How to Make Smash Burgers on the Big Green Egg

Are you ready to take your grilling game to the next level?

In this article, we’ll show you how to make mouthwatering smash burgers on the Big Green Egg.

With the perfect ground beef, a hot grill, and a little bit of technique, you’ll be able to create burgers with a crispy exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior.

Get ready to impress your friends and family with the ultimate smash burger.

Let’s get cooking!

Selecting the Perfect Ground Beef

You’ll want to choose ground beef with a high fat content for the juiciest smash burgers. Ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80/20 or even 70/30, is ideal for this purpose. The fat helps to keep the burger moist and adds an incredible amount of flavor during the cooking process.

When it comes to cooking methods for smash burgers on the Big Green Egg, the key is to achieve a caramelized crust while keeping the center juicy and flavorful. Different cuts of ground beef can also be used for smash burgers on the Big Green Egg. While ground chuck is a popular choice due to its balance of fat and flavor, you can also experiment with other cuts like ground sirloin or even a blend of different cuts. Each cut has its own unique characteristics, so feel free to mix and match to find your preferred combination.

Preparing the Big Green Egg for Smash Burgers

Ensure your grill is preheated to the optimal temperature for cooking the patties. Preparing the grill is essential to achieving the perfect sear on your smash burgers. Here are three important steps to follow:

1. Clean the grates: Before preheating, make sure to clean the grates thoroughly. Use a wire brush to remove any leftover debris from previous cookouts. This step is crucial for preventing any unwanted flavors from transferring onto your burgers.

2. Preheat the grill: Set your Big Green Egg to high heat and let it preheat for at least 10 minutes. This will ensure that the grates are hot enough to sear the patties and create those delicious grill marks.

3. Oil the grates: Once the grill is preheated, use a pair of tongs to dip a folded paper towel into some vegetable oil. Carefully rub the oiled paper towel onto the grates to create a non-stick surface. This will prevent the patties from sticking and help achieve that beautiful crust.

By following these steps, you will be able to prepare your Big Green Egg for smash burgers and achieve the perfect sear every time.

Enjoy your delicious homemade burgers!

Shaping and Seasoning the Patties

To shape and season your patties, start by dividing the ground meat into equal portions and gently forming them into round discs. This step is crucial in ensuring that your patties cook evenly and have a consistent shape. For best results, use a kitchen scale to measure out the meat into equal portions.

Once divided, take each portion and shape it into a ball by rolling it between your palms. Then, gently flatten the ball into a round disc, about ½ inch thick. This shaping technique helps the patties cook quickly and creates a nice sear on the outside.

Now that your patties are shaped, it’s time to season them. Seasoning is what gives your smash burgers that delicious flavor. A classic seasoning option is simply salt and pepper. Sprinkle a generous amount of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides of each patty. You can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika to add more depth of flavor. Make sure to season both sides of the patties evenly.

Mastering the Smash Technique

When it comes to mastering the smash technique for burgers, there are several key points to keep in mind.

First, understanding the benefits of smash burgers is crucial – they result in a deliciously crispy exterior and a juicy, flavorful interior.

Second, perfecting the burger patty itself is important, ensuring it is properly shaped and seasoned for maximum taste.

Lastly, knowing the right cooking time and temperature is essential to achieve that perfect combination of a well-seared crust and a tender, succulent center.

Smash Burger Benefits

If you want a burger with a deliciously crispy crust and a juicy interior, you’ll love the benefits of making smash burgers on the Big Green Egg. Here are three reasons why:

1. Incredible Flavor: The Big Green Egg’s high heat grilling locks in the natural juices of the burger, resulting in a flavorful and juicy patty that will leave you wanting more.

2. Versatile Toppings: Grilling allows you to experiment with alternative burger toppings, such as caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even pineapple slices. These toppings complement the smoky flavor of the smash burger perfectly.

3. Quick and Easy: Making smash burgers on the Big Green Egg is a breeze. The intense heat of the grill ensures that the burgers cook in just a few minutes, making it a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.

Perfecting Burger Patty

Creating the perfect patty for your burger is all about finding the right balance of seasoning and meat-to-fat ratio.

When it comes to seasoning, a simple combination of salt and pepper can go a long way in enhancing the flavor of your patty.

You want to make sure that the meat-to-fat ratio is around 80/20, which will give you a juicy and flavorful burger.

