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Crispy Smash Burger Tacos with Special Sauce and Pickled Onion

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A quick and easy fusion recipe combining crispy smashed beef patties with tangy pickled onions and a creamy special sauce, served in warm tortillas for a fun and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 8–10 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (120ml) white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus extra for seasoning beef)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 ounces (115g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon pickle juice (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Pickle the Onions: Combine ½ cup white vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl. Add thinly sliced yellow onions and stir. Let sit for at least 20 minutes.
  2. Make the Special Sauce: Whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 tablespoon pickle juice if using. Adjust seasoning and set aside.
  3. Prepare the Beef: Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz or 60g each). Keep loosely packed.
  4. Cook the Patties: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil or butter in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place one beef portion in skillet, smash firmly to about ¼-inch thick, season with salt and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes without moving until edges are crispy and browned. Flip and cook another minute. Repeat for all patties.
  5. Assemble the Tacos: Warm tortillas until soft. Place a crispy patty on each tortilla, sprinkle with shredded cheddar, add pickled onions, and drizzle with special sauce. Fold and serve immediately.

Notes

Do not press patties too hard or for too long to keep them juicy. Use a very hot skillet for crispy edges. Thinly slice onions for quicker pickling. The special sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a week. Warm tortillas gently to avoid cracking. For less sharp pickled onions, rinse briefly under cold water before using.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, special sauce, pickled onion, quick dinner, easy recipe, crispy burger, fusion taco

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/crispy-smash-burger-tacos-recipe-easy-5-step-guide-with-special-sauce-and-pickled-onion/