Description
These juicy smashed burgers feature crispy edges and tender centers, topped with a tangy secret sauce and sweet-and-salty pickle-onion jam. The perfect combination of flavors for an unforgettable burger night!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 fat content)
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 4 slices American cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- For the Secret Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pickle brine
- For the Pickle-Onion Jam:
- 2 medium sweet onions, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup diced pickles
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- Optional toppings:
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Extra pickles
Instructions
- Prepare the Pickle-Onion Jam: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook until caramelized, about 15 minutes. Stir in diced pickles, sugar, and vinegar. Cook for another 5 minutes, then set aside.
- Make the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle brine. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and toast them on the skillet until golden brown. Set aside.
- Shape the Beef: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions. Roll each into a loose ball – no need to pack them tightly.
- Sear and Smash: Heat your skillet or griddle over high heat until it’s smoking hot. Add a ball of beef and smash it flat using a spatula or burger press. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes until the edges are crispy, then flip. Add a slice of cheese on top and cook for another 1 minute.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread secret sauce on both halves of the toasted buns. Place the patty on the bottom bun, top with pickle-onion jam, and finish with the top bun and any optional toppings.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the skillet – cook one or two patties at a time. Smash the beef within the first 30 seconds of cooking to get that perfect caramelized crust. For easier smashing, place a small piece of parchment between the spatula and beef to prevent sticking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: smashed burgers, juicy burgers, secret sauce, pickle-onion jam, beef patties, diner burgers, homemade burgers