Smash Burger Bowl (Print version)

Crispy smashed beef patties over fresh greens with pickles, tomatoes, avocado, and special sauce

# What you'll need:

→ Beef Patties

01 - 1 lb ground beef, 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio
02 - 1/2 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper

→ Salad Base

04 - 6 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, iceberg, spinach blend)
05 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
06 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
07 - 1 cup dill pickles, sliced
08 - 1 avocado, sliced

→ Toppings

09 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 - 1/4 cup crispy fried onions (optional)

→ Smash Sauce

11 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
12 - 2 tbsp ketchup
13 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
14 - 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
15 - 1 tsp white vinegar
16 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
17 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# Method:

01 - Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, smoked paprika, and black pepper in small bowl until smooth and fully incorporated. Set aside at room temperature.
02 - Place large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes until surface is thoroughly hot and smoking slightly.
03 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions, rolling each into compact ball. Season generously on all sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
04 - Place beef balls on hot skillet. Immediately press down firmly with heavy spatula to smash into thin, wide patties. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until deep brown crust forms. Flip and cook 1-2 minutes longer until cooked through. Transfer to plate.
05 - Distribute mixed salad greens evenly among four large bowls. Arrange cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, dill pickles, and avocado sections atop greens in decorative pattern.
06 - Place 2 cooked smash patties in each bowl. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over patties while still warm. Garnish with crispy fried onions if desired.
07 - Drizzle prepared smash sauce generously over each bowl. Serve immediately while patties remain warm and vegetables retain crisp texture.

# Expert advice:

01 -
  • Every single element of a perfect burger, without the post-meal slump from the bun
  • The contrast between hot crispy beef and cold crisp greens hits different
  • That smash sauce works on literally everything youll want to put it on eggs too
02 -
  • Smash the beef hard and dont mess with it while it develops that crust, thats where all the flavor lives
  • The sauce needs at least 10 minutes to sit so the flavors can blend, tasting it right after mixing will disappoint you
  • These bowls need to be assembled right before eating, hot beef gets sad fast when it sits on cold greens too long
03 -
  • Dry your beef thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning, excess moisture steams instead of sears
  • Let the cooked patties rest on a wire rack for a minute so they stay crispy instead of getting soggy on the greens
  • Warm your bowls slightly in the oven before assembling, keeps everything at perfect temperature longer

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