SMASH burger process

[Redwng]

I found some 6" diameter parchment paper on Amazon, works really good for this process.

[nikolausp]

Yup, I use something similar from Amazon... mine are 9 inch circles... less precision required in the rush to SMASH quickly haha.

[DogFaced PonySoldier]

I agree, I think 6" would be a little small. Personally, I like just plain parchment paper in a box, cut off a strip about 7-8" deep, then cut that in half, so I have 2 pieces about equal rectangles. These two pieces allow me to do LOTS of smashburgers... probably 40 patties or more.

[jfmorris]

I do what DogFaced PonySoldier does - just tear a strip of it off the roll, and then cut that in half with scissors. I can do dozens of burgers with one or two squares.

[Maxriptin]

Great detailed write up. A buddy of mine asked me to text him what I do. A similar process to yours but had to abbreviate a lot to fit it in a text. I use a blackstone on high. 4oz balls with minimal work. Usually store bought 80/20 unless I had recently trimmed a brisket and/or NY strip roast. I get the roast completely untrimmed from the butcher so I can put the fat and carvings to use for ground beef. I too use parchment paper (burger papers from a restaurant store.) When I smash, I smash and hold for about 10 seconds pushing down hard. I find I get a great fast crust that way and it also seems the release is cleaner as well. I season with Tony C's. Wait for the juices start to develop on the surface then flip. Season again, drop on the cheese and get ready to remove. It happens so fast!

[fzxdoc]

Here’s what I’ve found is the best way for making smash burgers that don’t stick to your hamburger press/spatula or whatever, and it’s a lot less trouble. Wrap some aluminum foil around it, shiny side down facing the burger. Guaranteed not to stick and you don’t have to mess with parchment paper.

Good tip, PJ. I use your method but with the non-stick aluminum foil ( the dull non-stick side facing out) wrapped around my spatula. Works great every time. It's good to know if I ever run out of non-stick foil that regular foil will work the same.

I went the parchment paper squares route for a while and although it mostly worked, every once in a while, especially when the griddle was super-duper hot, the parchment would catch fire.
Fire+Griddle Grease=YIKES!

Not having CaptainMike around to save the day, I ditched that method. The non-stick foil works great for me and my griddle.

Kathryn

[CaptainMike]

Hahahaha, damsels in distress was my specialty!

[nikolausp]

Thanks for sharing.... I had never heard of non-stick aluminum foil, and I'll look for some!

[nikolausp]

Wow..... Amazon was fast today! My NonStick foil already arrived while I was out to dinner a couple hours ago! lol

[rlozinak]

They look wonderful. Thanks for the write up.

[Clawbear57]

Well I looking forward to making smash burgers when I get my new toy 🍔.

[bmillin]

Great writeup, thanks. I would add - try Oklahoma Onion Burgers. Same process for the most part. The ball of meat goes on the griddle, then a generous amount of thinly sliced onion. More than you would think as it cooks down quite a bit.

The onion creates a buffer between the smash-er and the smash-ee. You can really put some weight on it if you use a cast iron press. Cook until the edges are browning, then flip to finish caramelizing the onions.

I get more request for these than smashburgers.

[Mosca]

I’ve seen them done with the onions on the griddle, then the burger smashed into them; and also with the burger on the griddle first, then onions on top and smashed. Have you tried both ways? I’ve always done onions first. Then when you flip, they’re on top.

[nikolausp]

The classic Oklahoma Onion Burger is definitely burger down first to start, topped by the mound of onions.

George Motz is certainly a great person to emulate for this technique. Link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wm-rPBkW2o

[nikolausp]

Well I looking forward to making smash burgers when I get my new toy 🍔.

Niiiiiice.... what new toy are you getting?

[STEbbq]

He won a Weber gas grill.

https://pitmaster.amazingribs.com/forum/main/gold-medal-giveaway-winners/1465726-august-2023-great-giveaway-four-sweepstakes-winners