Smash burgers taste so good because they are formed using a technique known as smashing. This method of burger-making involves taking a ball of freshly ground beef, carefully and intentionally pressing it firmly onto a hot cast iron skillet or flat top griddle to form an ultra-thin patty.
This has the effect of quickly and intensely searing the patty, which locks in its juices and prevents it from drying out while cooking on the grill or griddle. The result is a crispy, caramelized exterior and juicy interior that melts in your mouth and is truly hard to resist.
The addition of cheese, pickles, onions, and other condiments only enhances the overall experience and deliciousness of a smash burger.
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Why is a Smashburger better than a regular burger?
Smashburgers are better than regular burgers because of the unique technique used in preparing the burgers. Unlike regular burgers, the patties for Smashburgers are hand-pressed onto the griddle to create a thin, crispy outer surface that seals in all the juicy, flavorful goodness of the burger.
The smash burgers also use a higher quality meat that is freshly ground at the restaurant and always served hot and juicy after being properly cooked all the way through. Additionally, the toppings are fresh and the buns always smell and taste great.
Smashburgers provide a unique, tasty and high-quality alternative to the traditional, boring burgers we’re all used to!
What does smashing a burger do?
Smashing a burger is a cooking technique used by many chefs to get the optimal sear and crunch on a patty. The idea behind smashing a burger is that it reduces the surface area and allows the beef to contact a greater portion of the pan or griddle, thus creating a better crust.
This technique is particularly useful when cooking thinner burgers and is fairly simple to do. To smash a burger, all you need to do is place the raw burger patty on a hot pan or griddle and press down firmly with the bottom of a spatula.
Pressing down constricts the patty and it should sizzle, crisp and caramelize. Leave the burger for approximately one minute, checked for doneness and then flip it. Continue to cook for another minute or two and enjoy!
Not only does smashing a burger create an amazing flavor and texture, it can also be very beneficial as it cooks the burger quite quickly. This allows the patty to remain juicy while cooking faster, making it a great option for busy kitchens.
Are smashed burgers healthier?
Smashed burgers can be healthier than traditional burgers depending on the type of patty and what ingredients are served with it. While some people may think that smashing the patty produces more fat, this is not the case.
The process of smashing the patty does not increase the fat content, so the nutritional content of the burger will be the same or even lower. Therefore, it is possible to have a healthier burger by using leaner ground meat or opting for a plant-based patty instead of a beef patty.
Additionally, adding healthy toppings like grilled vegetables and low-fat cheese can further reduce the calorie content while adding more nutritional value. All in all, smashed burgers can definitely be a healthier option than traditional burgers, as long as they are prepared appropriately.
Is Five Guys a Smashburger?
No, Five Guys is not a Smashburger. Five Guys is a burger joint that originally opened in 1986 in Arlington, Virginia, and now has over 1,500 locations worldwide. The restaurant is known for its made-to-order burgers, hot dogs, and hand-cut fries.
On the other hand, Smashburger is an American fast casual burger restaurant chain that was founded in 2007 by Rick Schaden and was acquired by Jollibee Foods Corporation in 2019. They are known for their delicious smashburgers, made with their iconic smash method and the freshest ingredients.
While Five Guys and Smashburger are both burger restaurants, they have distinctly different menus and cooking methods.
What cheese is for smash burgers?
Smash burgers are usually served with American cheese, though you could use any other melty cheese such as cheddar, Swiss, pepper jack, or even blue cheese. It is possible to prepare them with classic cheeseburgers that include mayo, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
For more of a “smash” burger experience, griddling the melted cheese over the patty is the best option. To prepare smash burgers with American cheese, first you must form thin patties with the ground beef.
Heat a heavy-bottomed pan or flat griddle over medium-high heat. Place the thin patties on the hot pan and press them firmly with a firm spatula, smashing them flat. Make sure to get the edge of the patty as flat and thin as possible.
Allow the burgers to cook for 3-4 minutes, until the edges become very crispy. Flip the burgers, top each patty with 2-3 slices of American cheese, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese has melted and the burger has cooked through.
Serve immediately!
What is the healthiest way to eat a burger?
The healthiest way to eat a burger is to make it at home, using lean ground beef or plant-based proteins like tempeh, beans, or lentils as the patty. Use whole grain buns and add healthy toppings like lettuce, tomato, red onion, and avocado, if desired.
Consider adding some non-traditional toppings such as hummus, pickled cabbage, grated carrots, jalapeno peppers, or grilled pineapple. Pick mustard, ketchup, or BBQ sauce as your condiment. Serve with a side of fruits or a green salad instead of opt for chips or French fries.
