Cooking smash burgers on a Blackstone griddle is a simple yet rewarding process that yields deliciously crispy and juicy burgers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you achieve the perfect smash burgers.
Preparation
Ingredients and Equipment
Ground Beef: Use an 80/20 or 25% fat ground beef blend for optimal flavor and texture. For 4 burgers, you’ll need about 1¼ lbs of ground beef[2][3][5].
Seasonings: Kosher salt, black pepper, and optional seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder[3].
Toppings: Onions, bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and any other desired toppings[2][3][5].
Blackstone Griddle: Ensure it is preheated to the correct temperature.
Parchment Paper or Wax Paper: For smashing the burgers.
Burger Press or Heavy-Duty Spatula: Essential for smashing the burgers[3][4][5].
Forming the Burger Patties
Divide the ground beef into equal portions, typically 2½ ounces each or about 1/3 cup of loosely packed meat. Do not pack the meat too tightly, as this will help in achieving a better smash[3][4].
Roll each portion into a loose ball.
Cooking the Smash Burgers
Preheating the Blackstone Griddle
Preheat the Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. For an outdoor gas griddle, set it to medium heat with a surface temperature of about 375°F. For an electric griddle, set the dial to 400°F[2][3][4].
Smashing the Burgers
Once the griddle is hot, place the balls of ground beef onto the griddle surface.
Place a piece of parchment paper or wax paper over each ball of meat.
Use a burger press or a heavy-duty spatula to smash the meat into thin patties. If using two spatulas, form an “X” shape to press the meat down effectively[3][4].
Cooking the Patties
Cook the smashed patties for about 3 to 5 minutes on the first side, or until the bottom is crispy and brown. Do not constantly flip the patties; flipping them only once is crucial to maintaining moisture and crispiness[2][3][5].
Flip the patties and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.
Adding Cheese and Toppings
If using cheese, add it to the patty right before it is fully cooked. This ensures the cheese melts properly without overcooking the burger[2][3].
While the burgers are cooking, you can also grill onions and bacon on the griddle. For onions, cook them over medium-high heat with a pinch of salt and a splash of water until they are golden brown and caramelized[1].
Final Touches
Toasting the Buns
During the last minute of cooking the burgers, toast the hamburger buns on the griddle to add texture and prevent them from becoming soggy[3][4].
Assembling the Burgers
Once the burgers are cooked, assemble them with your desired toppings such as grilled onions, bacon, lettuce, tomato, and pickles.
Key Facts and Tips
Griddle Temperature: Preheat the Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat, with a surface temperature of about 375°F for gas griddles or 400°F for electric griddles[2][3][4].
Smashing Technique: Use parchment paper and a burger press or heavy-duty spatula to smash the burgers into thin patties[3][4][5].
Cooking Time: Cook the patties for 3 to 5 minutes on the first side and 2 to 4 minutes on the second side, or until they are crispy and cooked to your desired doneness[2][3][5].
Flipping: Flip the burgers only once to maintain moisture and crispiness[2][3].
Cheese and Toppings: Add cheese before the burger is fully cooked and grill other toppings like onions and bacon simultaneously[1][2][3].
Alternative Cooking Methods: If you don’t have a Blackstone griddle, you can use a cast iron skillet or other flat top grills to achieve similar results[2][3][4].
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to create delicious smash burgers on your Blackstone griddle that are sure to impress. Enjoy the crispy edges, juicy interiors, and the flexibility to customize with your favorite toppings.
