Smash Burgers on the Blackstone

Cooking the perfect smash burger on a Blackstone Griddle is easier than you think. With just a few simple ingredients and the right technique, anyone can make a juicy, flavorful burger that will impress family and friends. The key to an amazing smash burger is using ground beef with a higher fat content, like 80/20, to ensure juiciness and flavor.

Preheat your Blackstone Griddle to medium-high heat. Form your beef into balls, and get ready to smash. By pressing the beef flat on the hot griddle, you create a thin patty with deliciously crispy edges. Season each patty with your favorite burger seasoning to enhance the taste even more.

Toast your burger buns on the griddle using the leftover grease for extra flavor. In just minutes, you can flip the patties, and they will be ready to serve with your preferred toppings. This straightforward recipe will make you a smash burger expert in no time.

Gathering the Essentials

To make perfect smash burgers on a Blackstone griddle, you need high-quality ingredients and the right tools. These are crucial for creating delicious, juicy burgers that everyone will love.

Selecting Quality Ingredients

The foundation of a great smash burger is ground beef. Opt for meat with an 80/20 fat ratio. This means the meat is 80% lean and 20% fat, which ensures the burgers are juicy and flavorful. Fat is essential as it melts during cooking, adding flavor and keeping the meat moist.

Choose burger buns that are soft yet sturdy enough to hold all the toppings. Toasting the buns on the griddle helps them soak up flavor without getting soggy.

For seasoning, a mix of salt and pepper works well. American cheese is the classic choice for melted cheese on smash burgers due to its perfect melting quality. Don’t forget oil for greasing the griddle and butter for extra flavor.

Required Equipment

Utilizing the right equipment makes cooking smash burgers easier and more efficient. A Blackstone griddle is ideal for its large cooking surface which helps in cooking multiple burgers at once.

A burger press is key for smashing the beef balls into thin patties. Use parchment paper between the burger and the press to prevent sticking.

Spatulas are essential for flipping the burgers without breaking them apart. A strong, flat spatula works best for handling the thin, smashed patties on the griddle.

Lastly, ensure you have a reliable thermometer to check the temperature of the griddle. Cooking at medium-high heat (around 400°F to 450°F) ensures the patties get a good sear, adding to the flavor and texture.

Preparation Instructions

To make perfect smash burgers on a Blackstone griddle, preparation is key. This section covers forming the patties, seasoning the beef, and toasting the buns to ensure a flavorful and juicy result.

Forming the Patties

Start with ground beef that has around 80/20 fat content. This ratio balances juiciness and flavor. Scoop out loose balls of beef, about 4 ounces each.

Do not overwork the meat; handle it just enough to form the balls. Press down on each ball with a burger press or spatula to flatten them to about 1/4 inch thick.

Flattening the patties helps in creating crispy edges. The even thickness ensures they cook uniformly.

Seasoning the Beef

Season the top side of each patty generously with salt and pepper. Salt enhances the natural flavors, while pepper adds a subtle heat.

Seasoning should be done just before the patties go on the griddle to prevent drawing out excess moisture. Seasoning the other side should happen after the patty is flipped.

Using simple seasonings keeps the flavors clean and lets the beef shine.

Toasting the Buns

Use hamburger buns, preferably brioche, for the best taste. Spread a thin layer of salted butter on the cut sides of the buns.

Place the buns, butter-side down, on the griddle. Toast them until they turn golden brown and crispy. This should take about 1-2 minutes on medium-high heat.

Toasting the buns in the beef fat left on the griddle adds extra flavor. Remove the buns once toasted and set them aside until the patties are ready.

Cooking on the Blackstone Griddle

Cooking on the Blackstone Griddle is all about harnessing high heat and mastering the smashing technique to achieve the perfect sear on your patties. Follow these steps to make delicious smash burgers with juicy, flavorful results.

Heating the Griddle

Begin by heating your Blackstone griddle to high heat. Preheating is essential as it ensures that the burgers get a good sear and cook quickly without losing their juices.

