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Crispy Smash Burger Recipe with Secret Sauce and Caramelized Onions Made Easy

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A quick and easy crispy smash burger featuring a secret tangy sauce and sweet caramelized onions, perfect for casual gatherings and weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil or neutral oil, for the skillet
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp (15 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
  • ¼ tsp sugar (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) ketchup
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 4 soft burger buns, lightly toasted (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • Pickles, sliced (optional)
  • Leafy lettuce or shredded iceberg (optional)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat butter and olive oil over medium-low heat in a skillet. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook slowly until golden brown, about 30-40 minutes. Add optional sugar after 20 minutes to enhance caramelization. Set aside.
  2. Make the secret sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Prepare the patties: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (~4 oz / 115 g each). Roll into loose balls without overworking the meat.
  4. Preheat the skillet: Heat cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a thin layer of oil until smoking hot.
  5. Smash and cook patties: Place one beef ball in skillet and press down firmly with spatula to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Hold for 10-15 seconds to set crust. Cook 2-3 minutes until edges are golden and crispy. Flip, add a slice of cheese, and cook another 1-2 minutes until melted and cooked through. Repeat for remaining patties.
  6. Toast the buns: While patties cook, toast cut sides of buns in skillet until golden, about 1 minute.
  7. Assemble burgers: Spread secret sauce on bottom bun, add cheesy patty, top with caramelized onions, pickles, and lettuce if using. Cap with top bun.
  8. Serve immediately while hot with crispy crust intact.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the skillet to maintain high heat and perfect crust. Rest patties for a minute before assembling to let juices settle. For gluten-free, swap buns with gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated. Use a well-seasoned cast iron skillet for best crust.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, crispy burger, secret sauce, caramelized onions, easy burger recipe, quick dinner, cast iron skillet burger

Find it online: https://yumnode.com/crispy-smash-burger-recipe-with-secret-sauce-and-caramelized-onions-made-easy/