Lachie Strachan’s recipe for BBQ Smashed Burgers

Lachie Strachan’s recipe for BBQ Smashed Burgers

Here’s a mouthwatering recipe for BBQ smashed burgers that balances juicy beef, crispy edges, and smoky BBQ flavour:

Ingredients:

• Ground beef – 700g (80/20 beef to fat ratio for the best flavour)
• Salt – 1 tsp
• Black pepper – 1 tsp
• Garlic powder – 1/2 tsp
• Onion powder – 1/2 tsp
• Butter – 1-2 tbsp (for toasting buns)
• Cheddar cheese – 4 slices (or cheese of choice)
• Brioche buns – 4 buns
• BBQ sauce – 1/2 cup (use your Favorite brand or homemade)
• Yellow mustard – 2 tbsp
• Pickles – 8-10 slices
• Red onion – thinly sliced
• Optional topping – lettuce or tomato slices

For the Burger Smash:

• Cast iron skillet or griddle plate (preferably)
• Parchment paper – helps with the smash technique
• Spatula – for smashing the patties flat

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Skillet or Griddle:
   • Heat your cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot (about 5 minutes). You want it almost smoking for the perfect sear.
2. Form the Beef Balls:
   • Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion loosely into a ball—don’t pack them tightly; you want some air pockets for the smash.
3. Season the Meat:
   • Season the top of each beef ball with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Toast the Buns:
   • Butter the brioche buns lightly and toast them face down on the skillet or griddle for 1-2 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
5. Smash the Burgers:
   • Place one beef ball onto the hot skillet or griddle. Using a spatula with parchment paper (or a burger press), smash the ball flat to a thin patty, about ¼ inch thick. Hold for 10 seconds to ensure a good sear.
6. Sear and Cook:
   • Cook the smashed patty for about 2 minutes until the edges are crispy and brown. Flip the patty and cook for another 1 minute. Immediately place a slice of cheese on the hot patty to melt.
7. Repeat for All Patties:
   • Repeat the smashing and cooking process for the remaining beef balls.
8. Add BBQ Sauce and Mustard:
   • While the cheese melts, mix BBQ sauce and mustard together. Spread this mixture generously on both sides of the toasted buns.
9. Assemble the Burgers:
   • On the bottom bun, layer pickles, red onion slices, and lettuce or tomato if desired. Place the cheesy smashed burger patty on top. Add an extra drizzle of BBQ sauce if you love it saucy.
10. Serve:

• Top the burger with the other half of the bun and serve hot! You can pair it with fries, coleslaw, or grilled veggies for the perfect BBQ meal.

Pro Tips:

• Use parchment paper: This helps the spatula slide easily when smashing and prevents sticking.
• Get the pan HOT: A ripping hot skillet ensures you get that crispy, caramelized edge that makes smashed burgers amazing.
• Extra BBQ flavour: You can even baste the patties with a little BBQ sauce right after the first flip for an extra layer of flavour.

Enjoy your ultimate BBQ smashed burger experience!