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Crispy Cast Iron Smash Burgers Recipe with Secret Sauce

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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy smash burgers cooked in a cast iron skillet, served with a tangy secret sauce made from mayo, ketchup, mustard, and pickle juice.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (coarse kosher salt preferred)
  • 4 slices American or cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 4 soft burger buns, lightly toasted (brioche recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened (for toasting buns)
  • Secret Sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon pickle juice
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Toppings:
  • Thinly sliced red onions
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Pickle slices

Instructions

  1. Mix the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and garlic powder. Stir well and season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate to let flavors meld while you prepare the burgers (about 5 minutes).
  2. Preheat the Cast Iron Skillet: Place your skillet over medium-high heat and let it get smoking hot (about 5 minutes).
  3. Form the Beef Balls: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal balls, about 4 ounces (113g) each. Handle gently to keep the meat tender.
  4. Toast the Buns: Spread softened butter on the cut sides of buns. Once the skillet is hot, toast buns for 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  5. Sear and Smash the Patties: Place one beef ball in the skillet. Immediately press down firmly with your spatula or burger press until the patty is about ¼ inch (6mm) thick. Hold pressure for 10 seconds. Repeat for each patty, cooking 2 at a time to avoid crowding.
  6. Cook the Patties: Let the patty cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are brown and crispy. Flip carefully, add a slice of cheese, and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and the patty is cooked through.
  7. Assemble the Burgers: Spread secret sauce on the bottom bun, add the patty with melted cheese, then toppings: lettuce, onion, pickles, and top with the bun.
  8. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the burgers fresh and hot for the best crispy, juicy experience.

Notes

Keep the skillet very hot for a crispy crust. Press patties firmly and quickly to about ¼ inch thickness. Toast buns with butter for best texture. Let secret sauce chill to meld flavors. Use a paper towel to wipe spatula between smashes to prevent sticking. Adjust heat if skillet smokes too much.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, cast iron skillet, secret sauce, crispy burgers, quick burger recipe, easy dinner, homemade burgers

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/crispy-cast-iron-smash-burgers-recipe-with-secret-sauce-easy-guide/