CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Elements of a Great Smash Burger
~Start with excellent quality beef; as good as you can afford
~80/20 or 75/25 lean to fat ratio (fat equals flavor)
~Handle ground beef as little as possible when shaping into patties 9this keeps them tender)
~Season both sides generously with sea or kosher salt, freshly ground pepper and a touch of granulated garlic (optional)— nothing else
~Use a cast iron skillet, or very heavy sauté pan
~Get the skillet ripping hot
~Spray with just a bit of oil
~Smash patty for 10 seconds as soon as it hits the pan
~Cook for just about 90 second, flip immediately add cheese and cook for 60-90 seconds more— both sides should have a nice crust with a juicy interior