1. Prepare the Confidential Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until all ingredients are fully integrated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside in the fridge to chill and let the flavors meld together.
2. Forming the Patties:
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Do not form patties yet; the key to a good smash burger is to start with a loosely formed ball to ensure a tender texture.
3. Cooking the Patties:
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat. You want the surface screaming hot for the perfect sear.
- Place a ball of ground beef on the skillet, and then use a sturdy spatula (and a second spatula or heavy press for leverage, if needed) to smash it down into a thin patty. Season with salt and pepper.
- Let it cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes until the edges are brown and crispy. Flip the patty over, season again, and cook for another minute. Repeat with the remaining beef portions.
4. Assembling the Burgers:
- Spread a generous amount of the confidential sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Place a lettuce leaf on each sauce-covered bun bottom, followed by a tomato slice and a slice of onion.
- Add the hot, crispy patty on top of the onions, and cap it with the top half of the bun.
5. Serving:
- Serve the burgers immediately while they are still hot and juicy, accompanied by your favorite sides, such as french fries or a simple green salad.
Tips:
- Meat Temperature: For safety, ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). However, smashing the patties thin reduces cooking time and can help achieve a safe temperature without overcooking.
- Sauce Variations: Feel free to tweak the confidential sauce ingredients to suit your taste. Adding a dash of hot sauce can introduce a spicy kick, while a bit of smoked paprika can give a smoky depth.
- Bun Choices: While classic burger buns work great, experimenting with different types of bread, such as brioche buns or ciabatta rolls, can add an interesting twist to your burger.
Enjoy crafting this smashing patty with confidential sauce, sure to be a hit at any gathering or a special treat for a family dinner. The secret sauce is bound to be a conversation starter, but the real magic is in the combination of flavors and textures that make each bite unforgettable.