Smash Burgers with Caramelized Onions (Print version)
Crispy-edged smash burgers layered with melty American cheese, toasted buns, and sweet caramelized onions.
# Ingredients:
For the caramelized onions
01 -
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
02 -
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
03 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
04 -
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
05 -
1-2 tablespoons water, as needed
For the burgers
06 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) 80/20 ground beef
07 -
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
08 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 -
6 slices American cheese
10 -
6 soft burger buns, split
11 -
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
12 -
2 tablespoons ketchup
13 -
1 tablespoon yellow mustard
14 -
1 tablespoon pickle juice
15 -
Dill pickle chips, for serving
16 -
Shredded lettuce, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat the butter and olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for 30-35 minutes, stirring often, until soft and golden brown. Add a splash of water if the pan looks dry. Transfer to a bowl and keep warm.
02 -
Stir the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice together in a small bowl. Set it near the stove with the cheese, buns, pickles, and lettuce.
03 -
Divide the ground beef into 6 loose balls, about 4 ounces (115 g) each. Handle the meat lightly and do not flatten it yet.
04 -
Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Toast the cut sides of the buns until golden, then move them to plates.
05 -
Increase the heat to high. Place 2 or 3 beef balls in the skillet, leaving room between them. Cover each with a square of parchment and press hard with a sturdy spatula until about 1/4 inch thick. Season with salt and pepper.
06 -
Cook for about 2 minutes, until the edges are browned and crisp. Scrape under each patty, flip, top with cheese, and cook 1 minute more, or until the beef reaches 160°F and the cheese melts.
07 -
Spread sauce on the toasted buns. Add lettuce and pickles, then the cheesy patties and a spoonful of warm caramelized onions. Close the buns and serve right away.
# Good to know:
01 -
Best served immediately after cooking for the crispest edges.
02 -
Caramelized onions can be made up to 3 days ahead and reheated gently.
03 -
Cook ground beef patties to 160°F for food safety.