Smash Burger Recipe with Onions: How to Make Perfect, Delicious Burgers
Jennifer
Few meals evoke as much satisfaction as a perfectly crafted burger, and when you combine the irresistible crunch of caramelized onions with the robust flavors of a smash burger, you have a dish that’s unforgettable. This Smash Burger Recipe with Onions is your gateway to recreating restaurant-quality burgers right in your kitchen. Prepare to wow your taste buds, and anyone lucky enough to join you
IN This Post:
History of Smash Burger Recipe with Onions:
The smash burger has humble beginnings rooted in American diner culture. Born from the necessity of cooking quickly during the bustling mid-20th century, cooks discovered that pressing a ball of ground beef onto a hot griddle not only speed up the cooking process but also resulted in a delectable crust known as the Maillard reaction. This simple yet transformative technique elevated the burger game, creating patties that are juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
The addition of onions was a natural evolution. In the early days, diners often pressed thin slices of onions directly into the beef patty as it cooked, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This method, known as the Oklahoma onion burger, brought an irresistible sweetness and a delightful texture contrast. Over time, the smash burger and onion burger techniques converged, creating the masterpiece we enjoy today.
Today, the smash burger with onions represents more than just food; it symbolizes comfort, nostalgia, and the artistry of transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. From backyard cookouts to gourmet variations in upscale restaurants, this burger continues to win hearts around the globe.
Why You’ll Love This Smash Burger Recipe with Onions:
This recipe offers the perfect balance of simplicity and gourmet flair, making it a go-to choice for burger lovers of all levels. No matter your cooking experience, this recipe guarantees a delicious outcome every time.
Above all, the crispy, flavorful patties are the undeniable star of the dish. The smashing technique creates a golden-brown crust that locks in the beef’s natural juices, intensifying the savory flavor. This method delivers a satisfying crunch with each bite, a hallmark of a great smash burger.
The sweet and spicy toppings take this burger to the next level. Caramelized onions provide a rich sweetness, while thinly sliced jalapeños add a kick of heat that keeps every mouthful exciting. The combination of these contrasting flavors creates a perfectly balanced and satisfying taste experience.
Customizability is another reason to love this recipe. You can easily adapt the toppings, cheese, and buns to suit your personal preferences or dietary needs. Plus, the straightforward instructions make it accessible even if you’re trying smash burgers for the first time.
The homemade burger sauce is a game-changer. Its tangy and creamy profile ties all the elements together, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor. This sauce elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary, setting it apart from standard burger recipes.
Lastly, this recipe allows you to achieve restaurant-quality results without leaving your home. With minimal effort and just a few basic tools, you can create a gourmet burger that rivals those from your favorite diner or burger joint.
Tips and Tricks for Success:
- Use High-Quality Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef for a perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. Avoid preformed patties for the best results.
- Chill the Meat: Keeping the meat cold ensures that it holds its shape during cooking and enhances the texture.
- Invest in a Cast Iron Skillet: A heavy, flat surface is crucial for achieving the signature crust of a smash burger.
- Press with Confidence: Use a sturdy spatula or burger press to smash the patties evenly. A piece of parchment paper between the meat and press prevents sticking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain a consistent temperature and achieve proper browning.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toasting the buns adds a pleasant crunch and prevents sogginess from the burger juices.
- Balance the Flavors: The sweetness of onions, the spice of jalapeños, and the richness of cheese need the tangy lift provided by the burger sauce—don’t skip it!
How To Make This Smash Burger Recipe with Onions:
Smash Burger Recipe with Onions: How to Make Perfect, Delicious Burgers
Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or griddle
- Sturdy spatula or burger press
- Mixing Bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Whisk
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Burger Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Smash Burgers:
- 1 1/2 pounds high-quality 80% lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 1 large yellow onion very thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
- 1 large jalapeño chile very thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt divided
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper divided
- 4 American cheese slices
- 4 soft hamburger buns split and toasted
Instructions
- Prepare the Beef: Divide the ground beef into 8 (3-ounce) portions and shape each into a loose ball. Place on a plate, cover, and chill while you prepare the grill and skillet.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to high, around 450°F to 500°F, ensuring it's hot and ready for cooking. Place a large cast-iron skillet or griddle on the grill to heat up along with the grill. Allow it to get hot for a few minutes before cooking. Alternatively, heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat on the stove.