Place the griddle on high heat for several minutes. You can check if it’s hot enough by sprinkling a few drops of water on the surface. If the water sizzles and evaporates quickly, the griddle is ready for cooking.

Preheat the griddle to around 400-450°F to ensure the surface is hot enough to sear the patties quickly.

Smashing Technique

Place balls of ground beef on the hot griddle. Using a sturdy spatula or burger press, smash each ball firmly until it is about 1/4 inch thick. Press hard but quickly to ensure maximum contact with the hot surface.

This smashing technique creates a larger surface area, allowing the patty to develop a crispy, caramelized crust while sealing in the juices. Season the top side of each patty with your preferred burger seasoning right after smashing.

Using a smashing tool specifically designed for burgers can help apply even pressure and achieve a uniform shape.

Achieving the Perfect Sear

The perfect sear is a balance between high heat and cooking time. Once the patties are smashed, let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes. This allows the Maillard reaction to create a flavorful crust.

Avoid pressing down further on the patties or moving them around. This helps keep the juices inside the burger, making it juicy and tender.

Toast the hamburger buns by dabbing the cut sides in the residual grease on the griddle. Toasting the buns in this way adds extra flavor and prevents sogginess.

For additional flavor, you can add sliced onions to the griddle, cooked in a bit of butter and seasoning until caramelized.

Assembling the Smash Burger

Assembling a smash burger properly balances the juicy patty, crispy bun, and fresh toppings. Each component needs a specific place to enhance flavor and texture.

Layering Toppings and Condiments

Start with the bottom bun. Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise to create a barrier that keeps the bun from getting soggy. Place the cooked patty on top.

Next, layer a slice of American cheese directly on the hot patty so it melts slightly. Add ketchup and mustard sparingly; too much can overpower the burger.

Include crisp lettuce and a slice of juicy tomato for freshness. Add pickle slices for crunch and a bit of tang. Finally, top with sautéed or raw onions, depending on your preference.

Final Touches

Now turn to the top bun. Lightly spread mayonnaise or a mix of ketchup and mustard. Toast the bun on the griddle for added texture.

Carefully place the top bun on the assembled burger. Press gently to help the condiments and toppings meld without causing the burger to spill.

Consider wrapping the burger in parchment paper for better handling and presentation. This helps keep everything intact and makes it easier to enjoy every bite. Repeat this process for all your burgers.

Serving and Enjoyment

Serving smash burgers on a Blackstone griddle can make for a juicy and delicious family meal. Here’s how to plate them perfectly and what to pair them with for maximum enjoyment.

Plating

When plating smash burgers, presentation matters. Start with toasted buns: dab the cut sides of the hamburger buns in the residual grease on the griddle to add flavor, then toast them until golden brown.

Place the thin, juicy burger patty on the bottom bun. Add toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions. Dress with your favorite condiments—think ketchup, mustard, and mayo.

For an appetizing look, stack neatly and align the toppings properly. Serve on a plate with enough room for your side dish, making it visually appealing.

Side Dish Pairings

Pairing your smash burgers with the right side dishes can enhance the meal. Fries are a crowd favorite. You can opt for classic French fries, sweet potato fries, or even waffle fries.

Coleslaw offers a crunchy, fresh counterpoint to the rich burgers. If you’re looking for something green, a simple salad with a light vinaigrette works well, providing a fresh balance.

For a heartier option, consider mac and cheese or grilled vegetables. These pairings not only add flavor but also provide additional nutrients, making it a well-rounded meal.

Nutritional Information

Smash burgers on the Blackstone Griddle can be a tasty treat.

Calories

A single smash burger patty, using 80/20 ground beef, has about 290 calories. Adding a burger bun can increase the total to approximately 350-400 calories per burger.

Carbohydrates

Most of the carbohydrates come from the bun, which usually has about 20-25 grams. The burger patty itself has minimal carbs, around 1-2 grams.

