Prepare to revolutionize your burger game with these mind-blowing Smashed Burgers with Caramelized Onions! Imagine biting into a burger with an impossibly crispy, caramelized crust that locks in all the juicy flavor, topped with meltingly sweet onions that will make your taste buds dance. This isn't just another burger recipe - it's a culinary experience that will transform your home cooking and have your friends and family begging for more. Get ready to become the ultimate burger master with this simple yet game-changing technique!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 large onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cheese slices (optional)
- Condiments (ketchup, mustard, etc.)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by slicing onions thinly and dividing ground beef into 4 equal loosely packed balls, about 4 ounces each.
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until smoking hot. Add butter to the pan and immediately add sliced onions, reducing heat to medium-low.
- Slowly caramelize onions, stirring occasionally, for about 15-20 minutes until they turn deep golden brown and become soft and sweet. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Increase skillet heat back to high. Season each beef ball with salt and pepper just before cooking.
- Place each beef ball onto the hot skillet and immediately smash down firmly with a flat spatula or burger press, creating a thin, crispy-edged patty.
- Cook for approximately 2-3 minutes until the bottom develops a dark brown crust. Flip the burger and immediately add cheese if desired.
- Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes for medium doneness. Toast hamburger buns lightly in the same skillet.
- Assemble burgers by placing smashed patty on toasted bun, topping with caramelized onions and preferred condiments.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy, enjoying the contrast of the crusty burger exterior and sweet caramelized onions.
Tips
- Use a cast-iron skillet or griddle for the best crust - the high heat is crucial for creating those crispy edges.
- Make sure your beef is very cold before smashing - this helps maintain the meat's structure and prevents it from breaking apart.
- Use a sturdy metal spatula or dedicated burger press for smashing, and press down hard and quickly for the crispiest results.
- Don't overwork the meat when forming patties - loose, gentle packing keeps the burger tender.
- Season the meat right before cooking to prevent the salt from drawing out moisture.
- For extra flavor, consider using a blend of ground beef cuts like chuck and sirloin.
- Toast your buns in the same skillet for maximum flavor absorption and a perfect golden finish.
- Let the burger rest for a minute after cooking to redistribute the juices and ensure maximum tenderness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 540kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 90mg
