Smash Burger FAQ
50+ questions about smash burgers answered
From the experts at Redondos Miami
Smash Burger Basics
What is a smash burger?
A smash burger is made by pressing a ball of ground beef onto a very hot griddle. At Redondos, we press our certified 80/20 Angus beef balls onto our flat-top grill to create thin patties with crispy edges and intense flavor through caramelization — it's what we do best.
What is considered a smash burger?
A burger is considered a smash burger when the beef ball is smashed directly on a hot flat-top grill during cooking, creating thin patties with crispy edges and caramelized flavor. At Redondos, every burger we serve follows this technique with certified Angus beef.
Why are smash burgers so popular?
Smash burgers are popular because the cooking method creates crispy edges and strong caramelized flavor. At Redondos on Bird Road, customers keep coming back specifically for those signature crispy edges and the depth of flavor you can't get from a traditional thick burger.
What's the difference between a smash burger and a regular burger?
The main difference is cooking technique. At Redondos, we press our beef balls on a hot griddle to create crispy edges and thin patties. A regular burger stays thicker and is usually grilled without pressing — you lose all that caramelization and crunch.
Are smash burgers thinner than regular burgers?
Yes. At Redondos, our smash burgers are thinner because we press the 80/20 Angus beef directly onto our hot griddle during cooking, maximizing the crispy surface area.
Why do smash burgers taste better?
The pressing technique creates more surface contact with the hot grill, producing caramelization and crispy edges. At Redondos, we've perfected this process — our griddle temperature and technique are dialed in to maximize the Maillard reaction for the deepest possible flavor.
Cooking Technique
What is the secret to smash burgers?
The secret is high heat, quality beef, and smashing once. At Redondos, we use certified 80/20 Angus beef, press each ball firmly on our hot griddle to create a crust that locks in flavor, and never press a second time — that's what keeps the juices in.
How do you make a smash burger?
At Redondos, we place a ball of certified Angus beef on our hot flat-top grill and press it firmly with a heavy spatula. We cook for about 2 minutes until the edges are perfectly crispy, flip once, add American cheese, and let it finish — simple technique, incredible results.
Can you make smash burgers on a regular pan?
Yes, you can try at home with a cast-iron pan or heavy skillet on very high heat. The key is pressing the beef immediately. But if you want the real thing, come to Redondos — our commercial flat-top griddle gets hotter and more even than any home pan.
What do chefs use to smash burgers?
At Redondos, we use heavy-duty burger presses and commercial spatulas. Some home cooks use parchment paper between the meat and press to prevent sticking — a useful tip if you're making smash burgers at home.
Why do chefs smash burgers only once?
Pressing only once keeps the juices inside the meat and allows the crust to form properly. At Redondos, our team is trained to smash once, decisively — that single press is the difference between a great smash burger and a dry one.
What temperature is best for smash burgers?
A very hot griddle above 400°F creates the best crust and caramelization. At Redondos, our flat-top grill runs at the optimal temperature to produce the Maillard reaction that gives our burgers their signature flavor.
Do smash burgers cook faster?
Yes. Because they are thin, smash burgers cook faster than traditional burgers — usually about 2-3 minutes per side. At Redondos, this means your burger goes from griddle to plate quickly while staying juicy inside.
How do you keep smash burgers from falling apart?
At Redondos, we use cold certified Angus beef and press the patty only once at the beginning. We never move the burger too early — the crust forms and holds the meat together naturally.
Ingredients
Is 80/20 or 90/10 better for smash burgers?
At Redondos, we use certified 80/20 Angus beef because the higher fat content is essential for crispy edges and rich flavor. Lean beef like 90/10 tends to be drier and doesn't develop the same caramelized crust.
What meat is best for smash burgers?
At Redondos, we exclusively use certified 80/20 Angus ground beef. This ratio provides the ideal balance of flavor, juiciness, and those signature crispy edges that make our smash burgers stand out.
Do you use oil on the griddle before making smash burgers?
At Redondos, we use minimal oil because our certified 80/20 Angus beef renders its own fat quickly on the hot griddle. A light coating can help prevent sticking, but the beef does most of the work.
What cheese works best for smash burgers?
At Redondos, American cheese is our go-to for classic smash burgers because it melts quickly and drapes perfectly over the crispy patty. We also offer cheddar and other options for customers who want a different flavor profile.
What bun is best for smash burgers?
At Redondos, we use soft potato buns because they hold the burger without overpowering the beef flavor. The soft texture complements the crispy patty edges perfectly.
What toppings go well with smash burgers?
At Redondos, our classic toppings include pickles, onions, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, and our house sauces. We also offer customization options so you can build your perfect burger.
Do smash burgers need seasoning?
