Smash Mouthwatering Burgers on Commercial Chrome Griddles

Discover the Magic of Smash Burgers Made on a Chrome Griddle

Smash burgers have become an iconic staple of American cuisine. When prepared properly on a high quality chrome griddle, smash burgers achieve an unparalleled flavor and texture that keeps customers coming back for more. Read on to learn all about making mouthwatering smash burgers on chrome griddles.

What is a Smash Burger?

Unlike traditional hamburgers which are gently handled to avoid compacting the meat, smash burgers get their name and distinctive style from an aggressive pressing or "smashing" of a ball of ground meat directly on a griddle surface. This smashing process sears the meat instantly to lock in flavor and juices while getting that quintessential crispy, lace-like crust.

Compared to other hamburger styles, smash burgers are typically small and thin. A ball of meat ranging from 1/4 pound to 1/6 pound gets smashed into a 3-4 inch patty. The small surface area means the meat cooks faster while the smashing process spreads out all those delicious burger juices to better caramelize the meat.

Why Use a Chrome Griddle?

While smash burgers can technically be prepared on any flat cooking surface, using a chrome griddle really takes them to the next level. Here are some key advantages chrome griddles have over traditional grills or flat tops:

• More efficient heat transfer leading to better browning and crust
• Non-stick and naturally slick surface enables easy smash burger pressing
• Minimal meat sticking means patties lift clean without falling apart
• Durable material withstands repeated burger smashing
• Distributes heat evenly so entire cooking surface reaches optimal searing temperature

Look for commercial-grade chrome griddles constructed from a single sheet of heavy-gauge steel chrome plated on all sides. This ensures durability, prevents warping, and enables even heating for consistent smash burger results.

Smash Burger Ingredients & Seasonings

While the cooking surface plays a key role, great smash burgers also start with high quality ingredients:

• Fresh Ground Beef: Choose chuck beef with an 80/20 lean/fat ratio and grind meat daily.
• Brioche Buns: Light, airy brioche perfectly balances out the thin, crispy patties.
• Cheese Slices: Go for American cheese which melts smoothly over smash burgers.
• Onions: Caramelized onions, grilled onions, and raw onion slices all pair well.
• Secret Sauce: Add condiment flavors like ketchup, mayo, mustard, pickles, spices.

In terms of seasoning, a simple smash burger seasoning blend brings out maximum flavor. Use a mixture of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to generously season meat right before smashing.

Smash Burger Cooking Process on a Chrome Griddle

Now that you understand the keys behind an incredible smash burger, it’s time to see the cooking process in action:

1. Form the Meat: Gently form ground beef into loose 2-3 oz balls, handling carefully to avoid pre-smashing.
2. Season Liberally: Generously coat all sides of meat balls evenly with burger seasoning blend.
3. Heat Griddle Properly: Heat chrome griddle to 350-375F. If griddle is too cool, meat will steam. Too hot leads to instant burning.
4. Sear the Patties: Place seasoned meat balls onto hot griddle then immediately use a stiff spatula to firmly press down and flatten into 3-4 inch patties.
5. Don’t Move Them! Let patties sear untouched so the crust develops properly, about 60-90 seconds.
6. Flip and Add Cheese: Carefully scrape and flip patties then top with cheese to melt while second side sears.
7. Melt the Cheese: After flipping, lightly press patties to maximize cheese contact and accelerate melting.
8. Toast the Buns: While patties finish, toast brioche buns on griddle 5-10 seconds per side.
9. Build and Enjoy! Construct cheeseburger with condiments on toasted bun and dig in!

Be very careful not to over-handle the meat when forming patties or press down too early when initially placing them on the chrome griddle. Getting an ideal sear on that first side before flipping is key to smash burger success.

Frequently Asked Questions About Smash Burgers on Chrome Griddles

New smash burger fans often have questions when first getting started. Here are answers to some of the most common smash burger and chrome griddle queries:

What’s the Best Way to Season Smash Burgers?

Season the beef itself rather than just the outside of patties. Add burger seasoning blend to the entire batch of ground beef when forming meat into balls before smash griddling. Applying seasoning throughout delivers maximum flavor in every bite.

How Thin Should I Smash Patties?

Ideal pre-smash meat ball size ranges from 2-3 oz but patties should compress down to 1/4 inch thickness. Any thicker and patties will require longer cook times while thinner may tear or dry out. 1/4 inch consistently delivers the perfect smash burger.

What If Patties Stick When Flipping?

If patties slightly stick after initial sear, use two stiff spatulas to support bottom side of meat to carefully scrape and flip. If sticking persists, lower griddle temp slightly and allow patties to further sear undisturbed on 1st side before attempting flipping again.

Do I Need Special Griddle Tools?

In addition to a heavy-duty chrome griddle optimized for heat distribution, a variety of smash burger-friendly utensils can be useful. A stiff angled burger spatula provides smashing leverage while a roller can evenly form same-size meat balls.

Serving Up Delicious Smash Burgers

When prepared properly on a commercial-grade chrome griddle using quality ingredients and seasonings, smash burgers achieve an unbeatable flavor, texture, and cooking speed perfect for high volume restaurant environments. Griddle smashed patties sing with juice and sizzle diners will crave again and again.

Now that you’re a burger smashing pro, it’s time to experiment with fun innovations and toppings while you wow customers with these American classics. Stay fearless with your seasonings and serve burgers with pride!

FAQs

Is a chrome griddle worth the investment?

Yes! A high quality chrome griddle delivers excellent heat transfer for that optimal smash burger sear while its easy to maintain nonstick properties minimize sticking and prevent falling apart patties. The durability enables thousands of burger smashes over its lifetime, making it well worth the initial investment.

How long can seasoning sit on meat before griddling?

To achieve maximum seasoning penetration and burst of flavor, it's best to cook smash burgers within 30 minutes of preparing and seasoning meat. Any longer and seasonings stay more surface-level instead of getting fully absorbed.

Can I cook anything besides burgers on my chrome griddle?

Absolutely! Its versatile cooking surface excels across protein and veggie recipes from steaks and chops to hot dogs, grilled cheese, eggs, and more. Just make sure to thoroughly clean the griddle after cooking strongly flavored foods.

What PPE should I use with a commercial griddle?

Proper hand protection and ventilation are important when working with high heat commercial cooking equipment. Always wear impermeable heat resistant gloves when operating the griddle. And install adequate ventilation hoods in your cooking space to safely direct steam, fumes, etc away from staff.