Smash Burgers with Caramelized Onions
Juicy, crispy smash burgers topped with sweet caramelised onions—perfect for a rich, indulgent meal.
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
- 450 grams ground beef (80/20)
- salt – to taste
- black pepper – to taste
- 4 burger buns
- 4 cheddar cheese slices (optional)
- butter for toasting buns
For Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large Onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- salt to taste
Optional Toppings:
- lettuce – as needed
- tomato slices – as needed
- pickles – as needed
- ketchup, mustard, mayo – as desired
Instructions
Caramelize onions:
- Heat butter or oil in a pan on medium-low heat.
- Add onions and a pinch of salt.
- Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and golden.
- Add sugar in the last 5 minutes if using.
- Set aside.
Preheat pan:
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle on high heat until very hot.
- Lightly grease if needed.
Prepare beef:
- Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently roll into balls without pressing tightly.
Smash patties:
- Place a beef ball on the hot pan and press down firmly using a spatula to form a thin patty.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Cook patties:
- Cook for 2–3 minutes until edges are crispy.
- Flip, add cheese if using, and cook another 1–2 minutes until done.
Toast buns:
- Spread butter on buns and toast on the pan for 30–60 seconds until golden.
Assemble burgers:
- Place the patty on the bun bottom, top with caramelized onions, add desired toppings and sauces, then cover with the bun top.
Cooking:
- Cook on high heat for a crispy crust while keeping the inside juicy.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
Notes
Pro Tips:
✔ Use high-fat beef for juicier burgers
✔ Smash only once for crispy edges
✔ Do not overcrowd the pan
✔ Slow-cook onions for best sweetness
✔ Serve immediately while hot and crisp
✔ Smash only once for crispy edges
✔ Do not overcrowd the pan
✔ Slow-cook onions for best sweetness
✔ Serve immediately while hot and crisp