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Crispy All-American Smash Burgers Recipe with Tangy Special Sauce Made Easy

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy smash burgers with a tangy special sauce, perfect for weeknights or cookouts. Features a crispy crust and juicy interior with a homemade sauce inspired by classic diner flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) 80/20 ground beef
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 burger buns (potato or sesame seed), toasted
  • 4 slices American or cheddar cheese (optional)
  • Butter, softened (for toasting buns)
  • For the Tangy Special Sauce:
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and garlic powder. Taste and adjust as needed. Cover and refrigerate for about 10 minutes.
  2. Divide and Form the Beef: Divide ground beef into 4 equal balls (about 4 ounces or 113 g each). Gently form balls without overworking the meat.
  3. Heat the Skillet: Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes until very hot.
  4. Toast the Buns: Spread softened butter on cut sides of buns and toast face down in a separate pan or on the grill until golden and crisp, about 1-2 minutes. Set aside.
  5. Cook the Patties: Place one beef ball in the hot skillet. Press down firmly with a spatula or grill press until about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Hold pressure for 10 seconds.
  6. Season: Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper on the patty. Cook without moving for about 2 minutes until edges are crispy and brown.
  7. Flip and Add Cheese: Flip the patty carefully. Add a slice of cheese if using. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patty is cooked through but juicy inside.
  8. Repeat: Repeat cooking steps for remaining patties, working in batches if needed.
  9. Assemble the Burgers: Spread a generous layer of tangy special sauce on top and bottom buns. Place patty on bottom bun, add desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, or pickles, then top with the bun.
  10. Serve Immediately: Enjoy hot off the skillet with crispy edges and melty cheese.

Notes

Use a very hot cast iron skillet for the best crispy crust. Do not press patties after the initial smash to keep them juicy. Salt patties right before cooking. Toast buns with butter for added richness. Keep cooked patties warm loosely covered with foil to maintain crispness. For dairy-free, use vegan mayo and plant-based cheese alternatives. Gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps can be used for gluten-free diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, crispy burgers, all-american burger, tangy special sauce, quick burger recipe, easy dinner, cast iron skillet burger

Find it online: https://evabake.com/crispy-all-american-smash-burgers-recipe-with-tangy-special-sauce-made-easy/