Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for onions)
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- Smoked sea salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking patties)
- 4 slices American cheese, optional
Buns and Toppings
- Butter, for toasting buns
- 4 soft hamburger buns
- Lettuce
- Tomato slices
- Pickles
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Your favorite burger toppings
Instructions
- Heat oil and cook onions: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened. Season lightly with smoked sea salt and black pepper. Transfer onions to a plate and set aside.
- Prepare beef patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently form into balls. Lightly flatten the balls with a burger press or spatula to prepare for smashing.
- Heat oil for patties: Heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil on a large griddle or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Smash and cook patties: Place one beef ball onto the hot surface and immediately smash it into a thin patty about ¼-inch thick using a sturdy spatula or burger press. Hold the pressure for 20 to 30 seconds to form a crust.
- Add onions to patties: Top the smashed patty with a generous handful of the cooked onions, gently pressing them into the meat.
- Cook first side: Let the burger cook for 4 to 5 minutes without moving it to develop a deep brown crust.
- Flip and season: Carefully flip the burger, gathering any fallen onions and placing the patty back on top. Season with smoked sea salt and black pepper.
- Cook second side: Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the burger is cooked to your desired doneness. If using cheese, add a slice during the last minute and allow it to melt.
- Toast buns: While burgers cook, butter the cut sides of the hamburger buns and toast them on a griddle or skillet until golden brown.
- Assemble burgers: Place each cooked burger patty on a toasted bun. Spoon any remaining onions over the top and add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and mustard.
- Serve: Serve the burgers immediately while hot and juicy.
Notes
- Using 80/20 ground beef ensures juicy and flavorful patties due to the right fat content.
- Smashing the patties thinly helps create a crispy crust for texture contrast.
- Cook onions just until softened to maintain some texture and sweetness.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite burger toppings beyond those listed.
- The recipe is best enjoyed immediately for optimal crispness and juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American