Legends, picture this - you're out camping and you're absolutely stinging for a burger but there's nowhere in cooee to grab one. Lucky for you, Ralphie from Shank Brother's BBQ is here to show you how to make the ultimate smash burger, check out exercise 2 of Season 3 of our BBQ Bootcamp down below!
What will you need?
- A Weber Kettle BBQ (or a Weber Q)
- Coal
- Flat plate
- Spatula
- Burger press (or hammer for true camp style)
- Mince (wagyu preffered)
- Burger buns
- Butter
- Salt and pepper or seasoning
- Cheese
- Fillings of your choice (pickles, tomato, onion, lettuce)
- Burger Sauce
Method - How to Cook Smash Burgers
Step 1 - Fire up the grill
First step is to get your flat plate nice and hot. If you're using a Weber kettle like Ralphie, lump some coals right in the middle because that's where we want the heat. Then, stick your flat plate right on top. If you're using a Weber Q, fire her up and let it come up to a hot temperature.
Step 2 - Make the 'Smash Burger'
While we're waiting for the pan to heat up, we need to make our Smash Burgers. So, we need to roll up some mince into a ball. Size-wise, we want this a touch bigger than a golf ball. You don't want them too thick or too big because they won't smash very well.
Step 3 - Toast your buns
Before we cook the mince, it's a good idea to get the buns going. Spread on a bit of butter, toast them off lightly, and then set them to the side.
Step 4 - Cook your patty
Now that the pan's hot, it's time to get smashing! We've got our burger press at the ready, and we've got our burgers. Now, it's time to put one down on the grill and give it a good crack. Pop your burger onto the grill and push down hard on it, pushing all the way until it's getting a lot of surface area. Hold it there for a good 20 seconds, slide her off and leave the burger to cook.
Shank Tip:
If you don't have a burger press, get creative! A clean mallet or hammer will work just fine.
Step 5 - Add your seasoning and finish cooking
Now's the time to add a bit of seasoning. You can add your own secret rub or just use some salt and pepper, the choice is yours! Then it's time to flip your burger over and leave for another 20 seconds until cooked.
Step 6 - Add your cheese
Before you can say 'Bon Appetite', slap a slice of cheese on top of your burger while it's still on the grill, so it can melt down. After the cheese is slightly melted, grab it off the grill and slap it straight onto your bun. If you like, you can even add another slice of cheese on there once your burger is off the grill.
Step 7 - Add your fillings
You can add whatever fillings you like, but the Shank Bro's special includes a couple of pickles on top, a couple slices of tomato, a little bit of onion for that punch of flavour, some greenery (lettuce), and some burger sauce to finish it all off.
So, there you have it. Shanky style Smash Burgers that are easy to make, and even easier to chew down. Whether you're at home or kicking back at camp, you need to try this one for yourself!
If this one's left you drooling, you can check out our other cooking ideas . We reckon you'll be pretty popular at the next camp with a few of our recipes in tow!