- Prepare Onion and Jalapeño: Drizzle the skillet evenly with oil. Working in batches if needed, arrange onion slices into 8 small mounds (about 1/4 cup each), spaced at least 2 inches apart on the skillet. Top each mound with jalapeño slices (about 1 tablespoon each), and sprinkle evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Let the onions cook undisturbed for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until they begin to brown and become fragrant.
- Form the Patties: Place 1 meatball on top of each onion mound. Top each mound with a 3-inch square of parchment paper. Press firmly using a sturdy spatula or burger press to flatten the meatballs into 4-inch-wide patties. Remove the parchment paper. Sprinkle each smashed patty with the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- Cook the Patties: Cook the patties undisturbed until they begin to crisp around the edges, about 2 to 3 minutes. Gently flip the patties, making sure the onion-jalapeño mixture stays on top of each one. Then, place 1 slice of cheese on each of the 4 patties. Place 1 slice of cheese on top of each of the 4 patties, allowing it to melt as the burgers cook. Continue to cook until patties are well browned and the cheese is melted, about 1 minute 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
- Assemble the Burgers: Top each cheese-covered patty with a plain patty to create 4 double stack burgers. Transfer each double stack to a bottom bun. Spread about 1 tablespoon of burger sauce on each top bun, and place it on top of the patties.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious double-stack jalapeño onion burgers!
- This burger recipe features a juicy, flavorful double stack with the perfect combination of crispy onions, spicy jalapeños, and melty cheese.
Notes
- Storage: Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly before serving. Reheat gently.
- Make-Ahead Tip: The burger sauce can be made a day in advance.
- Substitutions: Swap jalapeños for bell peppers if you prefer less heat, or use your favorite cheese variety
Nutrition Facts Of Smash Burger Recipe with Onions:
| Nutrition Facts (Per Serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 |
| Protein | 37g |
| Fat | 42g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 950mg |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on portion size and toppings.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
- Prep Ingredients in Advance: Slice the onions and jalapeños, and mix the burger sauce before you start cooking. This will streamline the process and ensure you can focus on achieving the perfect sear for the patties.
- Perfect the Smash: Use firm, consistent pressure when smashing the patties. A heavy spatula or burger press is ideal to get the thin, crispy edges.
- Keep the Patties Cold: Chilling the meat before cooking helps maintain its shape and prevents overcooking.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the number of jalapeño slices based on your spice preference, or swap them out for mild peppers if needed.
- Double-Up the Sauce: Make an extra batch of burger sauce to use as a dip for fries or a topping for other dishes.
Variations:
- Cheese Choices: Try different types of cheese such as sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or gouda to experiment with flavor profiles.
- Onion Alternatives: Use sweet Vidalia onions for a milder flavor or red onions for a sharper bite.
- Bun Options: Swap traditional buns for brioche, pretzel rolls, or even lettuce wraps for a lower-carb option.
- Toppings Galore: Add extras like crispy bacon, avocado slices, or pickles to customize your burger further.
- Spice it Up: Mix a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne into the ground beef for added depth and heat.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, a stovetop works perfectly for this recipe. Just ensure your skillet gets hot enough to create the signature crust.
Cover the skillet with a lid or metal bowl for the last minute of cooking to trap heat and melt the cheese evenly.
Absolutely! Arrange the raw meatballs on a baking sheet, placing parchment paper between each layer to prevent them from sticking together. Then, freeze until firm. Smash and cook directly from frozen or thaw before use.
Whole-grain or lettuce-wrapped buns are great alternatives for a lighter meal.
Ensure you press them firmly and cook them undisturbed for the right amount of time.
Smash burgers with onions are a delightful combination of simplicity and indulgence. With this recipe, you can enjoy a gourmet burger experience at home, tailored to your taste. Gather your ingredients, heat up your skillet, and savor every bite of these irresistible double-stacked burgers.
Don’t forget to check out other Cheeseburger recipe and to share your results and leave a comment below—we’d love to hear your feedback!
