Ultimate Gourmet Burger Collection: Smash Beef, Peri Peri Chicken, and Crispy Veggie Burgers

Steps

Classic Smash Cheese Burger

1. 1

   Prepare the smash burger sauce by stirring together the mayonnaise, ketchup, and yellow mustard in a small bowl. Set it aside while preparing the other components.

2. 2

   Divide the ground beef into a loose 150 g ball. Do not pack it tightly; a loose ball produces a more tender, irregular-edged crust.

3. 3

   Heat a heavy skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Place the beef ball in the dry pan and immediately press it firmly with a sturdy spatula until it is about 5 mm thick.

4. 4

   Season the exposed side with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes, without moving it, until the bottom develops a deeply browned, crisp crust.

   Start 2-minute timer
5. 5

   Scrape and flip the patty. Add the cheese slice to the browned side and cook for 1 to 2 minutes more, until the beef is cooked through and the cheese has melted.

   Start 2-minute timer
6. 6

   Toast the split bun cut-side down in the same skillet until lightly golden. Spread the sauce on the bun, then layer in the beef patty, pickles, lettuce, and tomato.

Crispy Peri Peri Chicken Burger

7. 7

   For the chicken burger, combine the peri peri sauce, yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken breast thoroughly and marinate for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator.

   Start 20-minute timer
8. 8

   Set up three shallow dishes containing flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs. Remove the chicken from the marinade, dredge it in flour, dip it in egg, and press it into the panko until fully coated.

9. 9

   Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the breaded chicken and fry for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side, turning once, until deeply golden and the center reaches 165°F (74 °C)/74°C (165 °F).

   Start 5-minute timer
10. 10

    Toast the second bun cut-side down. Spread mayonnaise and additional peri peri sauce over the bun, then add the crispy chicken and cabbage slaw.

Ultimate Crispy Veggie Burger

11. 11

    For the veggie burger, mash the chickpeas and black beans in a bowl until mostly broken down but still slightly textured. Add the rolled oats, grated carrot, diced onion, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper.

12. 12

    Mix the veggie-patty mixture thoroughly until it holds together when pressed. Shape it into one firm patty about the diameter of the bun. Chill it for 10 to 15 minutes if it feels soft.

    Start 15-minute timer
13. 13

    Heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat. Add the veggie patty and cook for about 4 minutes per side, turning carefully, until both sides are crisp and the center is hot.

    Start 4-minute timer
14. 14

    Toast the final bun. Assemble the veggie burger with lettuce and tomato, adding any remaining sauce or condiments to taste. Serve all three burgers immediately while the buns and coatings are crisp.