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Crispy Smash Burger Tacos

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These crispy smash burger tacos feature juicy, thin patties with a crunchy crust, topped with a creamy secret sauce for a perfect handheld comfort food experience.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 4 yellow corn or flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable or canola oil
  • For the creamy secret sauce:
  • 1/3 cup (80 ml) mayonnaise (preferably Kewpie mayo)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) pickle juice or 2 tablespoons finely chopped dill pickles
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Hot sauce (optional)
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the creamy secret sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice or chopped pickles, smoked paprika, and hot sauce if using. Refrigerate while prepping the rest.
  2. Season the ground beef with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until combined.
  3. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat.
  4. Divide the beef into 4 equal balls (~4 oz/115 g each). Place one ball in the skillet and immediately smash down firmly with a spatula until about 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick. Hold spatula down for 10 seconds.
  5. Cook the patty undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are brown and crisp. Sprinkle a pinch of salt on top. Flip carefully, add shredded cheddar cheese, and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patty is cooked through.
  6. Warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave wrapped in a damp towel for 30 seconds until pliable.
  7. Assemble tacos by placing each crispy patty on a warm tortilla, drizzling with creamy secret sauce, and adding optional toppings.
  8. Serve immediately for best crispness and melty cheese.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for best crispy crust and juiciness. Preheat skillet well and hold spatula down firmly to get perfect smash and crust. Warm tortillas just before patties finish cooking to keep them soft and foldable. Assemble tacos just before serving to maintain crispness. Sauce flavors deepen if made a few hours ahead. Can substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, crispy burger, creamy secret sauce, easy tacos, homemade tacos, skillet burger

Find it online: https://evabake.com/crispy-smash-burger-tacos-recipe-easy-homemade-tacos-with-creamy-secret-sauce/