefully flip each patty using the spatula. Immediately top each with a slice of American cheese. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the patties are cooked through.
  6. Stack and Assemble: Stack two patties on each bun bottom, then add your preferred toppings such as iceberg lettuce, tomato slices, onion, and pickles. Spread a generous amount of the homemade burger sauce on the top bun, then close the burger and serve immediately for the best experience.
  7. Make the Smash Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, thoroughly whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle juice, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, and salt. Adjust salt to taste. This sauce can be made up to three days in advance and kept refrigerated.

Notes

  • Chilling the patties before smashing helps retain juiciness and makes it easier to press thin.
  • Use a heavy metal spatula for effective smashing and flipping.
  • The patties cook quickly, so avoid overcrowding the skillet to maintain temperature.
  • The homemade smash burger sauce complements the savory patties perfectly with its tangy, creamy flavor.
  • For best texture, use ground beef chuck with around 20% fat content.

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