Smash Burger
Equipment
- Spatula
Ingredients
Caramelized Onions:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- ½ tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp sugar
Burger Patties
- 8 ounces ground beef, see note 1
- salt and pepper
- 2 slices of American cheese, see note 2
Sauce
- 2 tbsp mayo
- 1 tsp gochujang
- ½ tsp vinegar
- ½ tsp sugar
- Pinch of salt
For Assmebly
- 2 burger buns
- Lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, extra sauce
Instructions
- Slice your onions thinly and sauté in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
- Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar to the onions. Cook another 5 minutes until jammy and slightly thickened. Set aside.
- Roll your ground beef into small balls (about 2–3 oz each).
- Heat a pan until ripping hot, then place the beef balls in. Smash them flat with a spatula and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook 3 minutes, flip, add cheese, and let melt for 2 minutes. Remove.
- For the sauce, mix mayo, gochujang, vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl.
- Toast your buns if desired, spread sauce on both sides, stack on patties, caramelized onions, and any other toppings.
- Close it up and dig in!!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What Makes My Smash Burger Stand Out
This Smash Burger recipe nails that old-school diner taste: crispy edges, juicy middle, and melty cheese on a soft, buttery bun. All you need is good ground beef, a hot pan, and a simple technique that guarantees restaurant-level results at home. The beauty of this burger is that it’s quick, easy, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Why Smash Burgers Hit Different
There’s nothing quite like the golden crust you get from smashing a burger patty on a ripping hot surface. That contrast between crispy exterior and tender, juicy inside is what makes this style so addictive. It’s rich without feeling too heavy, indulgent without the need for a long cook time. The first bite always brings that perfect balance of salty, savory, and buttery, and you don’t even need to leave the house for it!
Ingredients for Smash Burger
Caramelized Onions:
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Burger Patties:
- 8 ounces ground beef
- Salt and pepper
- 2 slices American cheese
Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons mayo
- 1 teaspoon gochujang
- 1/2 teaspoon vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Pinch of salt
For Assembly:
- 2 burger buns
- Lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, extra sauce
How to Make Smash Burger
Step-by-Step Instructions
Slice onions thinly and sauté in a lightly oiled pan over medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened.
Add soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar to onions, then cook another 5 minutes until jammy. Set aside.
Roll ground beef into 2–3 oz balls. Heat a pan until very hot, then place beef balls in and smash flat with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook for 3 minutes, flip, add cheese, and melt for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Mix mayo, gochujang, vinegar, sugar, and salt for the sauce.
Toast buns if desired, spread sauce on both sides, then layer patties, caramelized onions, and toppings. Close and enjoy.
The Secret to the Perfect Smash Burger
The magic comes from the Maillard reaction, smashing the patty creates maximum surface contact with the hot pan, developing a deep, flavorful crust. Resist the urge to move the patty too soon; letting it sit undisturbed ensures that crispy, lace-edged sear.
Tips and Variations
Use 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of juiciness and flavor. Try cheddar, pepper jack, or mozzarella for a different cheese profile. You can also swap the sauce for sriracha mayo or garlic aioli if you want to mix it up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prep the caramelized onions ahead of time?
Definitely, they keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat before using.
What’s the best beef for smash burgers?
Use fresh, not previously frozen, 80/20 ground beef for the juiciest result.
Can I make these in a griddle or flat-top?
Absolutely! In fact, it’s the closest you’ll get to diner-style results.
What can I serve with this burger?
Fries, onion rings, or a crisp side salad all work great.
More Recipes to Try
• Try my Asian-Style Steak Frites for the perfect crispy fry side.
• If you’re craving another sandwich, try my Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich.
• For another game day favorite, try my Hot Honey Chicken Tenders.
