The diner classic, done at home — beef smashed thin onto a screaming-hot pan so the edges crisp and caramelise, stacked with molten cheese, pickles and sauce in a soft toasted bun. No fancy kit needed: a heavy pan and a sturdy spatula do the trick.
Ingredients
- 400g beef mince (20% fat)
- 2 brioche burger buns
- 2 slices American cheese
- 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
- 4 dill pickle slices
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 2 tbsp burger sauce (or mayo + ketchup)
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- Salt and black pepper
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Method
- Form loose balls: divide the mince into 2 loose balls. Season the outside generously — do not overwork the meat.
- Smash: heat the oil in a heavy pan until smoking. Place a ball in the pan and smash it flat with a spatula, as thin as you can. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Flip and cheese: flip the patty, season, and lay the cheese on top. Cook for 1 more minute until melting.
- Toast the buns: toast the cut sides of the buns in the same pan until golden.
- Build: stack each patty on a bun with pickle, onion, tomato and sauce. Serve at once.
Recipe Card — Classic American Smash Burger
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Serves: 2
Category: Main Dishes · Quick Meals · Street Food
Cuisine: American