Smash burgers have become a popular burger style in recent years. Unlike traditional hamburgers that are formed into round patties and grilled, smash burgers are smashed down flat on a hot grill or griddle to create a crispy crust. But what type of oil should be used when cooking smash burgers? The oil plays an important role in getting the right texture and flavor. In this article, we’ll look at the most common oils used for smash burgers and the pros and cons of each.
High Smoke Point Oils
When cooking any burger on a hot surface like a grill or griddle, it’s important to use an oil with a high smoke point. The smoke point refers to the temperature at which an oil starts to smoke and degrade. For smash burgers cooked over high heat, you’ll want to use an oil with a smoke point between 400°F and 450°F. Some good options include:
Refined Avocado Oil
Refined avocado oil has become a popular choice for cooking at high temperatures. It has a very high smoke point between 400°F and 500°F. Refined avocado oil has a neutral flavor that doesn’t overpower the beef. It allows the browned crust on the smash burger to shine. Refined avocado oil is a healthy oil choice as it is high in monounsaturated fats.
Grapeseed Oil
Grapeseed oil is another neutral flavored oil that can withstand high cooking temperatures. Its smoke point is around 420°F. Grapeseed oil allows for an evenly browned crust. And it has a clean taste that doesn’t compete with the flavor of beef.
Canola Oil
With a smoke point of 400°F, canola oil is suitable for smash burgers cooked on a hot skillet or griddle. Canola oil is neutral in flavor. So the taste of the beef and seasonings comes through. Canola oil is also relatively affordable and accessible.
Peanut Oil
Refined peanut oil has a smoke point of 450°F so it’s a solid choice for smash burgers. Peanut oil has a very mildly nutty flavor. But it’s neutral enough to allow the flavor of browned beef to shine. Peanut oil pairs especially well with bacon or peanut toppings.
Vegetable Oil
Common vegetable oil blends also have smoke points around 400-450°F. As long as it can withstand high heat without burning, vegetable oil works well for smash burgers. Be sure to check the smoke point on the specific bottle, as they can vary.
Lower Smoke Point Oils
While the following oils have lower smoke points, they can still work for smash burgers. You’ll just need to carefully monitor the heat to prevent burning.
Olive Oil
Extra virgin olive oil has a low smoke point of around 325°F-375°F. But many people still like using good quality olive oil for smash burgers because of its delicious rich flavor. When using olive oil, cook smash burgers over medium heat. And use a combination of olive oil and butter to prevent burning.
Coconut Oil
Unrefined coconut oil has a smoke point of 350°F. It adds a subtle coconut flavor that pairs well with Hawaiian burgers or burgers with pineapple. Carefully monitor the heat when cooking with unrefined coconut oil.
Butter
On its own, butter has a low smoke point of only 325-375°F. But adding a tablespoon of butter to another high smoke point oil is a popular technique. The butter provides rich flavor, while the other oil prevents burning. Clarified butter can also be used as it has a higher smoke point.
Oils to Avoid
Some oils are not well-suited for smash burgers cooked over high heat:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
While delicious, extra virgin olive oil has too low of a smoke point for smash burgers. It will burn and become bitter on a hot skillet or griddle.
Flavored Oils
Flavored oils like chili oil, garlic oil, or sesame oil can burn quickly. They are better suited for drizzling over a burger after cooking.
Cold-Pressed Oils
Cold-pressed oils like flaxseed oil have very low smoke points. They should not be used for smash burgers.
Choosing an Oil Based on Flavor
While the main consideration for smash burgers is picking an oil with a high smoke point, you can also select an oil based on the flavor it provides:
For pure beef flavor
– Refined avocado oil
– Grapeseed oil
– Canola oil
– Vegetable oil
For a buttery, rich taste
– Butter
– Olive oil
For a hint of nuttiness
– Peanut oil
– Toasted sesame oil (use sparingly)
For a tropical vibe
– Coconut oil
You can also combine oils. Using a small amount of olive oil, butter, or coconut oil in addition to a high heat oil will impart extra flavor. Just be careful to maintain the right cooking temperature.
