Few outdoor meals are as satisfying as a freshly cooked smash burger. With crispy caramelised edges, melted cheese, crunchy pickles and a generous serving of homemade burger sauce, it is easy to understand why smash burgers have become so popular.

They are also quick and simple to prepare, making them perfect for relaxed lunches, summer evenings and outdoor gatherings in Spain. You do not need complicated equipment or hours of preparation. A hot flat-top griddle, a strong spatula and good-quality beef mince are enough to create restaurant-style burgers at home.

This easy smash burger recipe serves two people and can be prepared in around 20 minutes.

Recipe Information
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Serves: 2 people

Ingredients:
For the smash burgers
300g beef mince with approximately 20% fat
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 slices of burger cheese
2 soft burger buns
½ white onion, thinly sliced
4 sliced pickles or gherkins
A few lettuce leaves
A small amount of cooking oil
For the burger sauce
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon tomato ketchup
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1 tablespoon finely chopped gherkins
½ teaspoon white wine vinegar
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
A small pinch of sugar
Equipment You Will Need
Smash burgers are best prepared on a flat cooking surface that allows the beef to remain in full contact with the heat.

Suitable options include:

  • An outdoor griddle
  • A plancha
  • A flat barbecue plate
  • A cast-iron cooking surface
  • An outdoor kitchen griddle

You will also need:

  • A strong metal spatula
  • A mixing bowl
  • A chopping board
  • A sharp knife
  • A burger press or second spatula, if available
  • The spatula should be strong enough to press the beef firmly against the hot cooking surface.

How to Make the Burger Sauce
Prepare the burger sauce before cooking the meat so that the flavours have time to combine.

Place the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped gherkins, white wine vinegar, garlic powder, paprika and sugar into a small bowl.

Mix everything together until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined.

Taste the sauce and adjust it according to your preference. Add more mustard for a sharper flavour, extra ketchup for sweetness or additional chopped gherkins for more texture.

Cover the sauce and keep it refrigerated until the burgers are ready to serve.

Preparing the Beef
Divide the beef mince into two equal portions.

Gently shape each portion into a loose ball. Avoid pressing or working the mince too much, as this can create a dense burger.

Keeping the meat loosely packed makes it easier to flatten and helps create the uneven, crispy edges that make smash burgers distinctive.

Season the outside of each beef ball with salt and black pepper immediately before cooking.

Heating the Griddle
Preheat your outdoor griddle or plancha until the surface is extremely hot.

A high cooking temperature is essential because it allows the outside of the beef to brown quickly while the inside remains juicy.

Add a small amount of cooking oil and spread it lightly across the cooking surface. You will not need much oil because the beef will release some fat as it cooks.

When cooking outdoors in Spain, position your griddle in a shaded or well-ventilated area where possible. Always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and keep the cooking area away from flammable furniture, parasols and plants.

How to Cook Smash Burgers
Place the two beef balls onto the hot griddle, leaving enough space between them.

Immediately press each ball down firmly using a strong metal spatula or burger press. Apply even pressure until the beef forms a thin, flat patty.

Once the burgers have been smashed, leave them undisturbed for approximately two minutes.

Do not repeatedly move, lift or press the burgers. Keeping the meat in direct contact with the hot surface creates the dark, crispy crust associated with a traditional smash burger.

After approximately two minutes, slide the spatula firmly underneath each patty and flip it over.

Place a slice of cheese on top of each burger and cook for approximately one further minute, or until the cheese has melted and the meat is properly cooked.

Toasting the Burger Buns
Cut the burger buns in half and place them cut-side down on a clean section of the hot griddle.

Toast them briefly until the inside becomes lightly golden.

Toasting the buns adds flavour and creates a slightly firmer surface that helps prevent the burger sauce from soaking into the bread too quickly.

Watch the buns carefully because they can brown very quickly on a hot plancha.

How to Assemble the Smash Burgers
Spread a generous layer of burger sauce over the bottom half of each toasted bun.

Add the ingredients in the following order:

  • Lettuce
  • The cheese-topped smash burger
  • Thinly sliced onion
  • Pickle slices
  • An additional spoonful of burger sauce
  • The top half of the toasted bun
  • Serve the burgers immediately while the meat is hot, the cheese is melted and the edges are still crispy.

Tips for Making Better Smash Burgers
Choose beef with enough fat
Very lean beef can produce a dry and less flavourful burger. Mince containing approximately 20% fat helps keep the centre juicy while allowing the outside to brown properly.

Do not overwork the meat
Avoid kneading or tightly compressing the mince. Form the beef into loose balls and handle it as little as possible.

Smash immediately
Press the beef as soon as it touches the griddle. If you wait too long, the outside will begin cooking before the patty has been properly flattened.

Make sure the griddle is hot
A warm griddle may cook the burger, but it will not create the same crispy and caramelised surface.

Allow the cooking plate to preheat fully before adding the meat.

Do not keep pressing the burgers
Only press the burger during the initial smash. Pressing it repeatedly during cooking can release moisture and make the meat drier.

Prepare the ingredients in advance
Smash burgers cook very quickly. Slice the onions, prepare the lettuce, mix the sauce and open the buns before placing the beef on the griddle.

Optional Smash Burger Toppings
The basic recipe is easy to customise with additional ingredients.

Popular options include:

  • Crispy bacon
  • Caramelised onions
  • Jalapeños
  • Grilled peppers
  • Avocado
  • Fried egg
  • Blue cheese
  • Barbecue sauce
  • Spicy mayonnaise
  • Additional pickles

For a Spanish-inspired version, try adding grilled piquillo peppers, Manchego cheese or a small amount of alioli.

What to Serve with Smash Burgers
Smash burgers work well with a wide range of simple side dishes, including:

  • Skin-on chips
  • Sweet potato fries
  • Onion rings
  • Coleslaw
  • Corn on the cob
  • Grilled vegetables
  • Patatas bravas
  • Green salad
  • Tomato salad
  • Extra pickles

When entertaining outdoors, you can place the sauces and toppings on the table so guests can customise their own burgers.

Creating the Perfect Outdoor Burger Evening
Spain’s warm climate makes outdoor cooking and dining possible throughout much of the year.

A garden griddle or outdoor kitchen allows the person cooking to remain part of the gathering rather than moving repeatedly between the indoor kitchen and the patio.

Comfortable outdoor dining furniture, suitable shade and convenient preparation space can help create a more enjoyable experience for both the cook and the guests.

A cantilever parasol or pergola can provide protection from strong sunlight, while an outdoor dining set gives everyone a comfortable place to enjoy the finished meal.

During cooler evenings, a suitable patio heater can also help extend the time spent outdoors.

Outdoor Cooking Safety
Outdoor griddles and barbecues should always be operated according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Remember to:

  • Position the griddle on a stable surface
  • Keep it away from flammable materials
  • Never leave it unattended
  • Keep children and pets away from the cooking area
  • Use heat-resistant utensils
  • Allow the appliance to cool before cleaning
  • Clean grease and food residue after use
  • Never use an outdoor gas or charcoal cooking appliance inside an enclosed room, garage, tent or poorly ventilated area.

Make More of Your Outdoor Space

A simple smash burger recipe can turn an ordinary evening into an enjoyable outdoor dining experience.

With a hot griddle, fresh ingredients and the correct cooking technique, you can make crispy, cheesy burgers without leaving your own garden or terrace.

GardenFurnitureSpain offers outdoor dining sets, lounge furniture, pergolas, parasols and other garden-living products that can help you create a comfortable space for barbecues, family meals and entertaining.

Explore the outdoor furniture available from GardenFurnitureSpain and create the ideal setting for your next burger evening.