Imagine a burger that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside; that's the smash burger! What makes the smash burger recipe different than the other burger recipe lies in how to make the patty.

To make the patty, first, you should shape the ground beef into a ball. Then, put the ball on the skillet or griddle and smash it until it's thin and flat. The result is a patty that is crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.

Another great thing about the smash burger recipe is its versatility. Just like any other burger recipe, you can try to modify the recipe to suit your taste.

Ingredients:

- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)

- Salt and pepper, to taste

- Cheese slices (such as American cheese), optional

- Burger buns

- Toppings and condiments of your choice (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, ketchup, mustard, etc.)

1. Start by preheating a flat griddle or a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. You want the cooking surface to be hot.

2. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper and mix it well. After that, divide the ground beef into small balls, about 3-4 ounces each.

3. Place one ball of ground beef onto the hot griddle or skillet. Use a sturdy spatula or a dedicated burger press to firmly press down on the ball to smash it flat. Press down for a few seconds to create a thin patty. The goal is to achieve a larger surface area in contact with the cooking surface.

6. Carefully flip the patties using the spatula. If you're adding cheese, place a cheese slice on top of each patty. The heat from the patty will help melt the cheese.

7. Continue cooking the patties for another 1-2 minutes (depending on your preferred level of doneness) or until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked to your liking.

8. Transfer the patties to the bottom halves of the burger buns. Top with your choice of toppings and condiments.

1. Choose the Right Meat Blend:
Choose the ground beef with a slightly higher fat content, around 80% lean and 20% fat. This fat content helps in creating a juicy and flavorful burger.

2. Preheat the Cooking Surface:
Whether you're using a griddle or a skillet, make sure it's preheated properly. You want the surface to be hot when you place the patties on it for that perfect sear.

3. Use a Heavy Flat Spatula or Press:
A heavy spatula or burger press is essential to achieve the "smash" and create a thin patty. Press down firmly to flatten the meatball.

4. Season the Patty:
Season the top side of the patty with salt and pepper before flipping it. This ensures that both sides are well-seasoned.

5. Don't Overwork the Meat:
When forming the meatballs, don't overwork the meat. Gently shape them without compacting too much, as this can result in a dense burger.

6. Create a Thin Patty:
The key to a good Smash Burger is a thin patty. The thinness allows for quicker cooking and that sought-after crispy sear.

8. Don't Overwork the Meat:
When forming the meatballs, don't overwork the meat. Gently shape them without compacting too much, as this can result in a dense burger.

9. Keep Toppings Ready:
Smash Burgers cook quickly, so have your cheese slices, buns, and toppings ready to assemble once the patties are done.

10. Don't Overcook:
Smash Burgers cook fast, typically just a couple of minutes per side. Overcooking can lead to a dry patty, so keep an eye on them.

11. Toast the Buns:
For added flavor and texture, lightly toast the burger buns on the cooking surface or in a separate pan before assembling the burgers.

12. Rest the Patties:
Allow the cooked patties to rest for a minute before assembling the burgers. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps the burger moist.

13. Clean the Cooking Surface Between Patties:
If making multiple patties, wipe the cooking surface with a paper towel between batches to prevent the patty from sticking to the griddle or skillet.