Hey guys! Today, we're diving into the delicious world of Oklahoma smash burgers, cooked to crispy, beefy perfection on a Blackstone griddle. If you're a burger fanatic like me, you're in for a treat. These aren't just any burgers; they're thin, intensely flavorful patties with crispy, caramelized edges, all thanks to the magic of smashing them onto a hot griddle. Trust me, once you try this method, you might never go back to regular burgers again.

Why Oklahoma Smash Burgers are Awesome

So, what makes Oklahoma smash burgers so special? It all boils down to the technique. By smashing the beef into a thin layer on a scorching hot surface like a Blackstone griddle, you maximize the Maillard reaction – that magical chemical process that creates deep, savory flavors and irresistible textures. The edges of the burger get incredibly crispy, while the inside remains juicy and tender. Plus, the caramelized onions cooked right into the burger add a sweet and savory element that's simply divine.

The Secret's in the Smash

The smashing technique is absolutely key. You're not just forming a patty; you're creating a flavor explosion. When the beef makes direct contact with the hot griddle, it sears almost instantly, locking in the juices and developing that crave-worthy crust. The thinner the patty, the more surface area you get for that delicious caramelization. And let's be real, who doesn't love a burger with crispy edges? It's all about that texture contrast – the crispy edges against the tender, juicy center.

Blackstone Griddle: The Perfect Canvas

Now, let's talk about the Blackstone griddle. While you can technically make smash burgers in a cast-iron skillet, the Blackstone takes it to a whole new level. Its large, flat surface allows you to cook multiple burgers at once, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. Plus, the even heat distribution ensures that each burger cooks uniformly, so you don't have to worry about some patties being overcooked while others are still raw. The Blackstone is also incredibly easy to clean, which is always a bonus. If you don't have one yet, trust me, it's a game-changer for outdoor cooking.

Ingredients You'll Need

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's what you'll need to whip up some mouthwatering Oklahoma smash burgers on your Blackstone griddle:

• Ground Beef: Look for 80/20 ground beef. The higher fat content is crucial for that juicy, flavorful burger. Don't skimp on the fat, guys! It's what makes the burger sing.
• Onions: Thinly sliced. Yellow or white onions work best. We're going to cook these right into the burger, so make sure they're sliced nice and thin so they caramelize properly.
• Buns: Potato buns or brioche buns are my personal favorites. They're soft, slightly sweet, and hold up well to the juicy burger. Toast them lightly on the griddle for extra flavor and texture.
• Cheese: American cheese is the classic choice for smash burgers. It melts beautifully and has that nostalgic flavor that we all love. But hey, if you're feeling fancy, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone.
• Pickles: Dill pickles, thinly sliced. The acidity of the pickles cuts through the richness of the burger, adding a nice balance of flavor.
• Mustard: Yellow mustard is the traditional condiment for Oklahoma smash burgers. It adds a tangy kick that complements the beef and onions perfectly. But again, feel free to get creative with your condiments.
• Salt and Pepper: Don't underestimate the power of simple seasoning. Season your beef generously with salt and pepper to bring out its natural flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let's get cooking! Here's a step-by-step guide to making Oklahoma smash burgers on your Blackstone griddle:

1. Prep Your Ingredients: Slice the onions thinly, divide the ground beef into small balls (about 2-3 ounces each), and gather your buns, cheese, pickles, and mustard. Having everything prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process much smoother.
2. Preheat Your Blackstone Griddle: Heat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to sear the burgers quickly, but not so hot that they burn. A good way to test the temperature is to flick a few drops of water onto the griddle. If they sizzle and evaporate quickly, you're good to go.
3. Smash the Burgers: Place a ball of ground beef on the griddle and immediately smash it down with a burger press or a sturdy spatula. You want to smash it as thin as possible, about 1/4 inch thick. The thinner, the better!
4. Add the Onions: Immediately after smashing the burger, sprinkle a generous amount of thinly sliced onions on top of the patty. Press the onions into the burger with your spatula to help them adhere.
5. Season and Cook: Season the burger generously with salt and pepper. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the edges are crispy and golden brown.
6. Scrape and Flip: Use a metal spatula to scrape the burger off the griddle. Be sure to get under all the crispy bits! Flip the burger and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the onions are caramelized and the burger is cooked through.
7. Add Cheese: Top the burger with a slice of American cheese and let it melt. You can cover the burger with a dome or a lid to help the cheese melt faster.
8. Assemble the Burger: Spread mustard on the bottom bun, add the cheeseburger, top with pickles, and finish with the top bun.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Oklahoma smash burgers immediately and enjoy! These burgers are best enjoyed hot off the griddle, so don't let them sit around for too long.

Tips for the Perfect Smash Burger

Want to take your Oklahoma smash burgers to the next level? Here are a few tips and tricks to help you achieve burger perfection:

• Use High-Quality Beef: The better the beef, the better the burger. Look for ground beef with a high fat content (80/20 is ideal) and a good marbling. The fat is what gives the burger its flavor and juiciness.
• Don't Overcrowd the Griddle: Cook the burgers in batches to avoid overcrowding the griddle. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the griddle and prevent the burgers from searing properly.
• Use a Sturdy Spatula: A thin, flexible spatula won't cut it. You need a sturdy metal spatula with a sharp edge to scrape the burgers off the griddle without tearing them.
• Don't Be Afraid to Experiment: Once you've mastered the basic Oklahoma smash burger, feel free to experiment with different toppings, cheeses, and sauces. The possibilities are endless!
• Clean Your Blackstone Griddle: After cooking, clean your Blackstone griddle while it's still warm. Use a scraper to remove any food debris, then wipe it down with a paper towel or a clean cloth. Season the griddle with a thin layer of oil to prevent rusting.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of Oklahoma smash burgers is that they're incredibly versatile. Once you've mastered the basic recipe, you can easily customize them to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Smash Burger: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the ground beef for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Smash Burger: Mix some minced garlic into the ground beef for a garlicky flavor.
• Mushroom Swiss Smash Burger: Top the burger with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
• Bacon Cheeseburger Smash Burger: Add crispy bacon to the burger for a smoky, salty flavor.
• BBQ Smash Burger: Brush the burger with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last minute of cooking.

Conclusion

So there you have it – everything you need to know to make Oklahoma smash burgers on your Blackstone griddle. These burgers are incredibly easy to make, and they're guaranteed to impress your friends and family. The combination of crispy, caramelized edges, juicy beef, and sweet onions is simply irresistible. So fire up your Blackstone griddle and get ready to smash some burgers! And hey, don't forget to share your creations with me on social media. I can't wait to see what you come up with!