Consider a veggie burger patty instead of meat and load it up with all your favorite fresh veggies. A great way to increase the nutritional content of a typical burger is to pack it with nutrient-dense ingredients like mushrooms, spinach, and roasted peppers.
For a lower-calorie alternative, consider a lettuce wrap burger, rather than a traditional bun.
What is the difference between smash burgers and normal burgers?
Smash burgers and normal burgers have some distinct differences in how they’re prepared and cooked. While normal burgers are typically formed into patties and cooked directly on the grill or in a skillet, smash burgers are made by blending the ingredients together and then cooking the patty on a flat top griddle.
The key to a good smashburger is pressing down on the patty while it’s cooking in order to get a nice crust and create a crunchy texture. The end result is a burger that’s thinner and crispier than a normal burger.
Smash burgers also have a juicier texture, thanks to the extra fat content that gets released during the press. Finally, smash burgers tend to have a more intense, smoky flavor than normal burgers, as the fat is released when it meets the griddle’s intense heat.
Why do restaurants smash burgers?
Smashing burgers is a popular technique used by restaurant chefs and home cooks to ensure their burgers cook evenly and quickly. By smashing the burger, you flatten the ground-meat patty, creating more surface contact with the heat, which in turn produces a more caramelized patty with a crisp exterior and a juicy interior.
Smashing also ensures that the burger won’t shrink, as the structure of the patty is already compressed and more dense. In addition to helping the patties cook faster, the smashing process also allows for the burger juices to caramelize, creating flavor and a unique texture profile.
Finally, smashing burgers results in a visually appealing burger, making it an attractive and delicious meal for customers.
What kind of oil does Smashburger use?
Smashburger uses 100% certified Angus Beef, which is cooked with a special blend of canola oil and butter, a mixture created by Smashburger’s corporate chef and Master Burger Craftsman Chris Grenko. In an interview, Chris mentioned the special blend of oil and butter is a “secret sauce” that creates the signature, crispy outer crust of their burgers.
The oil and butter combination is so important to the burger-making process, that Smashburger requires new franchise owners to participate in their “grill school” to learn how to perfect the combination.
Are smash burgers good for you?
Smash burgers can be a healthy option depending on how they are prepared. While they typically contain beef and cheese, they can also be modified to have additional healthy ingredients like veggies and whole grain buns.
Additionally, they are usually smaller than traditional burgers, making them lower in calories. The amount of fat and sodium can vary depending on the ingredients and how they are cooked, which is why it is important to be mindful of what goes into the burgers.
Overall, smash burgers can be a healthier alternative to a traditional beef burger, but it is important to be mindful of their ingredients and preparation.
Does Smashburger use real meat?
Yes, Smashburger uses 100% real beef for their patties and quality ingredients for their other menu items. All of their beef is typically ground in-house and sourced in the United States. They also use a blend of premium cuts of Angus beef to ensure the best flavor and quality possible.
In addition, Smashburger uses antibiotic-free chicken and only cage-free eggs in the dishes which contain them. They are also focused on using fresh produce, like locally sourced tomatoes and jalapeños, in all of their burgers and sandwiches.
All of their sauces and condiments are made in-house and use natural ingredients, like fresh herbs, to give them a signature flavor.
Does smash burger have protein style?
Yes, Smashburger does offer a protein style burger. The Protein Style burger is a 100% pure beef patty, with no added preservatives or fillers, served on a lettuce bun with white cheddar, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, and mustard.
The protein style burger contains 19g of lean protein, making it a great choice for those looking to follow a balanced diet. Additionally, the lettuce bun swaps out starchy carbs for extra vegetables, making it a nutritious, low-carb option.
How much protein is in a smash burger?
The average smash burger contains 22 grams of protein. This is slightly more than the average regular burger, which typically contains around 18-20 grams of protein. That said, the exact amount of protein in a smash burger will vary slightly depending on the size of the patty and the ingredients used to make it.
If a smash burger is made with extra ingredients, such as cheese and bacon, that may increase the protein content.
What do you smash meat with?
When smashing meat, various tools can be used depending on the desired texture. For instance, if you want to achieve a texture that is similar to a ground beef patty, a meat mallet or heavy pan can be used.
This is a gentle but effective way of smashing the meat and creating a firm texture. Alternatively, for a crumblier texture, such as for chicken or fish cakes, you can use a fork or pastry cutter. Or, if you want to achieve a slightly coarser or lumpier texture, then you can use a steel-tined masher.
The masher is great for breaking down tougher cuts of meat and breaking down connective tissues. Another popular tool for smashing meat is a mortar and pestle; this method will create a much finer texture than the other tools mentioned and is ideal for creating a paste-like consistency.
