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Crispy Smash Burgers Recipe Easy Homemade with Caramelized Onions and Special Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy smash burgers with caramelized onions and a tangy special sauce, perfect for a juicy, flavorful homemade burger with a crunchy crust.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Pinch of salt (for onions)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp pickle juice
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • 4 soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted
  • 4 cheese slices (American or cheddar), optional
  • Leafy lettuce or pickles, for serving

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook for 20-25 minutes until deep golden and sweet.
  2. Prepare the special sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika in a small bowl. Cover and refrigerate.
  3. Form the burger meat: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Roll loosely into balls without overworking.
  4. Heat the skillet: Increase heat to medium-high and let skillet get very hot (about 5 minutes).
  5. Smash the patties: Place one beef ball in skillet and press down firmly with spatula or grill press to about 1/4-inch thickness. Hold for 10 seconds. Repeat with remaining patties, cooking 2 at a time if needed.
  6. Cook and season: Let patties cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and brown. Season with salt and pepper. Flip, add cheese slice, and cook another 1-2 minutes for medium doneness.
  7. Toast the buns: While burgers cook, toast buns face down in a clean skillet or under broiler until golden and slightly crisp.
  8. Assemble the burgers: Spread special sauce on bottom bun, add patty, pile on caramelized onions, lettuce or pickles if using, and top with bun crown.
  9. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

Keep ground beef cold until cooking to help create a better crust. Press patties firmly and quickly to get thin, crispy edges. Season patties after smashing. Cook in batches if pan is small to avoid overcrowding. Add cheese immediately after flipping to melt perfectly. Caramelize onions low and slow for best flavor. Rest cooked patties a few minutes to redistribute juices.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, crispy burgers, caramelized onions, special sauce, homemade burgers, quick dinner, easy burger recipe

Find it online: https://emmayum.com/crispy-smash-burgers-recipe-easy-homemade-with-caramelized-onions-and-special-sauce/