Preheat the Griddle: Heat a griddle or skillet over medium-high heat.
Shape the Patties: Divide the ground beef into equal portions and shape them into balls.
Smash and Cook: Place each ball on the hot griddle and smash with a spatula. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges are crispy.
Flip and Add Cheese: Flip the patties, add smoked cheddar, and cover to melt the cheese.
Prepare the Sauce: Create the zesty sauce by blending mayonnaise, mustard, Sriracha, and a squeeze of lime in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until it's time to use.
Cook the Eggs: Crack the egg into a bowl, ensuring no shell fragments get in. Gently slide the egg into the preheated skillet with the Avocado oil, allowing the whites to set and the edges to turn crispy. For sunny-side-up, leave the yolk runny; for over-easy or over-hard, carefully flip the egg once the whites are set.
Assemble: Toast the hamburger buns. Spread the sauce on the buns, add the patties with melted cheese, top with a sunny-side-up egg, and layer with lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion.
Optional Toppings: For an extra kick, add pickles or pickled jalapeños.
For more great lunch options check out our Salmon & Egg Bagel and our Ham, Cheese & Egg slider Recipes.
Top Tips for the perfect Smashed Egg Burger
- Use high-quality, medium-ground beef for the best texture.
- Smash the burgers on a hot surface for that perfect sear.
- Experiment with cheese combinations for a personalized touch.
- Feel free to add a rasher of Bacon for an extra tasty kick.
History of Smash Burgers
Smash burgers, known for their crispy edges and juicy interior, get a flavorful twist with the addition of a sunny-side-up egg, making every bite an indulgent experience. Smash burgers gained popularity in the mid-20th century, with their roots traced back to diners and fast-food establishments.
The practice of including eggs in burger recipes has become popular in many Western cuisines, particularly in the United States. The addition of a fried or poached egg on a burger, known as the "egg burger," is celebrated for its rich flavor and the delightful interplay between the runny yolk and savory burger components. This culinary innovation is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of food, where diverse influences contribute to the creation of unique and delicious dishes.
In recent years, there's been a culinary trend favoring simplicity and quality ingredients, further propelling the popularity of smash burgers. The combination of speed, flavor, and adaptability has secured their place in the hearts of food enthusiasts globally. Their rise is attributed to several factors:
Speed of Cooking: Smash burgers cook quickly due to their thin patty, making them ideal for fast-paced environments like diners and fast-food joints.
Caramelization: The smashing process creates a larger surface area for the patty, leading to more contact with the cooking surface.This results in a delicious caramelized crust, enhancing flavor.
Juiciness: Despite their thinness, smash burgers are known for their juiciness. The quick cooking prevents moisture loss, keeping the patties succulent.
Versatility: Smash burgers are versatile and customizable. They allow for various toppings and combinations, appealing to a wide range of tastes.
Informal Appeal: The casual and unpretentious nature of smash burgers resonates with the desire for accessible and comforting food.
Social Media Influence: The visual appeal of a perfectly smashed burger has made it a favorite on social media platforms.Shared images and videos have contributed to their widespread popularity.