Name: Brood and Barleys $9 Yum Yum Smash Burger Recipe
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 2 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 1 tbs vegetable oil or canola oil (for griddle); 2 each brioche burger buns; 1 tbs unsalted butter (softened); 2 each American cheese slices; 0.5 cups house Yum Yum sauce; 8 each dill pickle slices; 0.5 each red onion; 0.5 cups shredded iceberg lettuce (optional); 16 oz frozen shoestring or standard fries; 1 tbs vegetable oil (for frying or tossing); 1 tsp fine sea salt

Method

Burger Patties

Portion and preheat

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into four equal loose balls (about 4 oz each). Do not overwork. Preheat a heavy skillet, cast-iron griddle, or flat top over medium-high to high heat until smoking lightly.

Smash technique

Brush the hot surface with 1 tablespoon oil. Place one beef ball on the hot surface and immediately press down firmly with a heavy spatula or a flat metal press to flatten to about 1/4" thickness. Hold pressure for 10–12 seconds to form a thin patty and maximize browning and crisp edges. Repeat for remaining patties, working in batches so the pan stays hot.

Season and cook

Season the exposed side with about 1/4 tsp kosher salt and a small pinch of black pepper immediately after smashing. After 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, scrape under the patty to flip (you should have good brown crust). Season the newly exposed side with another 1/4 tsp salt and pepper. Cook the second side for 30–45 seconds.

Add cheese

After flipping and during the last 20–30 seconds of cooking, place one slice of American cheese on each patty and cover briefly with a metal bowl or lid to help cheese melt. Remove patties and keep warm on a plate; stack two patties per burger if making a double smash.

Buns & Assembly

Toast buns

Spread about 1/2 tablespoon softened butter on cut faces of the 2 brioche buns. Place buttered sides down on the hot griddle or in a skillet and toast until golden brown, about 30–60 seconds. Remove and keep warm.

Prepare onion

Thinly slice 1/2 red onion into rings. If you prefer milder onion flavor, soak the slices in cold water for 5 minutes and drain before assembling.

Assemble burgers

Spread approximately 2–3 tablespoons of house Yum Yum sauce evenly on the bottom bun. Place shredded lettuce (if using) on sauce, then add two cheese-topped smash patties per bun. Top patties with 4 pickle slices and several red onion rings. Spread a thin layer of Yum Yum on the top bun (about 1 tablespoon) and close burger. Serve immediately.

French Fries

Cook fries

Cook 16 oz frozen fries according to package directions — either deep-fry at 350°F (175°C) until crisp, or bake/air-fry as instructed until golden and cooked through (typically 18–25 minutes in a 425°F oven, flipping once).

Finish fries

If baking/air-frying, toss fries immediately after cooking with 1 tablespoon oil and sprinkle 1 teaspoon fine sea salt while hot so salt adheres. If deep-frying, drain briefly on paper towels and salt while hot.

Plate

Place a serving of fries alongside the assembled Yum Yum Smash Burger. Provide additional Yum Yum sauce on the side for dipping if desired.