Recipe: Skillet Smash Burgers with Caramelized Onions
Print RecipeIngredients
¼ cup vegetable or other neutral oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 large sweet onions, halved and cut into ½-inch slices
Kosher salt
1 pound ground beef (ideally 70% lean)
4 slices American (or other preferred) cheese
Burger garnishes: Lettuce, sliced tomatoes, pickles
Tools
Resources
The Field Method for Cast Iron Care
Instructions
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil and the butter in a No.8 (or larger) Field Skillet over medium heat until the butter has melted. Add the onions and 1½ teaspoons salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions begin to brown around the edges, about 20 minutes. Add a splash of water and continue cooking, stirring occasionally and adding small amounts of water whenever the onions begin to dry out, until the onions are deeply browned and very soft, about 20 to 25 minutes longer. Transfer to a bowl and reserve.
Prepare a hot grill and place a No.16 Double-Handled Field Skillet on top to preheat for a few minutes. Meanwhile, divide the beef into four equal portions and loosely form each into a ball.
Add the oil to the No.16 skillet and, when it shimmers, add the balls of beef. Using a sturdy metal spatula (or the bottom of another well-seasoned Field Skillet), smash each of the beef balls as thin as they will go. Cook for 2 minutes, then season the tops of the burgers generously with salt. Flip the burgers over, season the tops again and cook for 1 minute, then top with the cheese and cook for 1 minute longer.
As the burgers cook, toast the buns on the other side of the skillet, then transfer to a platter. If necessary, you can also rewarm the caramelized onions in the skillet. When the burgers have finished cooking, transfer them to the buns, top with caramelized onions and your favorite garnishes, and serve.
Seasoning Rating: Best
Both the caramelized onions and fatty burger patties will help your No.16 Field Skillet build layers of durable seasoning.
Seasoning Ratings:
Best—These dishes are the best options for building resilient seasoning, and surefire choices for getting tricky pans back on track.
Better—The best way to keep your skillet in great shape is to cook frequently, and cast iron-friendly dishes like these are your bread and butter.
Safe—These recipes won't strip seasoning away from your pan, but won't really add any, either.
OK—Be sure to clean up promptly. Recipes with this rating might feature acidic ingredients which can affect seasoning if not washed soon after cooking.
