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Flavorful Smash Burgers Recipe with Caramelized Onions and Special Sauce

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A quick and easy smash burger recipe featuring juicy patties with crispy edges, sweet caramelized onions, and a tangy special sauce. Perfect for casual gatherings and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 sturdy brioche hamburger buns
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon pickle juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Cheese slices (American or sharp cheddar), optional

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook for about 20 minutes until deep golden brown and caramelized.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon pickle juice, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Divide 1 pound of ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently roll each into a loose ball without packing tightly.
  4. Preheat a cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking.
  5. Place one beef ball in the skillet and immediately press down firmly with a spatula to flatten into a thin patty about 1/4 inch thick. Hold pressure for 10 seconds.
  6. Season the patty with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving to build a crust.
  7. Flip the patty carefully, add a slice of cheese if using, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through but still juicy.
  8. While cooking the burgers, slice and toast the buns face down in a separate pan or the same skillet if space allows.
  9. Assemble the burgers by spreading special sauce on the bottom bun, adding the burger patty, topping with caramelized onions, and finishing with the top bun.
  10. Serve immediately while hot with crispy edges and melty cheese.

Notes

If onions start to burn or stick, lower heat and add a splash of water to deglaze. Use a sturdy spatula to prevent patties from tearing. Toast buns last minute to keep them crisp. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Substitute ground turkey or plant-based meat for beef and vegan mayo for a vegetarian version.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, caramelized onions, special sauce, quick burger recipe, easy dinner, cast iron skillet burger

Find it online: https://cooksybite.com/flavorful-smash-burgers-recipe-with-caramelized-onions-and-special-sauce-easy-perfect-meal/