Discover the Magic of Smash Burger and Why Everyone Loves It

What is a smash burger and why has it captured the culinary world's heart?

Among hundreds of ways to prepare a hamburger, a term has emerged in recent years that street food fans speak of with enthusiasm in their eyes – smash burger. Although it might seem like just another trend, it actually returns to the very basics of why we love burgers so much. It's not a culinary invention but a method that finds perfection in simplicity, making it a phenomenon.

Smash burger - American classic in modern attire

A smash burger – literally a "smashed burger" – stands out due to its entirely specific preparation method. Instead of a shaped thick patty, a ball of finely ground beef is placed on an extremely hot cast iron pan or grill and smashed with force using a wide metal spatula. What's so revolutionary about it?

This process triggers the so-called Maillard reaction – the immediate caramelization of proteins and sugars on the meat's surface, merging into flavors full of depth and intensity. The result is a thin, crispy, and almost delicate slice on the edges, which can remain juicy inside if prepared correctly. It's this contrasting combination of textures that people love.

But a smash burger isn't just about the meat. It's a whole philosophy: simplicity, ingredients without unnecessary embellishments, and a focus on balance in every bite. It is most commonly served in a buttery brioche, with a slice of cheddar, pickles, onions, and a simple sauce. No excess of vegetables, no complicated flavor combinations. When the meat is so distinctive, it doesn't need competition.

Recipe for a smash burger

Although its preparation looks like something from a professional kitchen, a homemade smash burger isn't complicated – it requires more courage to work with high heat, the right tools, and quality ingredients. The best part is, you can manage without complex gadgets.

What you'll need:

• 100–120 g of quality beef (ideally chuck or brisket, with at least 20% fat content)
• buttery brioches or burger buns
• slices of cheddar
• butter for toasting
• salt, pepper
• red onion (cut into very thin slices)
• pickled cucumbers
• ketchup, mustard, or homemade burger sauce
• wide metal spatula (or turner)

Instructions:

1. Meat: Shape loose balls from the ground meat – don't squeeze them unnecessarily. They don't need to be perfectly shaped, just hold together. Each ball should weigh around 100 grams.
2. Pan preparation: Use a cast iron or thick-walled pan, ideally smaller in size to better concentrate the heat. Heat it to maximum – even 5 minutes dry before putting the meat on.
3. Smashing: Place the ball on the pan, let it sear for 10 seconds, then using a spatula (or two if more pressure is needed) smash the meat into a thin patty. Press it as much as possible to the surface to create a beautiful crust.
4. Seasoning and flipping: Salt and pepper it and let it cook for about 1 minute, then flip and immediately place a slice of cheese on the meat. After another 30–60 seconds, the burger is done.
5. Bun: On a side pan or grill, toast the buttered brioche to a golden brown. Assemble the burger: bottom part of the bun, sauce, meat with cheese, onions, pickles, top part of the bun.

And that's it. Incredibly simple, yet irresistibly delicious.

Why has the smash burger become an icon?

One reason the smash burger has gained such popularity outside the USA is that it's a quick meal with a strong flavor that is easily accessible. You don't need any specialized equipment, no culinary training – just good meat, a pan, and knowing when to stop. It's the opposite of all "gourmet burgers" overflowing with ingredients and losing their character.

Moreover, it's a dish that connects different communities – from food trucks to hipster bistros to home kitchens. Everyone can customize it, but the foundation remains the same – an emphasis on the taste of the meat and the preparation technique.

In Los Angeles, a food truck brand emerged in 2017 that built its entire concept on smash burgers. No advertising, no complexities. Just quality ingredients and a consistently repeated process. And people stood in line for hours. "When you do a simple thing really well, people will come back to you," says the brand's founder, which perfectly captures the essence of the smash burger.

A healthier side to burgers? Yes, if you know how

It might sound surprising, but even a burger can be part of a healthy lifestyle if you follow a few principles. Unlike fast-food chains, where the meat is often full of water, salt, and additives, at home you can choose quality meat from organic farming. By opting for a smaller portion of meat, whole-grain buns, and less sauce, you can achieve a burger that tastes great and doesn't burden the body.

There are countless variations – a popular alternative is a vegetarian smash burger made from red lentils or chickpeas, prepared using a similar method. Here too, "smashing" works to achieve a tasty crust. If you add homemade kimchi and avocado, you get a modern vegetarian twist on the classic.

Thus, a smash burger isn't just a "hamburger done differently," but a symbol of a return to honest, simple food. It's an answer to over-the-top menus and market saturation with culinary experiments. Perhaps that's why so many people are discovering the magic of this crispy wonder in various places around the world – from Brooklyn bistros to festivals in our country.

Where to taste a smash burger in the Czech Republic?

In the Czech Republic, the smash burger is also gaining more prominence. Some street food establishments in Prague, Brno, or Ostrava already offer it as a permanent menu item, and customers can't get enough of it. A well-known Prague establishment that originally started with hot dogs now sells over 60% of its burgers in the smash style. And the reviews? "This is the best burger I've ever eaten," writes one visitor.

Thanks to social media, homemade recipes are also spreading, and people are trying to make it themselves – with various modifications. Some add caramelized onions, others go for homemade mayonnaise with roasted garlic. And that's the beauty of the smash burger – you can stick to the classic or create your own version. But the basic idea remains: less is sometimes more.

At a time when shortcuts or complicated ways to impress are often sought, the smash burger shows that with minimal ingredients and the right technique, you can create something memorable. And that's what makes the smash burger so special.