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Flavorful Smash Burger Tacos Recipe with Zesty Pickled Onion and Special Sauce

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These smash burger tacos combine crispy, juicy beef patties with tangy pickled onions and a creamy, smoky special sauce for a quick and satisfying meal perfect for casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil or canola oil, for the griddle or pan
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup (120ml) apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup (120ml) water
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup (60g) mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp pickle juice (from pickled onions)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Small soft taco shells or corn tortillas
  • Shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • Sliced jalapeños or avocado (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, salt, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Stir until sugar and salt dissolve. Add thinly sliced red onions and press them down so they’re submerged. Let sit for at least 20 minutes or up to a few hours in the fridge.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and a splash of pickle juice from your onions. Season with salt and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste and set aside.
  3. Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz or 113g each). Roll loosely into balls without compacting.
  4. Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil and let it get very hot, almost smoking.
  5. Place one beef ball on the skillet. Using a spatula, press down firmly to flatten it into a thin patty about ¼-inch thick. Hold for 10 seconds to set the crust. Repeat with remaining balls, working in batches if needed.
  6. Sprinkle salt and black pepper generously on the patties once smashed. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crisp.
  7. Flip the patties carefully and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked but still juicy. Add cheese if desired and cover briefly to melt.
  8. Warm taco shells or tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave until pliable.
  9. Assemble tacos by spreading special sauce on the bottom of each shell, adding a smash burger patty, topping with shredded lettuce or cabbage, and finishing with pickled onions. Add jalapeños or avocado slices if using.
  10. Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

Use 80/20 ground beef for best juiciness and flavor. Don’t overwork the meat; form loose balls and smash once on a hot pan. Season after smashing to draw out flavor without drying the meat. Keep pan very hot for a crispy crust. Pickled onions add brightness and balance richness. Warm taco shells before assembling. Store leftovers separately and reheat patties gently to maintain crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, pickled onions, special sauce, quick dinner, easy recipe, ground beef, crispy burger, taco recipe

Find it online: https://spoonmira.com/flavorful-smash-burger-tacos-recipe-with-zesty-pickled-onion-and-special-sauce-guide/