How to Make the Perfect Shake Shack Smash Burger
American · Easy · 20 min · 4 servings
This copycat Shake Shack burger delivers an incredibly juicy beef patty with crispy lacey edges achieved by smashing the ball of beef hard against a screaming hot flat surface. Topped with American cheese, special ShackSauce, lettuce, and tomato on a potato bun, it is the ultimate gourmet fast food burger made at home.
Why this recipe works
This Shake Shack Smash Burger recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 20 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 590 calories with 32g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 1.5 lbs 80 percent lean ground beef divided into 4 balls
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 pieces potato buns toasted with butter
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise mixed with Dijon mustard ketchup pickle brine and cayenne for ShackSauce
- 4 leaves green leaf lettuce
- 1 large ripe tomato sliced
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Make the ShackSauce
Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, ketchup, a splash of dill pickle brine, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Stir until fully combined and refrigerate until ready to use. The sauce can be made a day ahead for even better flavor development.
Step 2: Heat the Cooking Surface
Place a heavy cast iron skillet or flat griddle over high heat for at least 3 minutes until extremely hot and just beginning to smoke. This high heat is non-negotiable for creating the crispy caramelized crust that defines a true smash burger.
Step 3: Smash and Sear the Patties
Place one ball of ground beef in the hot dry skillet and immediately press down hard with a heavy spatula or burger press for 10 full seconds until the patty is very thin and wide. Season immediately with salt and pepper. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes then flip once.
Step 4: Cheese and Assemble
After flipping, immediately place a slice of American cheese on each patty and cook for just 1 more minute until the cheese is fully melted and the edges of the patty are visibly crispy and lacy. Spread ShackSauce on both sides of the toasted potato bun and assemble with lettuce and tomato.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- American cheese → Gruyere cheese for a more upscale and nutty smash burger experience
- potato buns → brioche buns for an equally soft and enriched bread option
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not getting the skillet hot enough before cooking which causes the beef to steam instead of sear and you cannot achieve crispy edges
- Pressing the patty more than once during cooking which squeezes out all the natural juices and results in a dry patty
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 590 calories, 32g protein, 38g carbs, 34g fat, 2g fiber.
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