BBQ Smash Burgers
Crispy, lacy-edged smash burgers with tangy BBQ sauce, melted cheddar, and pickled onions. Diner-style perfection.
Grilling
4.9
· 35 ratings
🕐 Prep: 10 min
|
🔥 Cook: 8 min
|
⏱️ Total: 18 min
Ingredients
- ▸ 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- ▸ 4 brioche buns
- ▸ 4 slices sharp cheddar
- ▸ 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
- ▸ 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- ▸ 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- ▸ 1 tsp sugar
- ▸ Dill pickle slices
- ▸ Butter lettuce leaves
- ▸ Salt and pepper
- ▸ 1 tbsp vegetable oil
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Instructions
Quick-Pickle the Onions
- 1. Toss sliced red onion with vinegar and sugar. Let sit while you cook.
Smash and Cook
- 1. Divide beef into 4 equal balls (about 4 oz each). Do NOT season yet.
- 2. Heat skillet over high heat until smoking. Add a thin layer of oil.
- 3. Place a beef ball on the skillet. Cover with parchment and press HARD with a spatula until very thin. Season with salt and pepper.
- 4. Cook 2-3 minutes until edges are deeply crispy and brown. Flip.
- 5. Add cheese immediately. Cook 1-2 more minutes.
- 6. Assemble: bun, lettuce, patty, BBQ sauce, pickled onions, pickles, top bun.
Cook's Notes
- 💡 The smash must happen within the first 30 seconds, before the meat sets.
- 💡 80/20 beef is essential — leaner meat won't get crispy edges.
- 💡 Don't touch it after smashing until it's time to flip.