Sep 10 2026
Restaurants›International Tea and Coffee Company›Smash Burger Recipe

Smash Burger Recipe

Inspired by International Tea and Coffee Company
Time30m
Serves4

Make Smash Burger Recipe in just 30m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Burger Patties

Cheese & Toppings

Buns & Sauce

Optional (for serving)

Method

Burger Patties

  1. 1

    Portion the beef

    Divide the 1 lb ground beef into 4 equal portions (~4 oz / 110 g each). Roll each portion lightly into a loose ball. Do not overwork the meat.

  2. 2

    Preheat the cooking surface

    Place a heavy cast-iron skillet or flat-top griddle over medium-high heat. Add 1–2 tablespoons vegetable oil and let it get shimmering hot until just smoking at the edges (about 3–5 minutes).

  3. 3

    Smash the patties

    Place a beef ball on the hot surface. Using a heavy metal spatula or a press (lined with parchment or foil) and another spatula on top, press the ball down firmly to form a thin patty about 1/8–1/4 inch thick. Hold the press for 10–15 seconds to maintain contact so the patty develops a good crust. Repeat with remaining balls, working in batches so you do not overcrowd the pan.

  4. 4

    Season and sear

    Immediately season the exposed top of each smashed patty with a light pinch of kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper. Let the patties cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes, until deeply browned and crisp at the edges.

  5. 5

    Flip and cheese

    Use a sturdy spatula to scrape under each patty and flip. Immediately place one American cheese slice on each patty. Cook for another 30–60 seconds until the cheese melts and the patty is cooked through.

Buns & Sauce

  1. 6

    Make the smash sauce

    In a small bowl combine 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard and 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish. Stir until smooth. Taste and adjust: add a pinch of salt or more relish if you like it tangier.

  2. 7

    Toast the buns

    Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the buns. After removing the last patties, reduce heat to medium and place buns cut-side-down on the skillet. Toast until golden and slightly crisp, about 1 minute.

Assembly & Toppings

  1. 8

    Build the burgers

    Spread about 1 tablespoon of the smash sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place one cheese-topped patty (or stack two patties for a double—use 2 patties and 2 cheese slices if desired) on the sauce. Top with two dill pickle slices and some thinly sliced yellow onion (about 2 tablespoons). Add lettuce and tomato if using.

  2. 9

    Finish

    Spread a little extra sauce on the top bun if desired, cover the burger and press gently to set. Serve immediately while hot.

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