master-cooks | The Clever Hack You Need For Smash Burger Inspired Tacos

Transform your taco night with a clever hack that brings the juicy, flavorful experience of a smash burger to your tacos. Start by selecting ground beef with a higher fat content, such as 80/20, to ensure your meat stays moist and flavorful. The key to this technique is the smashing process: heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and place small balls of ground beef onto the hot surface. Press down firmly with a spatula or a burger press to create a thin, flat patty. This maximizes the surface area, allowing for a crispy, caramelized crust to form while keeping the inside tender and juicy. As the meat cooks, season generously with salt and pepper for a classic burger taste. Once the patties are ready, place them directly into soft taco shells or tortillas. Top with your choice of traditional burger accompaniments like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, pickles, and a drizzle of burger sauce or mayonnaise. For a more adventurous twist, consider adding avocado slices, jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cheese. The result is a delicious fusion of flavors and textures, combining the best elements of both smash burgers and tacos for a meal that's sure to impress.

Toppings maketh the taco

When it comes to choosing toppings for your smash burger-inspired taco, you can fully embrace the fast food burger theme or opt for traditional taco garnishes. The first option allows for some playful and nostalgic pairings—think sliced cheese, shredded lettuce, diced onions, pickles, and a special sauce that mimics the flavor of McDonald's iconic Big Mac. A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds the finishing touch and enhances the texture. You might also consider incorporating shredded cheddar into the meat for a taco twist on the ultra-cheesy Juicy Lucy. And why not elevate the cheesy goodness even more with a generous scoop of peppery, often-overlooked pimento cheese?

If you prefer to explore the diverse realm of tacos, starting with the classic carne asada is a fantastic choice. Season the beef with a bit of steak seasoning before cooking, then top it with shredded lettuce, diced onions, crumbled cotija or parmesan cheese, avocado salsa, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. Alternatively, draw inspiration from another popular taqueria dish by dipping your smash burger tacos into a rich, chile-infused broth, reminiscent of birria (not barbacoa). With these and countless other flavor combinations, smash burger-style tacos are set to become your new favorite dish.

The Clever Hack You Need For Smash Burger-Inspired Tacos

Toppings maketh the taco

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