Mel's Smash Burger* Recipe

Prepare the patties

Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Form them loosely into balls without overworking the meat.

Cook the patties

Heat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Season the beef balls with salt and black pepper. Place them on the hot skillet and smash them down with a spatula to form thin patties. Cook for 3-4 minutes until browned, then flip.

Add cheese

After flipping, place a slice of American cheese on each patty. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Mix the aioli

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Stir until well mixed and set aside.

Cook the onions

In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook for about 15 minutes until onions are soft and translucent.

Add sugar and vinegar

Stir in the brown sugar and balsamic vinegar. Cook for another 10-15 minutes until the onions are caramelized and the mixture is jam-like. Remove from heat.

Prepare the fries

Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry.

Fry the potatoes

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the dried fries in batches, frying until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. Season with salt.

Assemble the burgers

Spread garlic aioli on the bottom half of each Hawaiian bun. Add the smashed burger patty with melted cheese, a generous spoonful of grilled onion jam, and top with the other half of the bun.

Serve

Serve the burgers with a side of crispy French fries.