Step-by-Step: How to Make Smashed Burger Tacos
1. Prepare the Beef Patties
Begin by dividing your ground beef into small portions, roughly the size of a golf ball. Season each ball with taco seasoning to infuse that classic taco flavor into your burger.
2. Heat the Griddle
Preheat a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to create a sizzle when the beef hits the surface.
3. Smash the Patties
Place each beef ball onto the griddle and immediately smash it down using a heavy spatula or a burger press. Press down firmly to create a thin patty. The goal is to get as much contact with the griddle as possible for that perfect crispy edge.
4. Add the Cheese
Once the edges of the patties are crispy and the juices start to rise to the surface, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Allow it to melt over the burger as it finishes cooking.
5. Warm the Tortillas
While the burgers cook, warm your flour tortillas on the griddle or in a dry skillet. This softens them up and adds a slight toast, enhancing the overall texture.
6. Assemble Your Tacos
Place each cheese-topped patty onto a warm tortilla. Top with thinly sliced onions, pickles, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes. Drizzle with the special sauce for an added burst of flavor.
7. Serve Immediately
Smashed Burger Tacos are best served hot off the griddle. The contrast between the hot, juicy burger and the fresh, cool toppings is what makes these tacos so irresistible.
Tips for the Perfect Smashed Burger Tacos
1. Choosing the Right Beef
The fat content in your ground beef is crucial. An 80/20 blend ensures that the patties remain juicy while developing a flavorful crust. Leaner beef can result in dry, less flavorful patties.
2. Mastering the Smash
When smashing your patties, don’t hesitate. A firm, quick press is needed to achieve the thin, crispy edges that define a great smashed burger. The thinner the patty, the crispier the result.
3. Tortilla Texture
Warm tortillas make a world of difference. They should be soft and pliable, providing a contrast to the crunchy burger without overpowering the other textures.
4. Sauce it Up
The special sauce is more than just a topping; it ties all the flavors together. Feel free to customize it to your taste, adding more mustard for tang or pickle juice for a zingy kick.
Customizing Siri’s Smashed Burger Tacos
One of the great things about Smashed Burger Tacos is their versatility. You can easily customize them to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to give your tacos an extra punch.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap out the beef for a plant-based ground meat substitute. The smashing technique works just as well with these alternatives.
- Different Cheeses: While American cheese is a classic, experimenting with pepper jack or Swiss can offer a new flavor profile.
- Taco Shells: If you prefer a bit more crunch, swap the flour tortillas for crispy taco shells. This adds an extra layer of texture to your tacos.
Pairing Suggestions: What to Serve with Siri’s Smashed Burger Tacos
To round out your meal, consider serving your Smashed Burger Tacos with sides that complement their bold flavors:
- Mexican Street Corn: The creamy, spicy flavors of elote pair perfectly with the savory tacos.
- Chips and Salsa: A classic combination that adds a crunchy, fresh element to the meal.
- Guacamole: Rich and creamy, guacamole provides a cool contrast to the warm, crispy tacos.
- Cold Beverages: Pair your tacos with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita to balance the richness of the beef.
Siri’s Smashed Burger Tacos: The New Favorite on Your Menu
Siri’s Smashed Burger Tacos are more than just a trendy recipe; they’re a new way to enjoy the flavors of both burgers and tacos in one bite. Whether you’re making them for a casual family dinner or serving them at a summer cookout, these tacos are sure to impress. With the perfect balance of crispy beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings, they’re set to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Give them a try and experience the deliciousness for yourself!
