Smash Burger Alfresco

Ingredients for Smash Burger Alfresco

• 1 cup finely chopped dill pickles

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons ketchup

• 2 tablespoons sauce from a can of chipotles in adobo

• 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more

• 675g beef mince (20% percent fat)

• 4 potato rolls

• 1/2 head of iceberg lettuce, leaves separated, torn into pieces about the size of the buns

• 1 white onion, very thinly sliced into rings on a mandoline

• 4 thin tomato slices (optional)

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

• 8 slices American cheese

Prepare a grill for high heat. Place a cast-iron griddle, flat side up, on grate; heat until very hot, at least 20 minutes.

Mix together pickles, mayonnaise, ketchup, adobo sauce, and 1/2 teaspoons salt in a medium bowl; set special sauce aside.

Divide beef into eight 90g portions (don’t form into patties). Place 4 portions between 2 sheets of parchment paper, spacing 6" apart, and, using a meat mallet or skillet, firmly smash to create thin patties, about 5" across. Transfer to a baking sheet. Repeat with remaining portions and fresh parchment paper.

Wrap all the buns together in a large sheet of foil to make a packet (this will keep buns soft and from getting too toasted on the grill). Place packet on grate and grill, turning once, until buns are warmed through, about 1 minute. Spread sauce over cut sides of buns. Place 3–4 pieces of lettuce on bottom buns and top each with some onion and a tomato slice, if using.

Drizzle oil over griddle and use paper towels to evenly coat surface. The oil needs to be hot; you should see smoke almost instantly. Season patties lightly with salt. Place 4 on griddle, seasoned side down, and season top sides lightly with salt. Cook, undisturbed, until outer edges are brown and undersides are very crisp, about 2 minutes. Flip and place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Cook until cheese is melted, about 30 seconds. Transfer patties to buns with toppings, stacking 2 patties on each bun. Repeat with remaining 4 patties, scraping off any cheese stuck to griddle in between batches.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.