Print

Crispy Smash Burger Tacos Recipe with Tangy Pickled Red Onion

crispy smash burger tacos - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and delicious recipe featuring crispy smashed beef patties paired with tangy pickled red onions, perfect for casual taco nights or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion (optional)
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 6 small flour or corn tortillas
  • 6 slices American or cheddar cheese
  • Butter or oil for toasting and cooking
  • Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, sliced jalapeños, creamy sauce (mayo or chipotle aioli), fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pickled red onions: Thinly slice 1 medium red onion and place in a small bowl or jar. Add ½ cup apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt. Stir until sugar dissolves and set aside at room temperature to pickle for 20 minutes while preparing the burgers.
  2. Mix the burger meat: In a bowl, gently combine 1 pound ground beef with a pinch of salt and pepper. Optionally add ¼ cup finely chopped yellow onion. Do not overwork the meat.
  3. Preheat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes until hot and sizzling.
  4. Form and cook the patties: Divide beef into 6 equal portions (about 2.5 ounces each). Roll each into a loose ball. Place one ball in the hot skillet and immediately smash down firmly with a spatula to about ¼ inch thickness. Cook 2-3 minutes until edges are brown and crisp. Flip, add a slice of cheese, and cook another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and burger is cooked through but juicy. Repeat for remaining patties.
  5. Toast the tortillas: Heat a separate pan or wipe the skillet clean and lightly butter and toast tortillas for 2-3 minutes until warm and slightly crispy on edges.
  6. Assemble the tacos: Place a few smashed burger patties on each tortilla. Top generously with pickled red onions, shredded lettuce, jalapeños, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce.
  7. Serve immediately while patties are crispy and pickled onions fresh and tangy.

Notes

Use high heat and a sturdy spatula to get a crispy crust. Do not overcrowd the pan. Let patties rest briefly after cooking. Pickled onions taste better after a few hours or overnight. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas and check pickling ingredients. Can substitute ground turkey or plant-based patties but crust may differ.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, pickled red onion, crispy burger, quick dinner, easy recipe, beef tacos, taco night

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/crispy-smash-burger-tacos-recipe-with-tangy-pickled-red-onion-easy-and-delicious/