What is a smash burger?
A golden crust, crispy edges, a juicy centre: the Smash Burger has become the star of the burger world. But what exactly is a smash burger? At Black and White Burger, it’s our speciality: let us explain everything.
What is a smash burger?
A smash burger is a burger in which the beef patty is crushed («smashed», from the English to smash) on a very hot griddle at the start of cooking. The meatball flattens into a thin patty that browns all over: this results in a caramelised crust on the outside and juicy meat on the inside.
So this isn’t a recipe, but a cooking technique. It serves burgers with a distinct grilled flavour, often served as double or triple patties.
Why do we tenderise meat?
When it comes into contact with a hot surface, the meat browns and develops grilled flavours: this is the Maillard reaction. By flattening the steak, you increase the surface area in contact with the griddle, which enhances the crust and the flavour. And as the steak is thin, it cooks in two to three minutes, without having time to dry out.
Smash burger or classic burger?
| Smash burger | Classic burger | |
|---|---|---|
| Steak | Thin, flattened against the plate | Thick, prepared in advance |
| Texture | Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside | Soft and even |
| Cooking | Very quick, over a high heat | Longer, over a medium heat |
Where does the Smash Burger come from?
The smash burger originated in The United States in the mid-20th century. Its invention is often attributed to a small restaurant in Kentucky, where a chef used to flatten steaks with a tin to cook them more quickly. The technique then spread to American diners, before becoming a global trend thanks to social media.
The Smash Burger at Black and White Burger
Our halal-certified Angus beef steaks are smashed on a sizzling griddle as soon as you order, then served in our black-and-white brioche bun. From the Original Smash to the Big Smash with three steaks, discover our range of smash burgers and all our menu.
Fancy a taste? Come and see us at more than 40 restaurants in France, to eat in, takeaway or delivery.
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