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Crispy Smash Burger Recipe with Caramelized Onions and Secret Sauce

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A quick and easy smash burger recipe featuring crispy edges, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy secret sauce, perfect for satisfying homemade meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 large yellow onion (about 150g/5oz), thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
  • 4 slices American or cheddar cheese
  • 4 burger buns (brioche or potato buns recommended)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of smoked paprika (optional)
  • Pickles, sliced
  • Lettuce and tomato (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the caramelized onions: Slice the onion thinly. Heat butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add onions with a pinch of salt and cook, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and sweet.
  2. Make the secret sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Form the beef balls: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and loosely form into balls without overworking the meat.
  4. Heat the skillet: Place cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and let it get hot, about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Smash the patties: Place one beef ball on the skillet and press down firmly with a spatula to about ¼ inch thickness. Hold for 10 seconds to set shape. Repeat with remaining patties, cooking 2 at a time if needed.
  6. Season and cook: Sprinkle salt and pepper on patties. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving until edges brown and crisp.
  7. Flip and add cheese: Flip patties carefully, add a slice of cheese on top, and cook another 1-2 minutes until melted and cooked through.
  8. Toast the buns: Lightly butter buns and toast on a separate pan or skillet edges until golden, about 1-2 minutes.
  9. Assemble the burger: Spread secret sauce on bottom bun, add lettuce and tomato if using, place cheesy patty, top with caramelized onions and pickles, then crown with top bun.
  10. Serve immediately with your favorite sides or salad.

Notes

Use a screaming hot skillet for best crust. Do not overwork the meat to keep patties tender. Caramelize onions low and slow to avoid burning. Cheese melts best when covered for a minute. Toast buns last to prevent sogginess. Caramelized onions can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 5 days. Avoid non-stick pans as they trap moisture and prevent crisp edges.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, crispy burger, caramelized onions, secret sauce, easy burger recipe, homemade burger, quick dinner

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/crispy-smash-burger-recipe-with-caramelized-onions-and-secret-sauce-perfect-for-easy-homemade-meals/