Smash Burger Tacos

Nothing beats the excitement of combining two beloved meals into one delicious dish. Smash burger tacos are the perfect example. When trying to create a meal that offers both comfort and creativity, the idea of merging a classic burger with tasty taco elements brings joy to the kitchen.

The joy of biting into a flavorful smash burger taco instantly transports you to moments of summer barbecues. Picture sizzling patties on the grill, the aroma wafting through the air, and the laughter of friends and family gathering around. Smash burger tacos offer that nostalgic feeling in an innovative way, allowing everyone to relish Americana dipped in bold taco flavors.

This recipe bursts with flavor thanks to a zesty burger sauce, decadent American cheese, and fresh toppings. Plus, wrapping it all in a warm flour tortilla creates the perfect handheld meal. The combination of textures and tastes in a smash burger taco elevates weeknight dinners into something extraordinary. With a few simple ingredients and an organized setup, you can bring this delightful creation to your table quickly.

Fundamentals of Smash Burger Tacos

Preparation/setup

Before diving into making these smash burger tacos, ensure that the workspace is organized and ready to go. Gathering all your ingredients plays a crucial role in the experience. Having everything laid out simplifies the cooking process, allowing for a seamless transition from preparation to cooking.

Start by preparing the burger sauce. Mix together 1/2 cup mayo, 1/4 cup ketchup, finely chopped dill pickles, pickle juice, paprika, garlic powder, soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl, stirring until everything harmonizes. This sauce will complement the flavors perfectly and bring a zing to your tacos. Set it aside for later use.

Next, prepare your ground beef. With 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef, season it with 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently to avoid overworking the meat, which could lead to tough patties. Shape this seasoned beef into six equal balls, setting them aside for the cooking stage.

Ingredients

The ingredients for smash burger tacos are simple yet effective. You’ll need:

• Burger Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickles
  • 1/2 teaspoon pickle juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar

• For the Smash Burgers:

  • 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 6 slices American cheese
  • 6 street taco-sized flour tortillas
  • Toppings: shredded lettuce, burger pickles, optional bacon, and thin white onions for extra flavor

Preparation and setup are key to success in crafting smash burger tacos. Make sure to gather these ingredients, as they will become the building blocks of a meal everyone will love.

Directions

1. Combine all burger sauce ingredients in a small bowl and stir until mixed evenly. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, add ground beef along with kosher salt and black pepper. Mix gently until combined.
3. Divide the seasoned beef into six equal portions, rolling each portion into a ball.
4. Gather tortillas, cheese, and toppings near your cooking area. Having everything prepped ensures a smooth cooking process.
5. Preheat a flat top griddle to medium-high heat. Once heated, place the balls of ground beef on the griddle.
6. Using a burger press, flatten each ball into patties, taking 15-20 seconds per patty.
7. Allow the patties to cook undisturbed for 40 seconds. Feel free to season them at this point if desired.
8. Flip the patties and place a slice of cheese on each one. Simultaneously, add the flour tortillas to the griddle.
9. Close the lid on the griddle and let the burgers cook for an additional two minutes.
10. When the time is up, open the lid, flip the tortillas, and use a spatula to lift the patties onto the toasted tortillas.
11. Transfer the tacos to a plate and add shredded lettuce, burger sauce, and burger pickles on top. Optionally, layer on bacon or thin white onions for extra texture and taste.

Mastering Smash Burger Techniques

Technique

Perfecting the technique for smash burger tacos revolves around understanding the cooking process and what each element contributes to the final product. The goal is to create a juicy, flavorful burger while maintaining the integrity of the taco format.

When it comes to smashing the burgers, pressing down firmly is critical. This technique allows for a larger cooking surface, giving that lovely caramelization. It’s what makes the smash burger unique, and the flat top griddle is ideal for this method due to its even heat distribution.

Using a spatula assists with lifting and flipping the patties without losing any juices. Remember to handle the meat delicately; aggressive mixing can lead to dense burgers. The key lies in the balance—season well but don’t let the spices overpower the natural flavor of the beef.

Tips/tricks

To elevate smash burger tacos, consider a few handy tips and tricks. First, always preheat the cooking surface. A hot griddle seals in flavors and prevents sticking. It’s tempting to throw everything on too early, but patience rewards with beautifully cooked burgers.

For an extra layer of flavor, experiment with your choice of toppings. Although lettuce and pickles are classic, think outside the box—substitutes like jalapeños or avocado add a unique twist.

When layering ingredients, consider the texture. Finely shredded lettuce creates a delightful crunch paired with the creamy burger sauce. Trying out different types of tortillas can also enhance the overall experience. Corn tortillas might provide a more traditional vibe, while flour tortillas offer a chewier bite.

Perfecting Smash Burger Taco Results

Perfecting results

Getting the most out of your smash burger taco experience comes from practice and attention to detail. Each component should shine on its own while still blending seamlessly. Experiment with the thickness of your patties and the cooking time for desired doneness.

If you prefer well-done burgers, consider extending the cooking time on each side slightly while still ensuring the cheese melts perfectly. Remember that burgers continue cooking even after they’re off the heat, so factor in carryover cooking when timing.

Use different cheese varieties for an interesting shift in flavor. Cheddar or pepper jack could offer new twists, contributing strong, bold flavors that contrast nicely with the zesty sauce.

Troubleshooting/variations

Sometimes things don’t go as planned. If your smash burgers turn out dry, adjust the cooking time and check the meat’s temperature with a thermometer. Ideally, aim for 160°F for a perfectly cooked burger without drying out.

Should you encounter issues with sticking, make sure the griddle is sufficiently preheated. Adding a touch of oil or resting the patties for a moment can also create a barrier against sticking.

If you’re feeling adventurous, switch up the fillings entirely. Turn those smash burger tacos into breakfast tacos by adding scrambled eggs and salsa, showcasing versatility in this dish.

Serving and Storing Smash Burger Tacos

Serving/presentation

Presentation matters when serving smash burger tacos. Stack those delicious tacos neatly on a platter, showcasing the colors and textures. A sprinkle of additional shredded lettuce or a drizzle of extra burger sauce on top adds to the visual appeal.

Consider pairing your tacos with sides that complement the flavors. Fresh guacamole, crispy tortilla chips, or even simple Spanish rice can round out the meal beautifully. Even a side of chips can make for perfect finger food.

Pairings/storage

Lime wedges and fresh chopped cilantro serve as excellent additions to bring brightness to the dish. For a crunchier side, serve with coleslaw—a refreshing contrast to the hearty tacos.

When it comes to storage, wrap any leftover components separately. Store the patties tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to three days. Tortillas can be easily reheated on a skillet or in the microwave, making it simple to recreate the meal later on.

With this simple recipe and few tips in mind, crafting smash burger tacos can become a fixture in your dinner rotation—combining the best of both worlds into every delicious bite.

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