When it comes to grilled burgers, few techniques rival the deliciously crispy edges and juicy interiors produced by smash burgers. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of making perfect smash burgers on a Blackstone griddle, a favorite for outdoor cooking enthusiasts. Get ready to elevate your grilling game and learn how to impress family and friends with mouthwatering, perfectly seasoned smash burgers.
What is a Smash Burger?
Smash burgers are characterized by their method of preparation: a ball of ground beef is “smashed” onto a hot cooking surface to create an irresistible sear. The result is a deliciously caramelized crust that locks in the juices while maintaining a tender interior. This method not only intensifies the flavor but also reduces the cooking time, making the smash burger a quick and satisfying meal option.
Why Use a Blackstone Griddle?
The Blackstone griddle is the perfect tool for crafting smash burgers for several reasons:
- Heat Distribution: The flat surface ensures even heat distribution, allowing you to achieve that perfect sear without hot or cold spots.
- Versatility: The griddle can be used for more than just burgers. Cook up eggs, veggies, or pancakes alongside your meat.
With the right techniques and a quality griddle, you can create a memorable outdoor cooking experience.
Ingredients for Smash Burgers
Making smash burgers is simple, requiring minimal ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Ingredients
- Ground Beef: Choose high-quality ground beef with a fat content of 80/20 for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the beef.
- Burger Buns: Opt for soft, toasted burger buns. Brioche or potato buns are excellent choices.
- Cheese: American cheese melts beautifully for that classic burger taste.
- Toppings: Lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, and condiments of your choice.
Tools Needed
To achieve smash burger perfection, you’ll need a few essential tools:
Grilling Equipment
- Blackstone Griddle: For that ideal cooking surface.
- Spatula: A metal spatula works best for smashing and flipping the burgers.
- Parchment Paper or Wax Paper: For easier cleanup and to prevent sticking while smashing.
- Meat Thermometer: Optional, but helpful for ensuring your burgers reach the desired internal temperature.
Preparing Your Blackstone Griddle
Before you start cooking, it’s crucial to prepare your Blackstone griddle correctly.
Seasoning the Griddle
If you’re using a new griddle, it’s essential to season it before the first cook. Seasoning the surface creates a non-stick layer and enhances the flavor of your food.
Steps to Season the Griddle
- Clean the Surface: Wipe down your griddle with warm water to remove any manufacturing residue.
- Apply Oil: Heat the griddle to medium-high and apply a thin layer of vegetable oil or flaxseed oil.
- Spread Evenly: Use a paper towel or cloth to spread the oil evenly across the surface.
- Heat it Up: Allow the griddle to heat for about 30 minutes, ensuring the oil reaches its smoke point.
- Let it Cool: Once heated, allow the griddle to cool down and then wipe off any excess oil with a clean towel.
This will ensure a non-stick surface for cooking your smash burgers.
Making the Perfect Smash Burgers
Now that you have everything ready, it’s time to make your smash burgers!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Griddle
Start by preheating your Blackstone griddle over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to create that perfect sear.
2. Prepare the Beef
Take your ground beef and divide it into equal portions. A good size for smash burgers is about 4 ounces each. Form them loosely into balls but avoid overhandling, as this can make the meat tough.
3. Season the Beef
Generously season each ball of beef with salt and pepper. This step is crucial for flavor, so don’t skimp!
4. Smash the Burgers
Once the griddle is hot, place the beef balls onto the griddle. Using your spatula, press down firmly on each ball until it flattens to about half an inch thick. The idea is to create a larger surface area that will sear beautifully.
5. Cook the Burgers
Allow the burgers to cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes. This helps develop a nice crust. After a couple of minutes, check for the edges to start browning. When they’re ready, carefully flip the burgers over.
6. Add Cheese
Immediately place a slice of cheese on top of each burger after flipping them. The heat will melt the cheese beautifully. Allow the burgers to cook for an additional minute or until they reach your desired doneness.
7. Toast the Buns
While the burgers finish cooking, place your burger buns cut-side down on the griddle for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown. This adds flavor and prevents the bun from getting soggy when you add toppings.
8. Assemble Your Smash Burgers
Once the burgers and buns are ready, it’s time to assemble! Place the burger on the bottom half of the bun and load it with your favorite toppings.
Favorite Toppings and Combinations
The beauty of smash burgers lies not only in their cooking technique but also in the endless topping possibilities. Here are a few classic combinations to try:
| Burger Style | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Classic American | Lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, mustard |
| Bacon Cheeseburger | Crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, BBQ sauce, onion rings |
| Mushroom Swiss | Sautéed mushrooms, Swiss cheese, garlic mayo |
| Spicy Jalapeño | Jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, spicy mayo, lettuce |
Tips for Perfect Smash Burgers
To ensure maximum deliciousness, keep these tips in mind:
Use Quality Ingredients
Starting with high-quality ground beef and fresh toppings can significantly improve the final product.
Avoid Overcrowding
If you’re cooking multiple burgers, ensure there’s enough space on the griddle. Overcrowding can cause the burgers to steam rather than sear.
Master the Smash
The key to a great smash burger lies in the pressing technique. Don’t be afraid to apply enough pressure to create an even, flat patty, but don’t mangle the meat—just enough to flatten it.
