California Smash Burger

🧂 Ingredients

• 1 lb Ground beef(80/20 or 85/15 fat ratio is ideal for flavor and crispiness.)
• 4 slices American cheese(Individually wrapped slices work best for melting.)
• 1/4 head Iceberg lettuce(Finely shredded for optimal texture.)
• 1 medium Tomato(Thinly sliced.)
• 1/2 cup Special sauce(See notes for a quick homemade version, or use your favorite store-bought sauce.)
• 4 Soft burger buns(Brioche or potato buns work well.)
• to taste Salt
• to taste Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Butter or oil(For toasting the buns.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare your toppings: Wash and finely shred the iceberg lettuce. Thinly slice the tomato. If making homemade special sauce, prepare it now.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Gently roll each portion into a loose ball. Do not overwork the meat, as this can make the burgers tough.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
3. 3

   Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. A shimmering surface or a drop of water evaporating instantly indicates it's ready. Add a thin layer of oil or butter if not using a non-stick surface.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
4. 4

   Place the beef balls onto the hot skillet, spacing them apart. Immediately use a sturdy spatula or burger press to firmly smash each ball into a thin patty, about 1/4-inch thick. You want to create as much surface area as possible for a good sear.

   ⏱️ 1 minute
5. 5

   Season the top of the smashed patties generously with salt and black pepper. Cook undisturbed for about 1.5 to 2 minutes, until the edges are deeply browned and crispy, and you see juices bubbling to the surface.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
6. 6

   Flip the patties. Immediately top each with a slice of American cheese. Cook for another 1 to 1.5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the bottom is equally browned and crispy.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
7. 7

   While the burgers cook, lightly butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them on a separate skillet or the griddle until golden brown and slightly crisp.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
8. 8

   Spread a generous amount of special sauce on both the top and bottom toasted bun halves. Place a cheesy burger patty on the bottom bun. Top with shredded lettuce and a tomato slice. Add the top bun.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓Ensure your skillet or griddle is screaming hot before smashing the patties for the best crust.
• ✓Don't press down on the patties after the initial smash, as this squeezes out the juices.
• ✓Use fresh, crisp toppings for a refreshing contrast to the rich burger.
• ✓For a quick special sauce: Mix 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp sweet pickle relish, 1/2 tsp white vinegar, and a pinch of sugar.

🔄 Variations

• Double-double: Use two patties and two slices of cheese per burger.
• Animal style: Grill the onions until caramelized and add them to the burger, along with extra special sauce.
• Add pickles for an extra tangy bite.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving