You know what beats feeling hunger pangs when it’s 95 degrees outside and you’re feeling low on energy? Getting those same crispy-edged burgers that check off all the classic fast food cravings without major hassles.
Whether you’re firing up the outdoor grill or staying cool with indoor pan cooking, smash burgers give you restaurant-quality results fast. With this guide, you can get the perfect indoor or outdoor smash burgers for the ideal summer bites.
What Is a Smash Burger?
A smash burger has a thin beef patty that gets pressed flat on a scorching hot cooking surface with a spatula or burger press. This technique gets maximum contact between the meat and that hot surface. In doing so, the patty builds up a crispy, caramelized crust through browning while the inside stays tender and juicy.
How Much Do You Need to Flip the Patty?
Flip your smash burger patty once after 2–3 minutes when the edges turn brown and get crispy. The thin shape allows the patty to cook quickly from both the bottom heat and the heat moving through the meat.
Indoor pan cooking works the same way, but outdoor grilling might need an extra 30 seconds per side because of heat loss from wind and changing temperatures. Watch for those visual cues when following a burger patty recipe.
Classic Outdoor Smash Burger Tips
Getting the outdoor smashed burger right takes good technique and timing. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with loose beef balls (about 3–4 oz each) at room temperature
- Use a cast-iron skillet or griddle plate on your grill for even heat
- Heat the surface until it’s around 400–450°F
- Drop the beef ball and smash right away with a spatula for 10–15 seconds
- Season with salt and pepper right after smashing
- Leave the patty alone so it builds that crust
When cooking for groups, shape your meat into balls before guests arrive. This prep lets you smash multiple patties fast without losing steam during cooking. Keep those formed balls covered and cold until you’re ready to cook.
How Do You Get a Crispy Crust?
Proper surface prep and heat control are key. Some aspects to consider:
- Keep your grill grates or cooking surface clean and well-oiled so nothing sticks and you get even browning.
- Don’t move the patty once it hits the surface; let it build that golden-brown crust without messing with it.
- If flames start flaring up, move the skillet to a cooler spot on the grill while maintaining heat. This helps avoid burning the outside before the inside cooks.
How to Grill a Burger in a Pan: Tips for Indoors
Not everyone has a backyard or outdoor grill, especially if you’re living in an apartment in the city. While a staple of summertime hangouts, grill cooking can add extra heat on an already hot day.
For anyone who wants to keep things simple, smash burgers provide a fast, crisp, and clean option that works great on your stovetop.
Steps for indoor pan-cooking include:
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan or cast-iron skillet for even heat
- Heat on medium-high until the pan gets hot (test with a water drop)
- Add a small amount of neutral oil with a high smoke point
- Smash the patty right when it hits the pan’s surface
- Open windows or use your exhaust fan to handle smoke and heat
- Keep a splatter screen handy to contain any grease
How Do You Keep Smash Burgers Juicy?
Keeping smash burgers juicy is all about controlling pressure and timing. One firm press is effective enough for the ideal thinness and sealing in flavor. An important trick is to avoid pressing down while the burger is cooking. This would squeeze out the natural juices that keep the meat tender and tasty.
Why These Burgers Are a Summer Season Smash
Here are five reasons smash burgers rule summer:
- Speed: Thin patties cook fast, so you spend less time over the heat
- Flavor: The browning effect creates perfectly charred edges in minutes
- Quick cooking: Ready in 5–7 minutes on a hot surface
- Less heat exposure: Fast cooking keeps you out of the heat
- Simple setup: Minimal equipment needed (pan/skillet and spatula)
Summer Meal Ideas: How to Complement Your Burgers
Building the perfect summer smash burger meal goes way beyond just the patty. The right sides and sauces can boost your burger experience, giving you a satisfying summer meal that’s refreshingly balanced for hot weather.
Great Summer Sides:
- Classic Picks: Crispy fries, onion rings, creamy coleslaw
- Fresh Summer Sides: Grilled corn on the cob, cucumber salad, chilled watermelon slices
- Creative Options: Sweet potato fries, grilled seasonal vegetables, pasta salad with herbs
Smash Burger Sauces:
- Special sauce blend (mayo, ketchup, pickle juice, and your favorite spices)
- Garlic aioli with fresh herbs
- BBQ sauce with a smoky kick
- Chipotle mayo for heat lovers
- Classic mustard and ketchup combo
Refreshing Drink Matches:
- Ice-cold ciders or fresh lemonade
- Iced tea or fruit-infused water
- Milkshakes for the ultimate treat
- Sparkling water with citrus for a lighter choice
What Toppings Go Best on Smash Burgers?
Smash burgers work best when you keep things simple, so toppings should boost rather than hide the crispy patty. Classic combos work great: fresh lettuce, ripe tomato, thinly sliced onion, and your favorite cheese.
Add pickles for a tangy hit and bacon for extra richness. The thin patty handles bold flavors well, so feel free to try different cheese types or specialty condiments.
Sweating the Prep? Try Tasty Takeout
No grill or tools? No problem. Sometimes the best summer meal fix is letting the pros handle the cooking. With burger restaurants in no short supply, you’re spoilt for choice. Keep an eye out for quality ingredients like 100% Angus beef, seasoning, and delicately constructed smashed options.
Check out full menus for an array of summer-ready milkshakes and sides to complement your delicious burger that lets you chill on those scorching days.