Quantity of Oil for Smash Burgers
Only a small amount of oil is needed when cooking smash burgers:
– For 4 smash burger patties, use 1-2 tbsp total oil
– Too much oil will prevent the patties from getting nicely browned and crispy
– Apply oil to the hot skillet or griddle first before placing patties down
– A pastry brush is useful for evenly distributing a thin layer of oil
The goal is a very thin layer of oil. Enough to prevent sticking, but not so much that patties fry instead of sear.
How to Cook Smash Burgers in Oil
Here is a simple smash burger cooking method using oil:
Ingredients:
– Ground beef (80/20 or 75/25 blend)
– Salt and pepper
– High smoke point oil like avocado, grapeseed, or canola
– Butter (optional)
– Burger buns
– Condiments and toppings of choice
Instructions:
1. Form beef into 2-3 oz balls, don’t flatten. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Get a heavy skillet or griddle smoking hot over high heat. Brush on a thin layer of oil.
3. Place balls of beef on oiled surface. Use a spatula to firmly press down and flatten to about 1/4 inch thick.
4. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until well browned. Add a small pat of butter near the end if desired.
5. Place patties on buns and dress with desired condiments and toppings.
Smash burgers cook fast in a hot oiled skillet. Adjust heat as needed to prevent overbrowning. The browned crust provides incredible texture and flavor.
Oil Options for Indoor Smash Burgers
Smash burgers can also be cooked indoors using a heavy cast iron or stainless steel skillet. The key is getting the pan very hot before adding oil and patties. Good oil options for indoor cooking include:
Avocado oil
Has a high smoke point and neutral taste.
Grapeseed oil
Gets very hot without smoking or splattering.
Vegetable oil
Common vegetable oil works well for indoor smash burgers.
Butter/olive oil combo
Butter boosts flavor while olive oil prevents burning.
Monitor your stove’s highest heat setting when cooking smash burgers indoors. You want the pan to be very hot before cooking.
Oil for Outdoor Smash Burgers
Outdoor grilling opens up more smash burger oil possibilities since you can cook over an open flame. Good oils for outdoor smash burgers include:
Avocado oil
With its extremely high smoke point, avocado oil is perfect for the grill.
Peanut oil
Has a high heat tolerance and goes well with grilled meat.
Bacon grease/duck fat
Infuse burgers with meaty flavor on the grill or smoker.
Clarified butter
Clarified butter won’t burn easily on the grill.
Flavored oils
Use small amounts of flavored oil outdoors without burning.
The intense dry heat from grilling allows you to use oil with a bit more flavor. But avocado and peanut oil are still the best choices for smash burgers.
Condiments and Toppings
Smash burgers are all about maximizing flavor and texture contrasts. Here are some delicious condiment and topping ideas:
Cheese
American, cheddar, Swiss, provolone, blue cheese, etc. Melted cheese over smash burgers is a must.
Sauces
Ketchup, mustard, mayo, BBQ sauce, ranch, etc.
Fried egg
A fried egg adds a luscious yolk to smash burgers.
Bacon
Crispy smoked bacon is the perfect smash burger partner.
Caramelized onions
Sweet browned onions complement the browned crust.
Mushrooms
Sauteed mushrooms provide great earthy flavor.
Avocado
Creamy cool avocado balances the burger.
Pickles
Dill pickles addbrightness and crunch.
Don’t be afraid to stack on multiple toppings to make an ultimate over-the-top smash burger. The possibilities are endless for customizing these flavorful burgers.
Conclusion
When cooking up deliciously crispy smash burgers at home, be sure to use an oil with a high smoke point above 400°F. Good oils for smash burgers include avocado, grapeseed, canola, peanut, vegetable, and butter/olive oil combinations. Using the right oil will allow you to achieve browned sear marks and texture without burning. Add your favorite cheese, sauce, produce, and other toppings over the patties for amazing smash burgers bursting with flavor. Smash burgers are a fun way to put a flavorful spin on a classic.