The unofficial start of summer is the official start of grilling season. From burgers to steaks, the grill is full of delicious food. While there are classics that people always crave, the current trend focuses on smash burgers. With these tips from Chef David Rose, everyone will be asking the secret to that delicious bite.
When summer hits, the blend of nostalgia and trends is vital to keep the people engaged around the table. Items like burgers, hot dogs, and other easy to eat dishes for larger crowds make sense for parties. The aroma from the grill makes everyone hungry for an delicious meal.
Recently, Omaha Steaks added Smash Burgers to its line. The cook-from frozen burgers are an easy way for both novice grillers and well-seasoned cooks to have an easy, flavorful option for any summer gathering. It is a food trend that anyone can adopt.
Ahead of the summer grilling season, Chef David Rose graciously answered some questions about the new Omaha Steaks Smash Burgers, easy grilling tips, and how to feed a big crowd this summer. Ready to light the grill and enjoy some delicious food?
Cristine Struble: Smash burgers are on trend for the summer. What makes them a great choice for the grill? Are they easier to cook than a thicker patty?
Chef David Rose: Smash burgers are great for the grill because they cook a lot faster since the patties are much thinner. Our Omaha Steaks’ new smash burgers go from frozen patty to finished product on the bun in 5 minutes. They’re always cooked all through and very juicy.
Struble: Many of us would never cook a burger from frozen. What makes the new Omaha Steaks Smash Burgers different? Do you have to grill them differently? When would you season those burgers to ensure the maximum flavor?
Chef David: The smash burgers being thin is why they can be quickly cooked AND why they can be cooked frozen. You don’t have to grill them differently! All it takes is 3 minutes on one side then 2 minutes on the other – and add a slice of cheese in the last 30 seconds. I like to season my patties on both sides while they’re on the grill.
Struble: Since smash burgers are thinner than other burgers, should you stack a couple together? Is there a key way to build the perfect burger with toppings? Do you need the right bun for a smash burger?
Chef David: Yes, when it comes to smash burgers, at least two patties are recommended but sometimes you might want three or four. It’s up to you when it comes to toppings, but you can’t go wrong with American, Cheddar or Swiss cheese, and bacon, and you cannot go wrong with ketchup, mayo, and mustard. I prefer sesame buns for all my burgers for a contrast in texture, and I like to toast my buns on the grill.
Struble: While the burgers are the main meal, what sides do you recommend to serve with them? Do you ever opt for sides that can also be used as a burger topping?
Chef David: I would recommend steakhouse fries, French fries, or potato chips as great sides and can be doubled as toppers for the burger itself. Throughout the summer and spring grilling season, I love grilling broccoli, peppers, zucchini and asparagus to round out my meal.
Struble: When serving for a crowd, what is your best tip to get food on the table quickly and efficiently?
Chef David: By prepping the ingredients, the marinades, the sides, the sauces and the toppings ahead of time, you can do everything in advance so that you only have to focus on cooking the proteins.
Whether the gathering is a big group or just the immediate family, the food will impress with these tips from Chef David Rose. Ready to light the grill and enjoy the feast?