Finding the best spatula for smash burgers is vital in making sure you have the right tools to start smashing burgers like a pro. A good spatula with a sharp edge is just as important as the cooking surface and the smash burger press being used to smash the burgers. If you are looking for crispy edges on your juicy burgers, you're in the right place.
When it comes to finding the perfect spatula for making smash burgers, the most important thing to consider is finding a spatula with a straight edge that can get under the entire burger. This will assure best results when flipping your burgers for any burger cooks. Whether making burgers outside on the griddle or inside on a cast iron skillet, there are different spatulas that will work better for different situations.
What is a Smash Burger
A smash burger is a burger that is formed into a ball, place on a hot, flat surface and smashed using a spatula or burger press to flatten the burger meat into a thin burger. These burgers are not meant to have a medium rare cook. They are meant to get crispy on the edges but stay juicy all at the same time. Smash burgers are typically served as at least a double patty due to the thinner burger.
When smashing a burger, the burger stays juicy because the juices and fat within the burger are compressed into a smaller area. Instead of spreading out through the entire burger, they are all in a small area keeping the burger from drying out.
Check out some of my tips on how to keep your burgers from shrinking on my website!
Tools Needed to Make a Smash Burger
There are not many tools needed to make a smash burger, but the ones needed are very important. The most important item needed is a heated flat surface, such as a griddle grill or a cast iron skillet grill attachment. Many stoves also have a griddle center section which can be used as well. Any large, flat pan can also be used to cook the burgers inside, as long as there is enough space on the pan to smash the burger thin.
A good burger press or large spatula is needed to flatten the burger. Placing parchment paper in between the smash burger press and the burger can help keep the burger meat from sticking when smashing the burger.
A sturdy spatula is important in assuring you get a good flip on the burgers without altering the structure of the burger. Let's get to know our spatula options.
What is the Best Spatula for Smash Burgers?
Finding the best smash burger spatula is vital in creating the perfect smash burgers.
Large Burger Spatula
A large, wide burger spatula is made specifically for burgers. It works well because of it's width which allows for maximum edge contact along the burger as well as the sharp angle along the sides of the spatula which allows you to get under the crispy edge of the burgers. With the wider blades of this spatula, it can typically get under the entire burger allowing the burger to keep its form when flipping.
Overall, this spatula is my top choice for flipping smash burgers.
Fish Spatula
While this option may seem unconventional, it really works. Fish spatulas are typically made for more delicate foods, such as fish. It works because smash burgers can be very delicate but the thin stainless steel blade of the spatula gets under the smash burger with ease in order to flip it.
These typically have a wooden handle as well which is helpful because it does not heat up with the high heat of the grill like a lot of metal spatulas do.
Griddle Spatula
A griddle spatula is a thin spatula that typically comes in a pack of two. While not typically being made for smash burgers, this thin, functional spatula is a great option to help you flip smash burgers.
Smash Burgers vs. Traditional Burgers
The biggest difference between smash burgers and traditional burgers is the way the burgers are formed and also the thickness of the burgers.
Smash burgers are made by smashing a ball of ground beef with a burger or bacon press to flatten the burger. This creates a Maillard reaction which is where the outside of the burger becomes caramelized with browned bits but the inside remained juicy.
Traditional burgers are formed using your hands. The burger is then placed directly on to the grill and is cooked until the burger reaches the desired internal temperature.
Smash Burger Recipes
A classic recipe that is a great option when just starting out with making smash burgers is my double smash smash burger recipe on my website. If you are looking for a smash burger recipe that changes up the flavor, try this double smash burger with bacon and onion with a smoky campfire sauce.
If you have any questions about finding the best smash burger spatula or have any questions about the process of cooking smash burgers, leave a comment below.
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