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Flavorful Garlic Brown Butter Smash Burgers Recipe with Easy Caramelized Onion Sauce

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These garlic brown butter smash burgers with caramelized onion sauce offer a rich, crispy, and juicy burger experience with a sweet and tangy onion sauce, perfect for casual gatherings and quick meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • Salt, to taste (about 1 teaspoon for beef mixture)
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (about ½ teaspoon for beef mixture)
  • 4 soft burger buns (brioche recommended)
  • Optional toppings: cheddar cheese slices, lettuce, tomato slices, pickles

Instructions

  1. Prepare the caramelized onion sauce: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally and cook slowly for about 20 minutes until the onions turn golden and soft.
  2. Add 1 tablespoon brown sugar and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Stir in the balsamic vinegar and cook for 2 more minutes, until the sauce is thick and glossy. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Brown the garlic butter: In your cast iron skillet, melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  4. Mix the beef: In a bowl, combine the ground beef with the garlic brown butter, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to mix gently but thoroughly. Avoid overworking the meat.
  5. Form and smash the patties: Divide the beef mixture into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces or 113g each). Shape each into a loose ball. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Place one ball in the pan, then immediately press down firmly with your spatula or burger press until it’s about ½-inch thick. Repeat with remaining balls, cooking in batches if needed.
  6. Cook the patties: Let the patties cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until the edges are deeply browned and crispy. Flip carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes for medium doneness. If adding cheese, place a slice on each patty in the last minute of cooking and cover the pan briefly to melt.
  7. Toast the buns: While the burgers finish, toast the buns cut-side down in a clean skillet or under the broiler until golden and slightly crisp.
  8. Assemble the burgers: Spread a generous spoonful of the caramelized onion sauce on the bottom buns. Add the burger patties, then top with lettuce, tomato, pickles, or your preferred toppings. Cap with the top bun and serve immediately.

Notes

Use a very hot pan for crispy edges. Let ground beef sit out 10-15 minutes before cooking for even cooking. Remove garlic butter from heat as soon as it browns to avoid burning. Avoid overworking the meat to keep burgers tender. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or avocado oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burgers, garlic brown butter, caramelized onion sauce, easy burger recipe, quick dinner, comfort food

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