Smash Burger Guide Miami
Everything you need to know about smash burgers, from technique to taste.
Quick answers from Redondos on Bird Road
View Our Smash BurgersSmash burgers are one of the most popular burger styles in the United States. At Redondos in Miami, smash burgers are cooked on a hot flat top grill to create crispy edges and intense flavor that keeps customers coming back.
The technique of pressing fresh ground beef onto a very hot griddle creates a thin patty with caramelized edges and a juicy center. This is what makes smash burgers different from traditional burgers and why they have become so popular in Miami.
What Makes a Great Smash Burger?
High Heat
A very hot flat top grill above 400°F creates the perfect crust
Certified Angus Beef
At Redondos, we use certified 80/20 Angus beef for the best flavor and crispy edges
Technique
Smashing once creates thin patties with crispy caramelized edges
Why Smash Burgers Taste Better
The smash burger technique increases contact between the meat and the hot grill. This creates caramelization through the Maillard reaction, which produces deeper flavor and crispy texture that many people prefer.
When the beef ball is pressed firmly onto the griddle, the surface area increases dramatically. More surface contact means more browning, more flavor compounds, and those signature crispy edges that make smash burgers irresistible.
The thin patty also cooks quickly, sealing in juices while creating a satisfying crunch. Combined with melted cheese, soft potato buns, and fresh toppings, smash burgers deliver a perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Smash Burgers in Miami
Miami has become a hotspot for smash burger lovers. The city's food scene embraces this cooking technique, with restaurants specializing in crispy, flavorful smash burgers.
At Redondos on Bird Road, we serve authentic smash burgers made fresh on our hot griddle. Every burger features crispy edges, juicy center, and quality ingredients.
Smash Burger FAQ
Quick answers to the most common questions about smash burgers
What is a smash burger?
A smash burger is a burger made by pressing a ball of ground beef onto a very hot griddle. At Redondos, we press certified 80/20 Angus beef onto our flat-top grill to create thin patties with crispy edges and intense flavor through the Maillard reaction — it's the technique that has made our burgers famous in Miami.
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. At Redondos, every burger starts as a ball of certified Angus beef that gets pressed firmly on our griddle, creating thin patties with crispy edges and deep caramelized flavor.
What's the difference between a smash burger and a regular burger?
The main difference is cooking technique. At Redondos, we press our beef on a hot griddle to create crispy edges and thin patties. A regular burger is shaped before cooking and stays thicker, usually grilled without pressing — meaning you miss out on all that caramelization.
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 and press each ball firmly on our hot griddle to create a crust that locks in flavor. We never press twice — that single decisive smash is 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 on very high heat. Press the beef immediately for a crispy crust. But for 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 for a firm, even press. Home cooks can use a heavy spatula or place parchment paper between the meat and press to prevent sticking.
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 creating those crispy edges and rich flavor. Lean beef like 90/10 tends to be drier and doesn't develop the same caramelized crust.
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's natural fat does most of the work.
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 naturally and holds the meat together.
Why do smash burgers taste better?
The pressing technique creates more surface contact with the hot grill, producing deep caramelization and crispy edges. At Redondos, we've perfected our griddle temperature and technique to maximize the Maillard reaction for the richest possible flavor.
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. Check our cheeseburger calories guide for detailed nutritional data based on USDA references.
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 every time.
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 for those signature crispy edges and the depth of flavor you simply can't get from a traditional thick burger.
Are smash burgers thinner than regular burgers?
Yes. At Redondos, our smash burgers are thinner because we press our certified 80/20 Angus beef directly onto the hot griddle during cooking, maximizing the crispy surface area.
Do smash burgers cook faster?
Yes. Because they are thin, smash burgers cook in about 2-3 minutes per side. At Redondos, this means your burger goes from griddle to plate quickly while staying juicy inside.
What cheese works best for smash burgers?
At Redondos, American cheese is our go-to 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.
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.
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, Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM.
Ready to Try the Best Smash Burgers in Miami?
Visit Redondos on Bird Road and taste the difference. Fresh beef, hot griddle, crispy perfection.
📍 3791 Bird Road, Miami, FL | Mon-Sat 10AM-9PM