Mastering Taco Smash Burgers

Mastering Taco Smash Burgers: The Ultimate Guide for Griddle and Skillet Cooking

If you’re on the hunt for a new and exciting burger experience, look no further than the Taco Smash Burger! This innovative dish combines two favorites – the smash burger and the bold flavors of tacos – into one perfect meal. The result is a crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying combination that is perfect for cooking outdoors on a Blackstone Griddle, Traeger Flatrock Griddle, or even inside on a cast iron skillet. These burgers are not only easy to make, but they also allow for a lot of customization with toppings that’ll satisfy every craving.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or just making dinner for the family, Taco Smash Burgers are sure to become a hit. With the smash technique giving you that crispy texture on the patty and the taco seasoning enhancing every bite, you’ll never want to go back to regular burgers again.

Let’s dive into how you can create these delicious and innovative tacos, using simple ingredients and effective cooking techniques.

Why Choose Smash Burgers for Your Taco Recipe?

Smash burgers are a popular trend in the burger world, known for their ultra-crispy edges and juicy centers. By smashing the meat down onto a hot griddle or skillet, you increase the surface area, allowing for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. When it comes to Taco Smash Burgers, this technique is essential because it gives you that crispy crunch you’d expect from a taco shell, paired with the juiciness of a classic burger patty.

The beauty of smash burgers lies in their simplicity. You can create a perfectly seared patty with minimal effort. The addition of flour tortillas as a burger base transforms this smash burger into a taco-inspired creation that adds even more fun to the equation.

The Secret to Perfect Smash Burgers

Achieving the perfect smash burger requires a few key tricks to ensure you get the right texture and flavor:

1. Use 80/20 Ground Beef: The ratio of meat to fat is crucial for flavor and texture. 80/20 ground beef is ideal because the fat helps to keep the burger juicy while also crisping up the edges as it cooks.
2. Smash Quickly: The secret to the crispy edge is smashing the patty immediately after placing it on the hot griddle or skillet. You want to press it down firmly and quickly, allowing the surface to sear and form a beautiful golden crust.
3. Season Generously: While smash burgers are all about the technique, the seasoning makes a big difference. A simple seasoning of salt, pepper, and garlic powder enhances the beef flavor and helps create a well-seasoned burger that’s not bland.
4. Cook Over High Heat: Smash burgers need to be cooked at a high temperature to achieve that crispy sear. Whether you’re cooking them on a Blackstone Griddle, a Traeger Flatrock, or in a cast iron skillet, make sure the surface is preheated to medium-high or high heat for optimal cooking.
5. Use Butter for Flavor: A little bit of butter goes a long way in adding flavor and ensuring the tortilla crispies up nicely. Dividing the butter into portions for each burger helps control how much is used.

The Taco Twist: Flour Tortillas Instead of Buns

One of the defining features of Taco Smash Burgers is the use of flour tortillas instead of traditional burger buns. The soft, slightly chewy tortillas add a delicious taco-like texture that complements the crispy patty. After smashing the burger, the tortilla is pressed down and toasted to perfection, giving you that familiar taco crunch with every bite.

This taco twist offers not only an exciting new flavor profile but also allows for easy customization. You can load your taco smash burger with a variety of toppings, from pickles to sour cream, and even smoked salsa for that extra kick of flavor. The possibilities are endless!

What Toppings Should You Use for Taco Smash Burgers?

Taco Smash Burgers are all about versatility. The toppings are a chance to get creative and add all the taco-inspired ingredients you love. Here are some of the best toppings for these smash burgers:

• Pickles: A tangy crunch that complements the richness of the beef patty.
• Lettuce: Crisp and fresh, lettuce adds a nice balance to the savory flavors.
• Onions and Peppers: These can be sautéed on the griddle to add a smoky, caramelized flavor to your burger.
• Smoked Salsa: A smoky, slightly spicy salsa gives a burst of flavor to each bite.
• Cotija Cheese: This Mexican cheese adds a salty, crumbly texture that pairs perfectly with the rich beef and soft tortilla.
• Sour Cream: A creamy addition that balances out the heat and adds moisture to the burger.
• Blackstone Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob adds a smoky sweetness that can be enjoyed alongside or on top of the burger.
• Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color.

You can go all out with toppings or keep it simple, depending on your preference. The key is to enjoy the flavors and textures that make these Taco Smash Burgers a one-of-a-kind experience.

How to Make Taco Smash Burgers: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Prep the Toppings and Ingredients

Start by prepping all your taco-inspired toppings. I like to create a smash burger bar, where everyone can pick their favorite toppings. If you’re using onions and peppers, sauté them ahead of time since they take longer to cook than the burgers. Have your tortillas ready, and your seasoning mix on hand.

Step 2: Prepare the Ground Beef Patties

Take your 80/20 ground beef and divide it into six equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, about the size of a meatball. These will be your burger patties once smashed. Season each ball with salt, pepper, and garlic powder right before cooking.

Step 3: Heat the Griddle or Skillet

Preheat your griddle or cast iron skillet over medium-high to high heat. Add one cube of butter to the cooking surface and let it melt. Butter will not only help with cooking the patties but will also crisp up the tortillas later.

Step 4: Cook the Taco Smash Burgers

Place one of your burger balls onto the griddle or skillet and immediately smash it down with a burger press or a large spatula. Press firmly to flatten the patty as thin as possible. Sprinkle with seasoning. Next, add a flour tortilla on top of the patty and use the press or spatula to flatten the tortilla onto the burger. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom of the burger is browned and crispy.

Step 5: Flip and Add Cheese

Carefully flip the burger and tortilla combo, then sprinkle some seasoning on top. Add a slice of cheddar cheese on top, allowing it to melt. For quicker melting, you can cover the burger with a dome or lid. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the tortilla to crisp up while the cheese melts.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Once the cheese is melted, and the tortilla is lightly toasted, remove the taco smash burger from the griddle or skillet. Add your favorite toppings, such as pickles, lettuce, sour cream, or smoked salsa, and serve immediately.

Simple Taco Smash Burger Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 LB ground beef (80/20)
• 6 flour tortillas (6-8”)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• 3 tbsp salted butter (divided into 6 portions)
• 6 slices cheddar cheese
• Optional toppings: pickles, lettuce, onions, smoked salsa, cotija cheese, sour cream, grilled corn, cilantro

Instructions:

1. Divide the ground beef into 6 portions and roll into balls.
2. Preheat your griddle or skillet to medium-high heat.
3. Add 1 cube of butter to the hot surface, then place a beef ball on top and smash it with a spatula.
4. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then add a tortilla and press it down until it’s as thin as possible.
5. Once the burger is browned on one side, flip it and add a slice of cheddar cheese on top.
6. Cook until the cheese melts and the tortilla is lightly browned.
7. Remove the burger and top with your choice of toppings, then serve immediately.

This simple yet flavorful recipe brings together the best of both worlds – tacos and smash burgers – for an unforgettable meal everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking outdoors on the Blackstone Griddle or inside on a cast iron skillet, Taco Smash Burgers are sure to impress!