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Flavorful Smash Burger Tacos Recipe with Easy Zesty Pickled Onions

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Juicy smash burger patties with crispy edges wrapped in soft tortillas and topped with quick zesty pickled onions for a tangy, flavorful taco experience. Perfect for fast, fun weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (or American cheese for meltiness)
  • 1–2 tablespoons vegetable oil or canola oil (for searing)
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) water
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas
  • Handful fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, sour cream, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Make the Zesty Pickled Onions: In a small bowl or jar, combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir or shake until sugar and salt dissolve. Add thinly sliced red onions, pressing them down to submerge. Let sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes while preparing the burgers.
  2. Prepare the Beef: Place ground beef in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, gently mix just to combine. Divide into 4 equal portions and loosely form into balls about 3 inches in diameter.
  3. Heat Your Skillet: Place cast iron skillet over medium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Cook the Smash Burgers: Place two beef balls in the skillet without overcrowding. Using a sturdy flat spatula, firmly press down each ball to flatten into thin patties about 1/4 inch thick. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are dark golden and crispy.
  5. Flip and Add Cheese: Flip each patty carefully to reveal caramelized crust. Add a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through.
  6. Warm the Tortillas: While cooking patties, warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp cloth for about 30 seconds until pliable.
  7. Assemble the Tacos: Place a smash burger patty on each tortilla. Top generously with zesty pickled onions, fresh cilantro, and any other desired toppings like jalapeños or avocado slices.
  8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot and juicy for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Use high heat for a crispy crust. Don’t over-handle the beef to keep patties tender. Smash firmly but not too thin to retain juiciness. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Pickled onions can be made ahead and taste better after sitting overnight. Add oil to spatula or skillet if patties stick. Warm tortillas before assembling. Variations include using ground turkey or chicken, swapping toppings, or using gluten-free tortillas.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, pickled onions, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, comfort food, zesty onions, crispy burger

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/flavorful-smash-burger-tacos-recipe-with-easy-zesty-pickled-onions/