The summer season is upon us, but there are still days we don’t have time for the production of grilling out. Smash burgers are a great way to get those summertime vibes without having to cook outdoors. And smash burgers are flavorful, fast, and easy.
Whenever I’m in the city, like New York, I make it a POINT to go to Shake Shack, their smash burgers are beyond. I was also SO excited when the chain made it’s way to Chicago and Miami… because I travel there, that meant more chances for a visit!
But since it’s both been a long time since I’ve traveled to these cities, and I don’t have plans on the near horizon to make a trip there, it was time to make smash burgers right here at home.
These are always a win for our burger-loving family. Add in the copy cat shake shack sauce, and it will blow your family away. We love this creamy blend of sweet, tangy, sour, and spice.
It’s such a hit I knew I just had to share this recipe with you. Keep reading for all the easy directions to make delicious smash burgers and copycat shack sauce for your family.
What is a Smash Burger
You may be wondering what is a smash burger. It’s pretty straightforward. Smash burgers are a thin burger that gets smashed on a griddle while they cook.
Cooking smash burgers this way creates a flavorful crust with lots of delicious brown bits.
Due to their thin nature smash burgers come out well done. You could get a smash burger that is pink in the middle if you cook it on a higher heat so the outside cooks more quickly.
To Smash or Not to Smash, That Is the Question
You may have heard that you aren’t supposed to smash your burger patty while you are cooking. This is true if you are looking for a thick juicy burger on the grill, especially because the juices fall right through the grill grates and are lost on the coals.
When cooking smash burgers, which are not cooked on a grill, you are going for a thinner, crispier burger.
You smash the burger once, not continuously, at the very beginning of cooking on a griddle before the fats liquefy. So, in turn, smash burgers should not be dry by any means.
If you are unsure of your cooking skills it is better to cook your burger on a lower heat for longer. It’s all about those browned crispy bits that give your smash burgers lots of flavors.
But be wary of burning your smash burgers to a bitter black. That’s not tasty or good for your health.
TIP: If you don’t have a griddle, you could also try cooking smash burgers in a cast iron skillet.
How to Make Flavorful Smash Burgers
When making great smash burgers (or any burger for that matter) it’s important to start with good quality meat. That’s why Omaha Steaks is our go-to for steaks and burgers.
We use the Omaha Steak Burger for our smash burgers. The beef is naturally aged for at least 21 days which ensures its tenderness and robust beefy flavor. And the meat is twice ground for great flavor and texture.
It really makes for a delicious burger.
Keep the Omaha Steaks seasoning on hand as well – we use it for seasoning all of our burgers and steaks!
Plus, I always make sure to watch for the package deals and stock our freezer monthly when I find a good one! This way, I’m always prepared.
How to Cook Smash Burgers
1) Butter the buns and toast them on the skillet first.
2) Season your burgers with Omaha’s Steak Seasoning.
3) Smash the burger on the skillet and cook the first side for approximately 7 minutes. Flip it when you start to see the dark brown crispy bits around the lower edge.
4) Cook the other side for approximately 5 minutes and remove from the heat when you see browning.
5) If melted cheese is desired on top, place slices and cover with a lid to retain the heat.
How to Make Copycat Shake Shack Sauce
If you enjoy mayo or a cream-based sauce on your burger then you will love this copycat shake shack sauce. It is rich, creamy, savory, tangy, and oh so delicious. We enjoy adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of kick to this sauce but feel free to season to your preference.
Place all of the ingredients in a bowl and mix them together with a fork or whisk. It’s that simple.
Copycat Shake Shack Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp pickle brine
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- pinch of cayenne (optional)
Final Thoughts on THOSE Flavorful Smash Burgers
Our family is so excited about summer this year. It seems like a time of renewal for us all. Smash burgers will be a definite highlight of our summer enjoyment.
Good food feeds the spirit. It is my hope that this recipe feeds your family with all the delights of the summer sun, family time, and fun.
How to Make Flavorful Smash Burgers With Copycat Shake Shack Sauce
Ingredients
Copycat Shake Shack Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp pickle brine
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- pinch of cayenne (optional)
Flavorful Smash Burgers
- 8 potato buns
- 8 Omaha Steaks burger patties
- 8 slices American cheddar cheese
- Lettuce
- Omaha Steaks seasoning
- 1 tbsp butter
Instructions
How to Cook Smash Burgers
- Butter the buns and toast them on the skillet first.
- Season your burgers with Omaha's Steak Seasoning.
- Smash the burger on the skillet and cook the first side for approximately 7 minutes. Flip it when you start to see the dark brown crispy bits around the lower edge.
- Cook the other side for approximately 5 minutes and remove from the heat when you see browning.
- If melted cheese is desired on top, place slices and cover with a lid to retain the heat.
How to Make Copycat Shake Shack Sauce
Add ingredients for sauce in a small bowl, mix and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1118Total Fat: 72gSaturated Fat: 27gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 34gCholesterol: 294mgSodium: 819mgCarbohydrates: 31gFiber: 4gSugar: 6gProtein: 82g
If you like these smash burgers we think you may also like some of our other great grilling tips like this post on burger doneness. And if you have more time to make a special summer feast try making this mouthwatering BBQ charcuterie board with slow cooker ribs. The ribs are surprisingly easy, but the display looks very impressive to your family or guests.
Have an amazing summer and let us know your favorite burger toppings in the comments below.
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