Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsRed Dog Saloon Hoxton SquareThe Black Dog Recipe

The Black Dog Recipe

Time30m
Serves2

Two 3oz smash patties, double American cheese, morcilla

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Ingredients

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Burger Patties & Seasoning

Cheese

Method

Burger Patties & Cooking

  1. 1

    Portion beef

    Divide the ground beef into four 3-ounce balls (for two burgers with two patties each). Lightly pack each ball so it holds together but do not overwork the meat.

  2. 2

    Preheat cooking surface

    Heat a large cast-iron griddle or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot (a drop of water should dance and evaporate). Add the vegetable oil and spread to coat.

  3. 3

    Smash patties

    Place two 3 oz beef balls on the hot surface per burger, spaced apart. Using a sturdy spatula or a burger press lined with parchment, press each ball flat to about 1/4 inch thickness. Hold for 10–12 seconds to form good contact with the pan and create a crisp edge.

  4. 4

    Season and cook

    Sprinkle each smashed patty evenly with kosher salt and black pepper immediately after smashing. Cook without moving for 2–2.5 minutes, until the edges are deeply browned and juices start to rise on top.

  5. 5

    Flip and cheese

    Flip each patty and immediately top each with one slice of American cheese. Cook another 45 seconds to 1 minute to melt cheese and finish cooking. For a double-cheese build per burger, stack two cheese slices per patty as they cook so each burger ends up with four slices total (two slices per patty).

Morcilla Topping

  1. 6

    Prepare morcilla

    If the morcilla is in casing and you prefer crumbled topping, slice the sausage open and remove the filling. Alternatively, slice into 1/2-inch rounds if casing is desired to remain intact. Measure about 4 oz total for two burgers.

  2. 7

    Sear morcilla

    In a small skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add the morcilla (crumbled or sliced) and the optional thinly sliced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3–5 minutes until the morcilla is heated through, slightly crisp at the edges, and the onion is softened and starting to caramelize. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Buns & Assembly

  1. 8

    Toast buns

    Butter the cut sides of the buns (about 1 tablespoon total). Place buttered sides down on the hot griddle or skillet used for the patties for 30–45 seconds until golden and toasted. Remove and keep warm.

  2. 9

    Assemble the burgers

    Spread 1 teaspoon yellow mustard and 1 teaspoon ketchup on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place two cheese-topped patties on each bottom bun (stack patties so the melted cheese layers sit between them). Divide the warm morcilla evenly and top the patties. Add pickles if using. Cap with the top bun.

  3. 10

    Serve

    Serve immediately while hot so the cheese is melty and the patties retain their crisp edges. Optional: serve with fries or chips.

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