Smash burger alfresco: the ultimate outdoor grilling recipe

Ingredients for Smash burger alfresco

• 120 g finely chopped dill pickles

• 120 ml mayonnaise

• 30 ml ketchup

• 30 ml sauce from a can of chipotles in adobo

• 3 g kosher salt, plus more

• 675 g minced beef (20% fat)

• 4 potato rolls

• 1/2 head iceberg lettuce, leaves separated, torn into pieces about the size of the buns

• 1 white onion, very thinly sliced into rings

• 4 thin tomato slices (optional)

• 30 ml white vegetable fat (e.g. Trex)

• 8 slices cheese

How to make Smash burger alfresco

1. Preheat the grill to high heat. Place a cast-iron griddle, flat side up, on the grate and heat for at least 20 minutes until very hot.

2. In a medium bowl, mix together the pickles, mayonnaise, ketchup, adobo sauce, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set the special sauce aside.

3. Divide the minced beef into eight portions of approximately 85 g each, ensuring not to form them into patties. Place four portions between two sheets of parchment paper, spacing them about 15 cm apart. Using a meat mallet or frying pan, firmly smash the beef to create thin patties, approximately 12.5 cm across. Transfer the patties to a baking tray. Repeat with the remaining portions using fresh parchment paper.

4. Wrap all the buns together in a large sheet of foil to create a packet, which will keep the buns soft and prevent them from becoming too toasted on the grill. Place the packet on the grate and grill, turning once, until the buns are warmed through, about 1 minute. Spread the special sauce over the cut sides of the buns. On the bottom buns, place 3–4 pieces of lettuce and top each with some onion and a slice of tomato, if using.

5. Drizzle oil over the griddle and use paper towels to evenly coat the surface. Ensure the oil is hot; it should smoke almost instantly. Lightly season the patties with salt. Place four patties on the griddle, seasoned side down, and lightly season the top sides with salt. Cook undisturbed until the outer edges are brown and the undersides are very crisp, about 2 minutes.

6. Flip the patties and place a slice of cheese on top of each one. Cook until the cheese is melted, about 30 seconds. Transfer the patties to the buns with toppings, stacking two patties on each bun.

7. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining four patties, scraping off any cheese that sticks to the griddle between batches.

Disclaimer
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.