These burgers are big on flavor and simple to make. Rolling the meat into balls and smashing them in a cast iron skillet with a spatula ensures that much of the meat surface comes in contact with the hot pan. The browner surface means more flavor, and smashing the burgers with a spatula gives them their name, hence, “smash burgers.” The burgers can be served as is with a side dish or on a brioche bun with some Gochujang aioli. either way, they are delicious. Here’s how to make them:
Start with three pounds of ground turkey in a large bowl.
To the turkey add 3 Tbl. of
Mix the ingredients into the turkey with your hands making sure the seasoning is well distributed throughout the meat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hr. up to overnight. Note* No salt was added to the meat since soy sauce and fish sauce are both very salty.
After the meat has marinated for an hour, remove from the refrigerator and shape the meat into 3 inch round balls and place on a plate (makes about 6-8 meatballs. Heat a large cast iron skillet sprayed with cooking spray over medium heat.
Once the skillet is hot, place some of the meatballs in the pan leaving enough room for them to spread out when smashed.
As soon as the meatballs are placed in the pan, using a large spatula or another flat object, smash each burger down flat to burger size. Cook burgers until browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side or until no longer pink inside and internal temperature is 165 degrees.
Burgers can be kept warm in the oven on low heat until they have all finished cooking. While the burgers cook, make the drizzle.
In a measuring cup or small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup soy sauce or liquid aminos, 2 Tbls. freshly grated ginger, and 2 Tbls. packed brown sugar. Mix together well and set aside.
When burgers are ready to serve, drizzle each burger with the sauce and garnish with chopped scallions and chopped cilantro. Enjoy and happy cooking!
Prep Time: 15 min. plus 1 hr. minimum to marinate
Cooking Time: 20-30 min.
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: Makes 6-8 burgers
Ingredients:
3 lbs. ground turkey
1/2 cup chopped scallions plus more for garnish
1/2 cup chopped scallions plus more for garnish
3 Tbl. soy sauce or liquid aminos
3 Tbl. freshly grated ginger
1 Tbl. sugar or stevia
1 tsp. fish sauce
1 tsp. toasted sesame seed oil
1 tsp. Gochujang sauce (Korean style sauce)
For the Drizzle:
1/4 cup soy sauce or liquid aminos
2 Tbl. freshly grated ginger
2 Tbl. packed brown sugar