Craving a juicy burger? This easy garlicky smash burger with caramelized onions is a quick weeknight dinner solution made with homemade ingredients, try it tonight and save for later

Garlicky Smash Burger with Caramelized Onions Recipe

Introduction

The Garlicky Smash Burger with Caramelized Onions is a culinary masterpiece that combines the simplicity of a classic burger with the depth of flavors from garlic and caramelized onions. This recipe is all about ease, flavor, and creativity, utilizing everyday ingredients to create a dish that’s both impressive and accessible. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to delight your taste buds and leave you wanting more. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. So, let’s dive into the world of garlicky smash burgers and explore what makes this recipe truly special.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of garlic, caramelized onions, and the richness of the burger patty creates a perfect balance of flavors. Plus, all the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making this recipe highly accessible.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive flavor profile, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare. It requires basic cooking skills and can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend barbecues.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The smash burger technique, coupled with the caramelization of onions, yields a burger that looks and tastes like it was made in a professional kitchen, all with minimal effort and time.

Key Ingredients

The key to a great Garlicky Smash Burger with Caramelized Onions lies in its main ingredients. You’ll need high-quality ground beef for the burger patties, preferably with a fat content of around 20% for juiciness and flavor. For the caramelized onions, you’ll want to use sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Maui onions, which caramelize beautifully and add a depth of sweetness to the burger. Garlic, of course, is a crucial ingredient, and using fresh garlic cloves will give you the best flavor. Other essential ingredients include brioche buns, cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and a special garlicky mayo that ties everything together. For practical substitutions, you can use other types of cheese or buns, and even swap the beef for chicken or a vegetarian patty if desired.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Finely chop 3-4 garlic cloves and slice 1 large sweet onion into thin rings. Measure out your ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently shape each into a ball, then flatten slightly into patties. Season the patties with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Step 2: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes or until they are deep golden brown and caramelized. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside. Increase the heat to medium-high and add another tablespoon of olive oil. Place the burger patties in the skillet and immediately press down on them with a spatula to get a nice sear and to “smash” them. Cook for about 4 minutes on the first side, or until a nice crust forms, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes or until the burgers are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
3. Step 3: While the burgers are cooking, toast your brioche buns on the grill or in the oven. Spread a layer of garlicky mayo on the bottom bun, followed by a cooked burger patty, a few slices of caramelized onion, a slice of cheddar cheese, some lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Top with the top bun.
4. Step 4: For the final touches, serve your Garlicky Smash Burgers immediately. You can offer additional toppings or sides, such as fries or a salad, to complement your meal. The key is to enjoy the burger while the patty is still juicy and the onions are warm and caramelized.

Handy Tips

• When caramelizing onions, patience is key. Take your time and cook them over low heat to achieve that perfect sweetness. Also, don’t overcrowd your skillet when cooking the burger patties, as this can lower the temperature of the skillet and affect the sear on the burgers. Finally, consider using a cast-iron skillet for the best sear on your burgers.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the burger patties and caramelizing the onions. For the onions, you want to keep the heat at a medium-low setting to slowly cook them without burning. For the burgers, a medium-high heat is necessary to achieve a nice sear, but be careful not to burn the patties. The ideal internal temperature for a burger is at least 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150°F for medium-well or well-done. Use a thermometer to ensure your burgers are cooked to a safe temperature.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the toasted brioche buns, the crispy edges of the caramelized onions, and the fresh lettuce and pickles. To achieve this, make sure to toast your buns just before assembling the burgers, and don’t overcook the onions or the burgers. The combination of textures, from the softness of the bun and the patty to the crunch of the toppings, is what makes this burger truly satisfying.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• One pro trick is to use a thermometer to ensure your burgers are cooked to the perfect temperature. Another trick is to not press down on the burgers while they’re cooking, as this can squeeze out juices and make the patties dry. Finally, consider making your garlicky mayo from scratch by mixing mayonnaise with minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice for an added layer of flavor.

Storage Tips

• If you have leftovers, the best way to store them is to keep the components separate. Wrap the cooked burger patties tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze them. Store the caramelized onions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Assemble the burgers just before serving for the best flavor and texture. For reheating, grill or pan-fry the burger patties until warmed through, and serve on a toasted bun with your choice of toppings.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While burgers are typically not considered a gift item, the components of this recipe can be beautifully packaged and given as a gift. Consider gifting a jar of homemade garlicky mayo, a package of gourmet buns, or even a basket filled with all the fixings for a smash burger, including caramelized onions, cheese, and pickles. You could also gift a cookbook with this recipe featured, along with other burger creations. Wrap your gift in a rustic paper or twine for a charming, homemade touch.

Flavor Variations

• 🌟 Different spices: Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle pepper to your burger patties for a smoky flavor. You could also sprinkle some dried oregano or thyme on top of the caramelized onions for an herby note.
• 🌟 Creative toppings: Experiment with unique toppings such as grilled mushrooms, bacon jam, or a fried egg to add more complexity to your burger.
• 🌟 Ingredient swaps: For a vegetarian version, swap the beef patty with a portobello mushroom cap or a black bean patty. You could also use different types of cheese, such as blue cheese or feta, for a tangy twist.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your burger patties are too dense, try adding a bit more fat to the meat or handling the meat less when forming the patties. If your caramelized onions are too burnt, reduce the heat and stir more frequently.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find sweet onions, you can use regular onions, though the flavor might not be as sweet. For the garlicky mayo, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your burgers’ internal temperature and the color of the onions. If the onions are too dark, they might be burnt. If the burgers are too pale, they might be undercooked.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked burger patties and caramelized onions. Simply thaw and reheat when you’re ready to assemble the burgers.
• Is it gluten-free? The burger patties are naturally gluten-free, but the buns are not. Consider using gluten-free buns for a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely! This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Just remember to cook the burger patties in batches if necessary, to avoid overcrowding the skillet.

Conclusion

The Garlicky Smash Burger with Caramelized Onions is a recipe that embodies the spirit of comfort food with its rich, deep flavors and satisfying textures. It’s a dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re cooking for yourself or for a crowd. With its ease of preparation, impressive results, and versatility, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, get creative with the toppings, and enjoy the process of making something truly delicious. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your culinary creations with friends and family to spread the joy of good food!