This SMASH BURGER Recipe is a crispy and juicy recipe, which is made with beef mince and Cajun seasoning. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic diner favorite, ready in about 15 minutes.
SMASH BURGER Ingredients
Simple ingredients for the ultimate diner-style burger.
- ¼ of a small onion
- Olive oil
- 125g higher-welfare beef mince
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 burger bun
- Tomato ketchup
- 2 gherkins
- American mustard, to serve
- 1 tomato
- 1 handful of mixed salad leaves
How To Make a SMASH BURGER
A step-by-step guide to achieving that perfect crispy crust.
- Sauté the Onion: Peel the onion and very finely slice it into rounds. Break the rounds into individual rings. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion rings and cook for a few minutes, stirring regularly, then push them to one side of the pan.
- Form and Season the Patty: Gently form the minced meat into a rough, loose patty shape, about ½cm thick and slightly larger than your bun. Place it in the hot pan. Season the top generously with black pepper and the Cajun seasoning.
- Smash and Cook: Move the cooked onion rings on top of the seasoned patty. Using a sturdy, flat spatula (a fish slice is ideal), press down firmly on the burger, smashing the onions into the meat and flattening the patty even more. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Flip and Toast: Flip the burger and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side, or until it’s gnarly, browned, and cooked through. During the last minute of cooking, halve your bun and toast it, cut-side down, in the pan alongside the burger.
- Assemble and Serve: Spread the base of the toasted bun with ketchup. Place the hot burger on top. Slice one of the gherkins and layer it over the patty, then squeeze over mustard to your liking. Pop the bun lid on. Serve immediately with the sliced tomato, remaining gherkin, and salad leaves on the side or stuffed inside the bun.

Recipe Tips
For the crispiest, juiciest smash burger every time.
- How to get the crispiest crust? The secret to a smash burger is creating maximum surface contact with the hot pan. Use a sturdy spatula to press down firmly once and then leave it alone. Don’t move it or press it again. This allows the “Maillard reaction” to create that signature deep-brown, crispy, lacy crust.
- Can I add cheese? Absolutely! A slice of American cheese is classic for its perfect meltability. Add the cheese slice on top of the patty during the last 30-60 seconds of cooking, and you can cover the pan with a lid or a bowl for a moment to help it melt quickly.
- What’s the best beef for a smash burger? For the juiciest, most flavorful result, use beef mince with a good fat content, such as an 80/20 ground chuck. Lean mince will result in a drier, less flavorful burger.
- Why shape the patty bigger than the bun? The patty will shrink significantly as the fat renders out during the high-heat cooking process. Starting with a patty that’s slightly wider than your bun ensures it will be the perfect size once cooked.
What To Serve With a SMASH BURGER
Classic sides for the ultimate diner experience.
This quick and easy burger is a meal in itself, but it’s a classic for a reason when paired with:
- Crispy, salty french fries
- Golden-brown onion rings
- A simple, creamy coleslaw
- A tangy dill pickle spear on the side
How To Store a SMASH BURGER
This burger is best enjoyed immediately.
- Best Eaten Fresh: A smash burger is all about the contrast between the hot, crispy patty and the soft bun. It is at its absolute best when eaten immediately after being assembled. Storing and reheating is not recommended as the texture will be lost.
SMASH BURGER Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per burger.
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 40 g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
What is a smash burger, and how is it different from a regular burger?
A smash burger is a specific technique where a ball of minced meat is placed on a very hot griddle or pan and then smashed down into a very thin patty. This differs from a traditional thick pub-style burger. The goal of a smash burger is not a thick, juicy interior, but maximum surface area to create an intensely flavorful, crispy, browned crust.
Do I have to use Cajun seasoning?
No, a simple and generous seasoning of salt and freshly ground black pepper is the most classic way to season a smash burger. The Cajun seasoning just adds a delicious, smoky, and slightly spicy kick.
Why a non-stick pan?
A non-stick pan or a well-seasoned cast-iron griddle is highly recommended. Because the patty is so thin and has so much surface contact, it can be prone to sticking, and a non-stick surface helps you get a clean flip without tearing the beautiful crust you’ve just created.
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SMASH BURGER Recipe
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes5
620
kcalA classic, diner-style smash burger with an ultra-crispy beef patty, smashed with onions and Cajun seasoning, served on a toasted bun with all the fixings.
Ingredients
125g beef mince (80/20 recommended)
1 burger bun
¼ small onion, thinly sliced
1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Ketchup, American mustard, gherkins
Tomato and salad leaves, for serving
Olive oil, black pepper
Directions
- Briefly sauté the sliced onion rings in a hot, oiled non-stick pan; push to one side.
- Form the mince into a loose, thin patty, slightly larger than your bun.
- Place the patty in the hot pan, season with pepper and Cajun seasoning, and top with the onions.
- Immediately use a sturdy spatula to firmly smash the patty down.
- Cook for 2 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Toast the bun in the pan alongside the burger.
- Assemble the burger on the toasted bun with ketchup, gherkins, and mustard.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use beef mince with at least 20% fat content for the best flavor and a juicy result.
- The key to a great crust is a hot pan and smashing the patty firmly only once.
- Add a slice of American cheese in the last minute of cooking for a classic cheeseburger.
- This burger is best cooked and eaten immediately for the ultimate crispy texture.