To achieve the perfect patty, start by forming the meat into balls and then pressing them down onto a hot griddle or skillet. Use a spatula to smash the patty down, creating a thin and crispy crust.

Once the patty is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it’s time for burger flipping. Be gentle when flipping the patty to avoid breaking it.

Cooking Time and Temperature

To achieve the perfect level of doneness for your burger patty, cook it at a specific temperature and time that suits your preference. Cooking techniques play a crucial role in achieving the ideal char and juiciness.

Here are three tips to help you master the art of cooking burger patties:

1. Start with a hot grill or skillet: Preheat your cooking surface to medium-high heat to sear the outside of the patty, locking in the juices and creating a delicious crust.

2. Use a meat thermometer: To ensure your patty is cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For a medium-rare burger, aim for 130-135°F (54-57°C), while for a well-done patty, aim for 160°F (71°C) or higher.

3. Rest before serving: Allow your cooked patty to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and moist burger.

Achieving the Perfect Melt on the Cheese

When it comes to achieving the perfect melt on your cheese, there are a few key techniques to keep in mind.

First, you want to choose the right cheese for melting. Some cheeses, like cheddar or mozzarella, melt better than others, so it’s important to consider the texture and fat content of the cheese.

Second, the way you melt the cheese can make a big difference in the final results. Whether you’re using direct heat, indirect heat, or a combination of both, understanding the melting properties of different cheeses will help you achieve that ooey-gooey, delicious melt every time.

Cheese Melting Techniques

Melting cheese on smash burgers is a key step for achieving that deliciously gooey texture. Here are three cheese melting techniques that will take your burgers to the next level:

1. Direct heat method: Place your cheese slices directly on the hot patty and cover the grill for a few seconds. This method creates a quick and even melt, ensuring every bite is cheesy and irresistible.

2. Steam method: Add a splash of water to the hot grill and cover it with a lid. The steam generated will help melt the cheese evenly without overcooking the patty. This technique is perfect for thicker cheese varieties like cheddar or Swiss.

3. Broiling method: Preheat your broiler and place the cooked patty with cheese on a baking sheet. Position it under the broiler until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. This method adds a crispy, caramelized layer to the melted cheese.

Try these techniques and get ready to savor the ultimate smash burger experience!

Choosing the Right Cheese

Now that you know some techniques for melting cheese on your smash burgers, let’s talk about choosing the right cheese.

When it comes to melting cheese options, you have a wide range to choose from. Traditional choices like American, cheddar, and Swiss are always popular and melt beautifully.

However, don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors. Combining cheese flavors can take your burgers to a whole new level. Try mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack for a creamy and tangy combination, or add some blue cheese for a bold and savory twist.

Pepper jack can add a hint of spice, while smoked gouda can bring a rich and smoky flavor. The possibilities are endless, so don’t be afraid to get creative and find your perfect cheese combination for the ultimate smash burger experience.

Assembling and Serving the Ultimate Smash Burger

To make the ultimate smash burger, start by assembling all of your favorite toppings and condiments. Here are three essential items to take your burger to the next level:

1. Crispy Bacon: Nothing beats the smoky and savory flavor of crispy bacon on a burger. It adds a satisfying crunch and enhances the overall taste. The combination of juicy beef, melty cheese, and crispy bacon is a match made in burger heaven.

2. Tangy Pickles: The tanginess of pickles cuts through the richness of the burger, providing a refreshing and zesty contrast. Whether you prefer dill pickles or bread and butter pickles, they add a burst of flavor that complements the other ingredients.

3. Creamy Sauce: A good burger needs a delicious sauce to tie everything together. Whether it’s a classic mayonnaise-based sauce, a spicy aioli, or a tangy barbecue sauce, the creamy texture and bold flavors enhance the overall taste experience.

When it comes to assembling your burger, remember to layer your toppings strategically. Start with a sturdy bun, followed by your sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles, bacon, cheese, and finally, the juicy patty. This ensures that every bite is a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

Enjoy your mouthwatering creation!

Conclusion

So there you have it! Now you know how to make delicious smash burgers on the Big Green Egg.

By selecting the perfect ground beef, preparing the grill properly, shaping and seasoning the patties, mastering the smash technique, and achieving the perfect melt on the cheese, you can create the ultimate smash burger.

Don’t forget to assemble it with your favorite toppings and serve it up to impress your friends and family.

Enjoy!