Saturated Fat

An 80/20 ground beef patty contains about 8 grams of saturated fat. It’s important to monitor intake as high amounts can impact heart health.

Cholesterol

Expect around 70-80 milligrams of cholesterol in each beef patty. This can be a concern for those watching their cholesterol levels.

Sodium

Seasoning adds sodium. A typical smash burger with seasoning might have around 300-350 milligrams of sodium. Using low-sodium seasoning can help reduce this amount.

Iron

Beef is a good source of iron. A smash burger patty provides about 2-3 milligrams of iron, which helps in preventing iron-deficiency anemia.

Trans Fat

If made with pure ground beef and cooked properly, a smash burger has negligible trans fat. Avoid using ingredients that contain hydrogenated oils to keep trans fat levels low.

Fiber

Fiber content in a smash burger comes mainly from the bun and any added vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes. Typically, a burger might have 1-2 grams of fiber.

Using whole-grain buns can increase the fiber content.

Culinary Tips and Tricks

Making smash burgers on a Blackstone griddle requires careful attention to details like cooking technique, temperature, and resting time. Follow these tips to ensure your burgers are evenly cooked, juicy, and delicious.

Ensuring Even Cooking

To achieve consistent results, always preheat the griddle until it is sufficiently hot, around 400°F. This high temperature ensures a good sear on the burger’s exterior.

Place the beef balls on the griddle and use a heavy spatula or a burger press to smash them flat. Employ a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking. This method helps evenly distribute the heat.

Consider rotating the patties occasionally to prevent hot spots from causing uneven cooking.

Maintaining Juiciness

To keep the patties juicy, handle the beef as little as possible. Don’t overwork the meat when forming the balls, and avoid pressing down on the burgers once they are on the griddle.

Season the patties just before cooking to prevent moisture loss. Adding a small pat of butter on top during cooking can also contribute to a richer, juicier flavor.

Resting the Burgers

Resting the burgers before serving allows the juices to redistribute within the meat. Place the cooked patties on a plate and cover them loosely with foil for about five minutes. This short resting period ensures the meat remains juicy and flavorful.

Managing the Griddle Temperature

Maintaining the right temperature is essential. Preheat the griddle on high and then adjust as needed during cooking to keep the temperature steady.

Too hot: Burgers may burn on the outside while remaining raw inside. Too cool: Burgers won’t sear properly, leading to a lack of texture and flavor.

Use an infrared thermometer to check the surface temperature regularly. This simple tool can help in achieving precise control over the cooking process.

Cleaning and Maintaining the Blackstone Griddle

Cleaning and maintaining the Blackstone Griddle is important to keep it in top shape.

Daily Cleaning Steps:

• Cool Down: Let the griddle cool before cleaning.
• Scrape: Use a metal scraper to remove food particles.
• Wipe: Use a paper towel to wipe off grease.
• Water: Pour a bit of water on the hot griddle, then scrape again.
• Oil: Apply a thin layer of oil to prevent rust.

Seasoning the Griddle:

• Heat: Preheat the griddle on high for 10-15 minutes.
• Oil: Apply a thin layer of oil all over.
• Smoke: Let the oil smoke and burn off. Repeat this process 3-4 times.

Maintenance Tips:

• Cover: Always cover the griddle when not in use.
• Inspect: Regularly check for rust or damage.
• Store Indoors: If possible, store the griddle indoors during bad weather.

Essential Tools:

• Metal Scraper: For removing stuck-on food.
• Grill Brush: To scrub off residue.
• Paper Towels: For wiping surfaces.
• Griddle Cover: To protect the griddle.

Important Notes:

• Avoid Soap: Do not use soap as it can strip the seasoning.
• Thin Oil Layers: Use thin layers of oil to season, too much can result in a sticky surface.
• Regular Maintenance: Frequent cleaning and seasoning will extend the griddle’s life.

Regular attention ensures the Blackstone Griddle stays ready for use and delivers great cooking experiences.