Lifestyle

Why the smash burger is the only burger anyone cares about these days

Gerry Cupido|Published

Everybody is raving about smash burgers these days.

Image: Instagram / amlyss_eats

If you scroll through TikTok or Instagram these days, you quickly realise that the thick, gourmet burger from the last decade is over and the new king of comfort food is the flat, crispy, cheese-covered smash burger.

I have to admit, I feel like I'm the last person on Earth who hasn't tried one, even though my entire social media feed is flooded with them.

Everyone seems to be eating smash burgers, raving about the sizzle and the crunch, making this burger the new trendy food, much like how the "cool kids" are all drinking matcha lattes.

Many of us, myself included, still love a big, juicy patty from the old generation, but the smash burger is truly different, and its sudden takeover has been a fun thing to watch.

So, what is the big deal, and how is this flat patty so much better than a regular burger?

It comes down to a really simple technique that unlocks huge flavour.

Think of your classic burger, a thick patty cooked to a specific temperature.

The smash burger starts as a loose ball of minced beef. This ball hits a very hot griddle and is then firmly pressed down into a thin patty.

This technique is the secret. Pressing the meat onto the intense heat creates maximum contact, which triggers a scientific reaction that creates a deep, savoury, and crispy caramelised crust.

Even though it is thin, the patty stays juicy because that rapid crust creation actually locks the moisture inside.

Since they are so thin, most people order a double or even triple stack.

This gives you more of that delicious, crispy crust in every single bite.

Another huge plus is speed. Smash burgers cook incredibly fast, often in under five minutes.

The popularity of the smash burger is more than just a technique. It shows a change in what people want from their food.

For years, we chased giant, complicated burgers. Now, people want something simpler, faster, and more authentic.

The smash burger is a true return to a classic diner style, offering an unpretentious and satisfying bite.It fits perfectly into the modern fast-casual dining space.

It offers a higher-quality experience that feels fresher than traditional fast food. Yet it’s quick and easy, with low prices compared to a sit-down meal.

Its simplicity is a huge plus for customisation.

While the classic is American cheese and onion, the crispy patty is the perfect base for anything you want to add, from pickles and bacon to modern global flavours like kimchi or curry sauce. The fun lies in the customisation.

The Millennials and Gen Z crowds are pushing this trend hardest.

They look for quality ingredients, an experience that’s easy to share on social media, and great taste. The smash burger delivers all three.

It also appeals strongly to the home cook. The technique is easy to master with just a strong spatula and a hot pan.

People love filming themselves mastering the "smash" at home, which keeps the whole trend constantly active on social platforms.

The smash burger is much more than a food fad. It’s a fun and welcome change in our food preferences, favouring simple technique and huge flavour.

It shows how the smallest change in the kitchen can create a massive, global obsession.

It might be time to trade in your big patty for the flat-out flavour.

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