Hey guys! Craving the ultimate smash burger experience? Look no further! We're diving headfirst into the delicious world of Oklahoma smash burgers, and we're doing it on the Blackstone griddle. Trust me, once you try these, you'll never go back to regular burgers again. This recipe is all about maximizing flavor and texture, creating a burger that's crispy, juicy, and utterly irresistible. So, fire up your Blackstone, and let's get smashing!

What Makes Oklahoma Smash Burgers Special?

Oklahoma smash burgers are in a league of their own, and here's why: First and foremost, it is the smashing technique. Instead of forming patties, you use loosely packed ground beef and smash it directly onto a hot griddle. This creates an incredibly thin patty with crispy, caramelized edges. The Maillard reaction, that magical browning process, goes into overdrive, resulting in an intense, beefy flavor. Another key component is the thinly sliced onions. These aren't just any onions; they're pressed into the beef as it cooks, melding together to create a sweet and savory sensation. The onions caramelize right along with the beef, infusing every bite with their deliciousness. The simplicity of the ingredients is also a highlight. You don't need a bunch of fancy seasonings or fillers. Just good quality ground beef, onions, salt, pepper, and your favorite burger toppings. This allows the flavor of the beef to truly shine.

And let's not forget the cheese! A slice of melty American cheese is the classic choice, adding a creamy, comforting element that ties everything together. Served on a soft, toasted bun, an Oklahoma smash burger is a symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more. The crispy edges, juicy center, sweet onions, and melty cheese create a truly unforgettable burger experience. Plus, making them on a Blackstone griddle takes things to the next level. The even heat distribution and large cooking surface of the Blackstone allow you to cook multiple burgers at once, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. So, whether you're a burger aficionado or just looking for a new weeknight dinner idea, Oklahoma smash burgers are a must-try. Get ready to elevate your burger game and impress your friends and family with this simple yet incredibly satisfying recipe. Trust me, once you taste the difference, you'll be hooked!

Ingredients You'll Need

Before we get started, let's gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you'll need to make the most amazing Oklahoma smash burgers on your Blackstone:

• Ground Beef: 80/20 blend is ideal. The fat content is crucial for that juicy, flavorful patty. Don't go too lean, or your burgers will end up dry.
• Onions: Thinly sliced. Yellow or white onions work great. The thinner, the better, as they need to cook quickly and meld with the beef.
• Buns: Soft, toasted burger buns. Potato buns or brioche buns are excellent choices.
• Cheese: American cheese slices. This is the classic choice for that melty, gooey goodness.
• Salt and Pepper: To season the beef and onions.
• Optional Toppings: Pickles, mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomato – whatever your heart desires!
• Oil or Butter: For the Blackstone griddle. This helps prevent sticking and adds a little extra flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Blackstone Oklahoma Smash Burgers

Alright, guys, let's get down to business. Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Oklahoma smash burgers on your Blackstone griddle:

1. Prepare Your Blackstone: Preheat your Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat. Add a little oil or butter to the surface to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice your onions. The thinner, the better, as they need to cook quickly and meld with the beef.
3. Form the Beef Balls: Divide the ground beef into loosely packed balls, about 3-4 ounces each. Don't pack them too tightly; you want them to smash easily.
4. Smash the Burgers: Place a beef ball on the hot griddle. Immediately place a piece of parchment paper over the beef and use a sturdy spatula (or a burger press) to smash the beef as thin as possible. The thinner, the crispier!
5. Add the Onions: While the beef is still raw on top, immediately pile a generous amount of thinly sliced onions onto the smashed patty. Press the onions into the beef with your spatula.
6. Season Generously: Season the beef and onions with salt and pepper.
7. Cook and Scrape: Let the burger cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until a crispy crust forms on the bottom. Use your spatula to scrape under the burger and flip it over. The onions should now be cooking on the griddle.
8. Add the Cheese: Immediately add a slice of American cheese to the top of the burger.
9. Melt the Cheese: If needed, you can add a dome or a basting cover to help the cheese melt faster.
10. Toast the Buns: While the cheese is melting, toast your burger buns on the griddle. This adds a nice texture and flavor.
11. Assemble the Burgers: Once the cheese is melted and the buns are toasted, remove the burgers from the griddle and assemble them on the buns with your favorite toppings.
12. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Oklahoma smash burgers!

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Smash Burger

To really nail those Oklahoma smash burgers, here are a few extra tips and tricks to keep in mind:

• Use High-Quality Beef: The better the beef, the better the burger. Opt for an 80/20 blend for optimal flavor and juiciness.
• Don't Overwork the Beef: When forming the beef balls, handle the beef as little as possible. Overworking the beef can result in tough burgers.
• Get Your Griddle Hot: A hot griddle is essential for creating that crispy crust. Make sure your Blackstone is preheated to medium-high heat before you start cooking.
• Smash Thin: The thinner the patty, the crispier the edges. Don't be afraid to really smash that beef down!
• Don't Move the Burger Too Soon: Let the burger cook undisturbed for a few minutes before attempting to flip it. This allows a good crust to form.
• Use a Sturdy Spatula: A thin, flexible spatula won't cut it. You need a sturdy spatula with a sharp edge to scrape under the burger and flip it without tearing.
• Experiment with Toppings: While American cheese is classic, don't be afraid to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone. And feel free to add your favorite burger toppings, like pickles, mustard, ketchup, lettuce, and tomato.
• Keep it Simple: One of the beauties of Oklahoma smash burgers is their simplicity. Don't overcomplicate things with too many ingredients or fancy sauces. Let the flavor of the beef and onions shine through.

Variations and Add-ons

Want to spice things up a bit? Here are some fun variations and add-ons to try:

• Spicy Smash Burgers: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the beef for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Smash Burgers: Mix some minced garlic into the beef before smashing.
• Bacon Smash Burgers: Add crispy bacon to your burger for extra flavor and texture.
• Mushroom and Swiss Smash Burgers: Top your burger with sautéed mushrooms and Swiss cheese.
• BBQ Smash Burgers: Add a drizzle of your favorite BBQ sauce to the burger.
• Caramelized Onions: Take your onions to the next level by caramelizing them before adding them to the burger. This will add a deeper, sweeter flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Oklahoma smash burgers are amazing on their own, but here are some serving suggestions to complete the meal:

• French Fries: A classic pairing. Serve your burgers with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries.
• Onion Rings: Another great option. The crispy onion rings complement the juicy burger perfectly.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing side dish that adds a nice crunch and tang.
• Potato Salad: A classic summer side dish that goes well with burgers.
• Salad: For a lighter option, serve your burgers with a simple green salad.
• Pickles: Don't forget the pickles! They add a nice sour and crunchy element.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! The ultimate guide to making Oklahoma smash burgers on your Blackstone griddle. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of technique, you can create burgers that are bursting with flavor and texture. These smash burgers are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue, or any time you're craving a delicious and satisfying meal. So, fire up that Blackstone, gather your ingredients, and get ready to smash your way to burger perfection. Trust me, once you try these, you'll never look at burgers the same way again! Happy grilling!