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Crispy Blackstone Smash Burgers Recipe with Easy Griddle-Fried Onion Strings

Blackstone Smash Burgers - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for juicy smash burgers with crispy edges, topped with griddle-fried onion strings for an irresistible crunch and flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices yellow American cheese (or cheddar)
  • 4 soft hamburger buns, lightly toasted
  • Butter, for toasting buns (unsalted, softened)
  • 1 large sweet onion (Vidalia or similar), thinly sliced into rings
  • ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, for frying on the griddle
  • Leaf lettuce (crisp iceberg or green leaf)
  • Tomato slices, medium thick
  • Dill pickle slices
  • Ketchup, mustard, or your favorite burger sauce

Instructions

  1. Peel and slice the onion into very thin rings, about 1/8 inch (3 mm) thick. Separate the rings carefully.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, smoked paprika, and salt. Toss the onion rings in this mixture until well coated. Shake off excess flour.
  3. Preheat the Blackstone griddle to medium-high heat, around 375°F (190°C). Add about 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and spread evenly.
  4. Spread the onion rings in a single layer on the griddle. Fry until golden and crispy, about 3-5 minutes per side, flipping gently. Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz / 115 g each). Roll each into a loose ball without packing tightly.
  6. Place each ball on the hot griddle and smash down firmly with a spatula or burger press until about ¼ inch (6 mm) thick. Season immediately with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and browned.
  7. Flip the patties carefully. Immediately add a slice of cheese on top. Cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through.
  8. Butter the buns lightly and toast them cut side down on the griddle for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  9. Assemble the burgers by layering the bottom bun with lettuce, a burger patty, tomato slices, pickle slices, and a generous handful of griddle-fried onion strings. Add ketchup or mustard if desired, then top with the bun crown.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the griddle when frying onions or smashing burgers to ensure crispiness. Avoid pressing patties after the initial smash to keep them juicy. For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, Blackstone griddle, onion strings, crispy burgers, easy burger recipe, griddle-fried onions, quick dinner