California Smash Burger
Thin, crispy-edged patties with a tangy special sauce and fresh, crisp toppings, all nestled in a soft, toasted bun. A taste of West Coast fast food perfection.
🧂 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- 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.