Let's dive into the world of Oklahoma smash burgers, especially how to make them on a Blackstone grill. These burgers are thin, crispy-edged patties packed with flavor, all thanks to the smashing technique and the even heat of a Blackstone. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know, from the ingredients to the step-by-step instructions, and even some tips and tricks to make your smash burgers the talk of the town. Get ready, guys, because your burger game is about to level up!

What Makes Oklahoma Smash Burgers Special?

Oklahoma smash burgers are not your average, thick, juicy burgers. What sets them apart is the smashing technique. Instead of forming a thick patty, you start with a ball of ground beef and smash it thin directly on the hot cooking surface. This does a few magical things:

1. Maximizes the Maillard Reaction: Smashing increases the surface area in contact with the hot griddle. This creates an intensely flavorful crust due to the Maillard reaction, a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned food its distinctive flavor.
2. Crispy Edges: The edges of the burger become incredibly crispy, providing a delightful textural contrast to the soft bun and toppings.
3. Faster Cooking: Thin patties cook much faster than thick ones, making smash burgers a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.
4. Flavor Concentration: As the burger cooks and the fat renders, the concentrated beefy flavor seeps into every nook and cranny, creating a taste sensation that's hard to beat.

Typically, Oklahoma smash burgers are served simply with thinly sliced onions that are smashed into the patty as it cooks. This infuses the onions with the beefy flavor and creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Add a simple bun, maybe some pickles, and you’ve got yourself a classic Oklahoma smash burger.

Why Use a Blackstone Grill?

The Blackstone grill is the perfect tool for making smash burgers. Here's why:

• Even Heat Distribution: Blackstone grills provide a consistent and even cooking surface, ensuring that your smash burgers cook uniformly and develop that beautiful, all-over crust.
• Large Cooking Area: The spacious surface of a Blackstone allows you to cook multiple burgers at once, making it ideal for feeding a crowd.
• High Heat Retention: Blackstone grills retain heat exceptionally well, maintaining the high temperature needed to achieve that perfect smash burger sear.
• Easy to Clean: The flat top surface is easy to scrape clean after cooking, saving you time and effort.

Using a Blackstone grill takes the guesswork out of making smash burgers and allows you to focus on perfecting your technique and flavor combinations. Plus, it’s just plain fun to cook on!

Ingredients for Oklahoma Smash Burgers on a Blackstone

Before we fire up the Blackstone, let's gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground Beef: The star of the show! Use 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and fat content. The fat is crucial for creating juicy and flavorful burgers.
• Onions: Thinly sliced yellow or white onions. These will be smashed into the burgers as they cook, adding a sweet and savory element.
• Buns: Soft and squishy potato buns or brioche buns are ideal. They should be able to hold up to the juicy burger without falling apart.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning is all you need to let the beefy flavor shine.
• Optional Toppings: Pickles, cheese (American, cheddar, or pepper jack), mustard, ketchup, or any of your favorite burger toppings.
• Oil or Butter: For greasing the Blackstone grill to prevent sticking. Tallow is highly recommended.

Having high-quality ingredients makes a huge difference in the final product. Don't skimp on the beef or the buns – they're the foundation of a great smash burger.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get cooking! Here’s how to make Oklahoma smash burgers on your Blackstone grill:

Step 1: Prepare Your Blackstone

• Preheat your Blackstone grill to medium-high heat. You want the surface to be hot enough to create a good sear, but not so hot that the burgers burn.
• Lightly grease the grill surface with oil or butter. This will prevent the burgers from sticking and ensure they develop a nice crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

• Divide the ground beef into 2-ounce balls. Don't pack the meat too tightly; a loose ball will smash more easily.
• Place the beef balls on a tray or plate, ready to be smashed.

Step 3: Smash the Burgers

• Place a beef ball on the preheated Blackstone.
• Immediately cover it with a piece of parchment paper to prevent sticking to your spatula or burger press.
• Using a sturdy spatula or burger press, smash the beef ball as thin as possible. Aim for a patty that's about 1/8 inch thick.
• Quickly remove the parchment paper.

Step 4: Add the Onions

• Immediately sprinkle a thin layer of sliced onions over the smashed patty. Gently press the onions into the burger with your spatula.

Step 5: Season and Cook

• Season the burger generously with salt and pepper.
• Let the burger cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until a crispy crust forms on the bottom.

Step 6: Scrape and Flip

• Using your spatula, carefully scrape under the burger to release it from the griddle.
• Flip the burger and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the onions are caramelized and the burger is cooked through.
• If adding cheese, place a slice on top of the burger during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt.

Step 7: Assemble and Serve

• Toast the buns lightly on the Blackstone if desired.
• Place the smash burger on the bottom bun.
• Add your favorite toppings, such as pickles, mustard, or ketchup.
• Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Smash Burgers

Want to take your smash burger game to the next level? Here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind:

• Use High-Quality Beef: The better the beef, the better the burger. Opt for 80/20 ground beef for the best flavor and fat content.
• Don't Overwork the Beef: Handle the ground beef gently to avoid creating tough burgers. Just form it into loose balls and leave it at that.
• Get the Griddle Hot: A hot griddle is essential for creating a good sear and crispy edges. Let your Blackstone preheat fully before adding the burgers.
• Smash Thin: The thinner the patty, the crispier the edges. Don't be afraid to really smash those burgers down.
• Use Parchment Paper: Parchment paper prevents the burger from sticking to your spatula or burger press, making smashing easier.
• Don't Move the Burger: Once you've smashed the burger, leave it in place to develop a crust. Resist the urge to move it around.
• Scrape Aggressively: When it's time to flip the burger, use a firm, sharp spatula to scrape under the patty and release it from the griddle.
• Experiment with Toppings: While classic Oklahoma smash burgers are simple, feel free to get creative with your toppings. Try different cheeses, sauces, or veggies.
• Serve Immediately: Smash burgers are best enjoyed hot off the griddle. Assemble and serve them right away for the best flavor and texture.

Variations and Add-ons

While the classic Oklahoma smash burger is a thing of beauty, there's plenty of room to experiment and customize. Here are a few ideas:

• Cheese Variations: Try different cheeses like cheddar, pepper jack, or even a smoky gouda.
• Spicy Smash Burgers: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the ground beef for a kick.
• Gourmet Toppings: Elevate your smash burgers with toppings like caramelized onions, bacon jam, or truffle aioli.
• Double or Triple Stack: Why have one patty when you can have two or three? Stack multiple smash burger patties for a truly indulgent meal.
• Breakfast Smash Burgers: Top your smash burger with a fried egg and some crispy bacon for a breakfast-inspired treat.

Serving Suggestions

Oklahoma smash burgers are fantastic on their own, but they're even better when paired with the right sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• French Fries: A classic pairing that never fails to satisfy.
• Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings complement the flavors of the smash burger perfectly.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the rich, savory burger.
• Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad is another great side dish option.
• Pickles: A side of dill or sweet pickles adds a tangy crunch.

Conclusion

So there you have it – everything you need to know to make amazing Oklahoma smash burgers on your Blackstone grill. With a little practice, you'll be smashing like a pro in no time. The key is to get that griddle hot, smash those patties thin, and let the Maillard reaction do its magic. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with toppings and variations, smash burgers are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get out there and start smashing, guys! Your taste buds will thank you.