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Flavorful Blackstone Smash Burger Recipe with Secret Sauce and Onions Made Easy

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A juicy, crispy smash burger cooked on a Blackstone griddle with caramelized onions and a tangy secret sauce, perfect for quick and satisfying backyard cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, for greasing the griddle
  • ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) ketchup
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp (1 ml) smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp (30 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp (5 g) brown sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 4 soft burger buns (brioche or potato rolls recommended)
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • Leafy lettuce (optional)
  • Tomato slices (optional)
  • Pickles, sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Mix well until smooth. Cover and refrigerate.
  2. Caramelize the Onions: Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally for about 10 minutes until soft. Sprinkle brown sugar and cook for another 5-7 minutes until deep golden brown. Add apple cider vinegar, stir to deglaze, then remove from heat.
  3. Preheat the Blackstone Griddle: Heat griddle to medium-high (around 400°F or 204°C). Brush with vegetable oil to prevent sticking and heat until shimmering.
  4. Form the Patties: Divide ground beef into 4 equal balls (~4 oz or 113 g each). Season each ball generously with salt and pepper just before cooking.
  5. Smash the Burgers: Place a beef ball on the hot griddle. Using a metal spatula, press down firmly to about ¼ inch (6 mm) thickness. Hold spatula for 10 seconds to sear. Repeat with remaining balls.
  6. Cook and Flip: Cook patties undisturbed until edges are brown and crispy (about 2-3 minutes per side). Flip carefully, place a slice of American cheese on each patty, and cook for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts.
  7. Toast the Buns: Slice buns and toast face down on the griddle for about 1 minute or until golden brown.
  8. Assemble the Burgers: Spread secret sauce on bottom bun, add cheesy smashed patty, top with caramelized onions, then optional lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Finish with top bun.
  9. Serve Immediately: Enjoy fresh and hot with your favorite sides.

Notes

Do not press down on patties after the initial smash to keep juices inside. Keep griddle hot enough for a crispy crust but avoid burning. Stir onions occasionally but allow them to soften before stirring to speed caramelization. Make secret sauce ahead for better flavor. Toast buns while patties cook for efficiency.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, Blackstone griddle, secret sauce, caramelized onions, quick burger recipe, backyard cookout, crispy burger, juicy burger