Lock 15 Smash Burger Recipe

Portioning

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into four equal portions (about 4 oz each). Roll each portion loosely into a ball, handling the meat as little as possible to keep it tender.

Preheat Cook Surface

Preheat a cast-iron skillet or flat top griddle over high heat until smoking hot (about 5 minutes). Brush or rub 1 tablespoon neutral oil onto the surface.

Smash & Season

Place two balls on the hot griddle for the first burger (you are making two patties per sandwich). Using a sturdy spatula or a dedicated burger press, firmly press each ball into a thin patty (about 1/4" thick). Immediately season the exposed top side with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Repeat for the second sandwich when ready.

Cook

Cook without moving for 2–3 minutes until edges brown and juices start to appear on top. Flip the patties and season the other side with a small pinch of salt and pepper. After flipping, immediately place a slice of cheddar on two patties (these will become the top patties for each sandwich). Cook another 1–2 minutes until cheese is melted and patties are cooked through. Remove cooked patties to a warm plate; repeat to make the second set of smashed patties (total four cooked patties).

Make Lock 15 Burger Sauce

In a small bowl combine 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon ketchup, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon sweet pickle relish, 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder and 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional). Stir until smooth and taste for seasoning. This yields roughly 1/4 cup of sauce.

Toast Buns

Spread about 1 teaspoon softened butter on each bun half. Place buns butter-side down on the hot griddle or a skillet over medium heat and toast until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes. Remove and keep warm.

Spread about 1 tablespoon of the Lock 15 burger sauce on the bottom half of each toasted brioche bun and reserve the remaining sauce for the top bun if desired.

Grill Onions

Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 teaspoon butter or oil to the skillet and add the thinly sliced red onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized, about 5–7 minutes. Season lightly with a pinch of salt.

Assemble Burgers

On each sauce-coated bottom bun place one cheese-topped patty, then one plain patty (stacked double). Top the patties with a small handful of lettuce (one leaf folded as needed), two tomato slices, two house pickle slices, and a spoonful of grilled onions. Spread additional Lock 15 sauce on the top bun (about 1 teaspoon) if you like, then place the top bun over the toppings.

Serve

Press gently to compact the sandwich slightly, serve immediately while hot. Repeat assembly for the second sandwich.