At Redondos, we believe simple seasoning is key — salt and pepper let the quality of our certified Angus beef shine through. Over-seasoning can mask the natural beef flavor and the caramelization you work so hard to achieve.
Can smash burgers use wagyu beef?
Yes, some restaurants use wagyu beef. At Redondos, we've found that certified 80/20 Angus beef delivers the best results for smash burgers — it has the perfect fat ratio for crispy edges without the premium price of wagyu.
Texture & Flavor
Why are smash burgers crispy?
The pressing technique increases contact with the hot cooking surface. At Redondos, our flat-top griddle and precise technique create maximum caramelization — that's why our edges are consistently crispy and full of flavor.
Are smash burgers juicy?
Absolutely. At Redondos, even though our patties are thin, the 80/20 Angus fat content and quick cooking keep them juicy inside while the outside gets perfectly crispy.
Are smash burgers greasy?
At Redondos, our smash burgers are juicy but not greasy. The high-heat cooking renders out excess fat, and the crispy crust creates a satisfying texture that balances everything perfectly.
Why do smash burgers have crispy edges?
The pressing technique increases surface area contact with the grill, creating caramelization through the Maillard reaction. At Redondos, our griddle temperature is optimized specifically for this — it's how we deliver those signature lacy, crispy edges on every burger.
Variations
Can smash burgers be double patties?
Yes! At Redondos, our double smash burgers are one of our most popular options. Two thin, crispy patties with melted cheese between them create an incredible layered flavor experience.
Do smash burgers use butter?
At Redondos, we toast our potato buns with a touch of butter for enhanced flavor and that perfect golden-brown texture. It's one of those small details that makes a big difference.
Are smash burgers grilled?
At Redondos, our smash burgers are cooked on a flat-top grill rather than an open flame. This provides better surface contact for maximum caramelization — it's the key to our crispy edges.
What is the 5-6-7 burger rule?
The 5-6-7 rule is a guideline for cooking thicker burgers at different doneness levels. At Redondos, our smash burgers cook much faster because they are thinner — about 2-3 minutes per side for perfect results.
Health & Nutrition
Are smash burgers unhealthy?
Like most burgers, smash burgers should be enjoyed in moderation. At Redondos, our smash burgers are made with certified Angus beef and fresh ingredients — no processed fillers. Nutritional value depends on your customizations and portion choices. Check our cheeseburger calories guide for detailed data.
How many calories in a smash burger?
At Redondos, a single smash burger ranges from approximately 350-420 calories, and a double ranges from 580-680 calories (based on USDA FoodData Central and our kitchen portioning standards). Visit our detailed cheeseburger calories guide for a full nutritional breakdown.
Can smash burgers be made with turkey?
Yes, though turkey burgers have less fat and may not develop the same crispy edges as beef. At Redondos, we focus on certified 80/20 Angus beef because it's the ideal fat ratio for achieving that perfect smash burger crust.
Finding Smash Burgers in Miami
Where can you find smash burgers in Miami?
Redondos on Bird Road is Miami's destination for authentic smash burgers. We specialize in crispy smash burgers made fresh on our hot griddle with certified 80/20 Angus beef. Visit us at 3791 Bird Road, Miami, FL 33146.
What's the best smash burger in Miami?
Miami locals know Redondos on Bird Road for our signature crispy smash burgers. Made with certified Angus beef, fresh ingredients, and our perfected technique, our smash burgers have earned a loyal following across the city.
Can I order smash burgers for delivery in Miami?
Yes! Redondos offers delivery through Toast, Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. Order online and enjoy our smash burgers wherever you are in Miami.
Where is Redondos located?
Redondos is located at 3791 Bird Road, Miami, FL 33146. We're open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Call us at (786) 907-4187 or order online through Toast.
At-Home Cooking
Can smash burgers be made at home?
Yes! A cast iron pan or flat griddle works well for making smash burgers at home with high heat. Use quality 80/20 ground beef like the certified Angus we use at Redondos. But when you want the real deal, our flat-top griddle and technique are hard to replicate at home.
What equipment do I need to make smash burgers at home?
You need a cast iron pan or griddle, a heavy spatula or burger press, and good quality 80/20 ground beef. At Redondos, we use commercial-grade equipment, but home cooks can get solid results with a cast iron skillet on high heat.
How much meat per smash burger patty?
Most recipes use 2-3 ounces of ground beef per patty, which spreads thin when smashed. At Redondos, our portions are calibrated for the perfect balance of crispy edges to juicy center.
Should the beef be cold when making smash burgers?
Yes. Cold beef holds together better when smashed and creates better edges. At Redondos, we keep our certified Angus beef chilled until it hits the hot griddle — the temperature contrast helps create that signature crust.