A new street-food sensation: Smash Burger Taco brings two giants together

The Smash Burger Taco brings together the juicy, crisp-edged satisfaction of a burger and the easy, foldable form of a taco. The recipe has become a popular food trend because it skips the usual burger-patty preparation and cooks the meat directly onto the tortilla.

To make four tacos, use four small tortillas, 350 to 400 grams of medium-fat ground beef, four slices of cheddar, lettuce, red onion and pickles. The sauce combines mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice and a pinch of sweet paprika.

The beef should not be kneaded or tightly packed. Shape it only lightly into four loose balls of about 80 to 90 grams each. Heat a wide, heavy-bottomed pan until very hot, place a beef ball inside, then cover it with a tortilla. Press down firmly with a spatula, press or the base of a pot until the meat spreads into a thin layer reaching the tortilla’s edges.

Season the meat with salt and pepper and cook it untouched for about two to three minutes. When the edges turn crisp and the beef cooks through, flip the tortilla and meat in one motion. Add the cheddar to the cooked beef and let the tortilla brown while the cheese melts.

Finish with shredded lettuce, diced red onion, chopped pickles and plenty of burger sauce. Fold the taco in half and eat it immediately while it is still hot.