Cleanup and Storage
After enjoying your delicious smash burgers, proper cleanup of your Blackstone griddle is essential.
Cleaning Your Griddle
- Scrape Residue: Use a metal spatula to scrape off food particles while the griddle is still warm.
- Wash with Water: Pour a small amount of warm water on the surface to loosen any stuck bits.
- Wipe Down: Use a paper towel to wipe the surface clean.
- Re-season if necessary: If the surface looks dry, apply a thin coat of oil to maintain the seasoning.
Final Thoughts
Making smash burgers on a Blackstone griddle is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. With a few ingredients and the right technique, you can create a satisfying meal that impresses. Whether it’s a backyard BBQ or a simple dinner at home, these burgers are sure to be a hit.
Now that you have the knowledge to craft your perfect smash burger, gather your ingredients, invite some friends over, and enjoy a memorable cookout experience! Happy grilling!
What ingredients do I need to make smash burgers on a Blackstone griddle?
To make smash burgers on a Blackstone griddle, you’ll need a few essential ingredients. Start with high-quality ground beef, preferably with a fat content of around 80/20 for the best flavor and juiciness. You’ll also need burger buns, cheese (if desired), and any toppings you like—classic options include lettuce, tomato, pickles, and onions. Don’t forget seasoning; kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper are commonly used to enhance the flavor of the patties.
In addition to the main ingredients, consider adding condiments such as ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, or special sauce to make your burgers even more delicious. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as cheddar, American, or pepper jack, to add a unique twist to your burgers. The beauty of smash burgers is their versatility, so feel free to get creative with your toppings and sauces!
How do I prepare the Blackstone griddle for cooking smash burgers?
Preparing your Blackstone griddle is a crucial step for achieving perfectly cooked smash burgers. Start by preheating the griddle to medium-high heat. Allow it to heat for around 10-15 minutes, as this will help create a crispy sear on the patties when they come into contact with the surface. To check if it’s hot enough, you can sprinkle a few drops of water onto the griddle; if they sizzle and evaporate instantly, you’re ready to go.
Once the griddle is hot, it’s important to add a thin layer of oil to help prevent sticking and to enhance the sear on the burgers. Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable or canola oil. Spread it evenly across the cooking surface using a spatula or paper towel. This will ensure that the burgers cook evenly and develop that perfect crust when smashed down onto the griddle.
What is the proper technique for smashing the burgers?
The technique for smashing burgers is what truly sets them apart from regular patties. Start by portioning your ground beef into balls, typically around 2-3 ounces each. Once your griddle is hot and oiled, place the meatballs on the cooking surface, leaving enough space between each. Use a flat spatula or a burger press to apply firm pressure to each ball, flattening it into a patty that’s about 1/4 inch thick. The key is to press down quickly and firmly, making sure to create a good amount of surface area that will sear.
After smashing, season the patties immediately with salt and pepper. The searing action will create a flavorful crust, and by smashing the burgers, you’ll enhance the Maillard reaction, giving them that signature savory taste. Allow the burgers to cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes on one side before flipping them. You can add cheese during the last minute of cooking, covering with a dome if available, to melt it perfectly.
How long do I cook smash burgers on the Blackstone griddle?
Cooking smash burgers on the Blackstone griddle typically requires a cooking time of around 3-4 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the patties and your desired level of doneness. After smashing the burger and seasoning it, let it sear on the first side without moving it for about 2-3 minutes. This time allows the crust to form and enhances the overall flavor of the burger.
Once you’ve achieved a nice crust on the seared side, carefully flip the burgers using a spatula. Cook them for an additional 1-2 minutes on the second side. If you’re adding cheese, place it on top of the burgers during the last minute of cooking and cover with a lid or a dome to help it melt. Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; for medium burgers, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F.
What are some recommended toppings for smash burgers?
One of the great joys of smash burgers is the variety of toppings you can use to customize your meal. Classic options include lettuce, tomato, pickles, and raw onions, which give the burger a fresh and crunchy texture. You can also consider frying some onions or mushrooms for a richer, more savory flavor. A simple drizzle of ketchup and mustard can elevate the taste without overshadowing the burger itself.
If you’re looking to get a little gourmet with your toppings, consider options like avocado, bacon, or crispy onion straws. You might also want to experiment with specialty sauces, such as BBQ sauce or chipotle mayo, to give your burger a flavor boost. The versatility of smash burgers means the topping possibilities are nearly endless, so feel free to get creative and invent your signature combination!
Can I make smash burgers using other types of meat or alternatives?
Absolutely! While traditional smash burgers are made with ground beef, you can easily adapt the recipe to use other types of meat. Ground turkey, chicken, or pork are excellent alternatives that can result in delicious smash burgers. Just keep in mind that different meats will have varying fat contents and cooking times, so you may need to adjust your cooking method accordingly. For example, turkey burgers might need a little more seasoning to enhance the flavor.
In addition to meat alternatives, you can also make smash burgers using plant-based options. Popular choices include ground meat alternatives made from soy, peas, or lentils. These options are becoming increasingly available and often provide a satisfying flavor and texture. Just like traditional burgers, be sure to season the patties well and cook them to the appropriate temperature or recommended cooking times for plant-based products. This way, everyone can enjoy a delicious smash burger!