In today’s exciting and dynamic world of gastronomy, trends come and go at breakneck speed. But have you noticed that buzz in the air, that growing murmur surrounding one particular culinary phenomenon? I’m talking, of course, about the Smash Burger.
The Smash Burger boom
What began some time ago as an open secret among lovers of quality fast food has evolved. Now, it’s an essential feature on the menus of the most cutting-edge restaurants.
The Smash Burger is not just a passing fad. It’s a true movement that has deeply influenced urban food culture, especially here in Spain. An explosion of flavour that’s here to stay.
What is a Smash Burger?
At its core, it’s a burger made by pressing a ball of minced beef onto a very hot griddle. This technique, which may seem simple, is the key to its success and its distinctive taste.
By “smashing” the meat, the surface contact is maximised, creating a chemical and physical reaction that makes it unique. The main hallmark is the crispy, caramelised crust that forms on the beef.
While the outside becomes deliciously crunchy, the inside remains juicy and tender, locking in all the flavour. Typically, two or even three layers of meat are served to create an even more intense experience.
Why is it so popular?
The meteoric rise of this burger comes down to several factors that directly align with what consumers want today:
- Intense flavour and unique texture. That famous crust is a real festival of taste. The Maillard reaction (which we’ll discuss in more detail later) elevates the flavour profile of the beef, offering a combination of textures that few burgers achieve.
- Speed of preparation. As the patties are thin, they cook in record time. This makes them ideal for the fast-paced rhythm of modern life and for businesses with high order volumes, such as delivery and take-away services.
- Versatility. While the base is smashed beef, the combinations of cheeses, sauces and toppings are endless. Every chef can add their personal touch, maintaining the essence while offering something unique.
So, with every bite, you get the simplicity and flavour of classic American burgers, but with a focus on quality ingredients and technique. A recipe that resonates strongly with today’s diners.
What makes a great Smash Burger?
While the technique is crucial, the ingredients also play an essential role in creating an exceptional Smash Burger:
- Minced beef is the base, with a fat ratio (between 80/20 and 70/30) that helps caramelisation and keeps it juicy. Cuts like chuck or shoulder, or a blend of them, are ideal. It’s vital not to overwork the meat before forming the ball.
- A potato bun or a brioche bun is the most common choice. They’re soft, slightly sweet and sturdy enough to hold the juiciness of the meat and toppings without falling apart.
- American-style cheddar cheese is the king of Smash Burgers. Its low melting point allows it to melt quickly over the hot meat, creating a smooth, creamy layer.
- Caramelised onions, pickles, mustard, ketchup or a special sauce are the most typical accompaniments. Lettuce and tomato, if used, should be fresh and finely sliced so they don’t overshadow the beef.
Can I make Smash Burgers at home?
One of the great things about Smash Burgers is that you don’t need to be a professional chef or have sophisticated equipment. With the right tools and a few tricks, you can recreate this delicious treat in your own kitchen.
Imagine the surprise of your family or friends when you wow them with a burger worthy of the best restaurants. Or simply enjoy a top-tier foodie experience with your loved ones in the comfort of your home.
How to achieve the perfect crust
The secret lies in the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction that occurs when the amino acids and reducing sugars in the meat are exposed to high heat. This creates hundreds of new flavour and colour compounds. To achieve it, keep in mind the following:
- You’ll need a cooking surface that retains heat well, such as a cast-iron griddle or a stainless-steel pan. Heat it over a high flame until it’s smoking hot.
- Form meat balls (about 80–100 grams each) without compacting them too much, and refrigerate them until it’s time to cook. This helps the outside brown before the inside cooks through.
- Place the meat ball on the hot griddle and, using a sturdy spatula or burger press, smash it down firmly. The key is to do this just once, decisively. Don’t press it again.
- Once smashed, let it cook undisturbed for at least 90 seconds, or until the edges are well-browned and crispy. This is when the Maillard reaction works its magic.
Where to try them if you don’t cook?
If the idea of making Smash Burgers excites you, but you’d rather enjoy them made by experts, the good news is that there are more and more quality options in the UK. From small artisan burger joints that have made smash their signature, to established restaurants that have added it to their daily menu.
- Smashburger UK: This American chain has successfully established itself in the UK; they use 100 per cent fresh British meat, pressed on a hot griddle for that distinctive crispy exterior. Their menu ranges from the Classic Smash™ to more creative options such as Truffle Mushroom Swiss or BBQ Bacon & Cheddar.
- Supernova: Located in London’s Soho, you’ve probably seen it on Instagram, as it’s a trend-setter with its minimalist approach-just cheeseburger, fries and ice cream. All this in a place that fuses modern aesthetics and urban nostalgia.
- Dumbo: Imported from Paris, this burger joint focuses on just four items (cheeseburger, veggie, nuggets, fries) with high-quality ingredients such as dry-aged British beef and artisan bread.
- Simply Smashed: Established in East London, it has a 4.8/5 Google rating after more than 1,000 reviews. They offer a simple, but very tasty cheeseburger, served in a casual, late-night atmosphere (open until midnight). It has a reputation for being a good balance between quality, price and taste.
- Smacks Hamburgers: London-based viral TikTok joint with a strong social media presence thanks to its live, pink venue and affordable prices. They serve 100% Angus smash burgers and plan to reach 100 locations in the UK, with a recent opening in Glasgow.
As you can see, there’s an impressive variety of places that have perfected the technique, offering unique and delicious versions that won’t leave you indifferent.
Will you join the smash movement?
The Smash Burger is so much more than just a burger; it’s a culinary experience that combines simplicity, intense flavour and an unmatched texture.
Its growing popularity is no coincidence – it reflects a genuine search for authenticity and quality. That’s why so many venues have perfected the technique, offering unique and tasty versions.
This attracts customers hungry for new experiences and helps many businesses stay at the forefront of trends, even focusing on the importance of burger boxes. Have you tried a Smash Burger yet? Are you Team Smash, or do you prefer the traditional burger? Let us know your thoughts!