Ultimate Garlic Smash Burgers
Enjoy perfectly crispy, juicy smash burgers infused with garlic. This recipe delivers a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron griddle
- Spatula or burger press
- Parchment paper squares
Ingredients
Patties
- 1 lb (450g) 80/20 lean-to-fat ground beef
- 4-6 cloves fresh garlic, minced very finely
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
Rest of the burger
- 4 burger buns brioche, potato, or sesame
- 4 slices cheese American, cheddar, or provolone
- 2 tbsp butter or high-heat oil like avocado or grapeseed oil
Optional Toppings
- lettuce
- tomato
- onion
- pickles
- special sauce
- mustard
- ketchup
Instructions
Burger Preparation
- Gently combine ground beef, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl, avoiding overmixing. Form into four loose, equal-sized balls of about 4 ounces each, but do not press into patties.
- Place a heavy-bottomed skillet or cast-iron griddle on high heat until it is screaming hot.
Toasting and Cooking
- Lightly butter the cut sides of the burger buns and toast them face down on the hot griddle for 30-60 seconds until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Add butter or high-heat oil to the hot pan. Place two beef balls on the griddle, cover with parchment paper, and firmly press with a spatula into a thin patty.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes until deep brown and caramelized with crisping edges. Scrape and flip the patty, then immediately place a slice of cheese on top.
- Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the burger reaches desired doneness.
Serving
- Transfer the cooked patties to toasted buns, add desired toppings and sauces, and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of onion powder or garlic powder to the meat mixture. Don't overcrowd the pan for the best sear. Experiment with different cheese types and toppings to customize your burger.