By Thomas Salle
Ground beef is a versatile protein that is also good source of zinc, as well as other nutrients like iron, B vitamins, and creatine. It is economical and easy to tailor to your individual tastes. Make tacos, spaghetti, meat loaf, a skillet meal, or my personal favorite – smash burgers. Smash burgers are super easy to prepare and cook up quick. Perfect for a meal any day of the week!
Salle’s Summer Smash Burgers
- 4 hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons butter, softened, or as needed
- 1 pound ground chuck beef (80% lean)
- 4 (6-inch) squares parchment paper
- 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire Sauce
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- burger toppings of choice
Directions
- Pat each ball into a 1-inch-thick disc; smooth out the edges as best you can. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or until ready to cook.
- Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil the grate. Set a cast iron flat-top griddle or large cast iron skillet onto the grill and preheat until smoking.
- Spread butter on the inside of the buns and toast on the flat-top until lightly browned. Set aside.
- Remove patties from fridge and sprinkle all over with salt
- Place each disc on the hot flat-top, cover with a piece of parchment (to prevent sticking to the spatula; re-use each parchment square on a second patty) and immediately smash down to a 1/4 inch thickness with a firm spatula..
- Grill for about 60 seconds, until the edges are dark brown and the centers are a light pink color. With the spatula, gently flip over and immediately cover 4 of them with cheese. Grill an additional 15 to 20 seconds.
- Move each patty to a bun and serve with your favorite toppings
Thomas Salle is the owner of Meat the Live Butcher a third generation meat cutter who now holds the title that his father, Bernie, started in the sixties, The Live Butcher.
Located in White Center at 9432 16th SW Family-owned and operated, they feature high quality meats and sought-after custom cuts at our full-service meat counter. Thomas only sells Painted Hills Brand Beef. It is locally sourced, never given antibiotics or hormones, and is all choice and higher grade.Open 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Saturday.
