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Savory Loaded Smashed Burger Recipe with Caramelized Onion and Smoky Aioli

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A quick and easy smashed burger with crispy edges, sweet caramelized onions, and a smoky aioli that makes every bite a flavorful celebration. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef, preferably 80/20 for juiciness
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil or canola oil (for the skillet)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 soft burger buns, toasted
  • Leafy lettuce (butter or romaine works well)
  • 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
  • Optional: sliced pickles or cheese of choice (cheddar recommended)

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat in a sauté pan. Add thinly sliced onions, sprinkle with sugar and a pinch of salt. Stir every few minutes to prevent sticking or burning. Cook slowly until golden and sweet, about 25-30 minutes. Add a splash of water if onions start to dry out.
  2. Make the smoky aioli: In a small bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, minced garlic, and lemon juice. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate to let flavors meld.
  3. Prepare the burger patties: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Roll into loose balls without overworking. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. Heat skillet: Warm 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
  5. Cook patties: Place one beef ball on skillet, immediately smash down firmly with spatula until about ¼ inch thick. Hold pressure for 10-15 seconds to form crust. Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until edges are brown and crispy.
  6. Flip and finish: Flip patty carefully, cook another 1-2 minutes for medium doneness. Add cheese slice now if desired and cover loosely to melt.
  7. Repeat cooking for remaining patties, adding oil if needed. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
  8. Toast buns: While burgers finish, toast buns cut-side down on a clean pan or under broiler until golden.
  9. Assemble burgers: Spread smoky aioli on both bun halves. Layer lettuce, tomato slices, smashed burger patty, and caramelized onions. Add pickles or extra cheese if desired. Top with other bun half.

Notes

Do not press patties while cooking after initial smash to keep juices. Use a very hot pan for crispy crust. Low and slow caramelizing of onions is key for sweetness. Aioli tastes better after resting at least 30 minutes. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free aioli, use vegan mayo. Avoid over-smashing patties to prevent dryness.

Nutrition

Keywords: smashed burger, caramelized onion, smoky aioli, quick dinner, easy burger recipe, comfort food, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://bakebelle.com/savory-loaded-smashed-burger-recipe-with-caramelized-onion-and-smoky-aioli/