Crispy Smash Burger Lettuce Wraps (Printable)
Juicy, crispy-edged smash burgers wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves, topped with tangy secret sauce for a lighter, flavor-packed twist on a classic favorite.
# List of ingredients:
→ For the Smash Burgers
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
02 - 1 tsp kosher salt
03 - 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
04 - 4 slices cheddar cheese
→ For the Secret Sauce
05 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
06 - 1 1/2 tbsp ketchup
07 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
08 - 1 tbsp finely chopped dill pickles
09 - 1 tsp white wine vinegar
10 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
11 - 1/2 tsp paprika
12 - Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
→ For the Wraps & Toppings
13 - 1 large head butter lettuce or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated and rinsed
14 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
15 - 1 ripe tomato, thinly sliced
16 - 1/2 cup dill pickle chips
17 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
# Steps:
01 - In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, chopped pickles, vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne (if using) until smooth and well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
02 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal balls (approximately 2 oz each). Season each ball evenly with salt and pepper.
03 - Place a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and allow it to become very hot before adding the beef.
04 - Place 2-4 beef balls in the hot skillet, leaving adequate space between each. Immediately press each ball flat with a sturdy spatula or burger press until very thin (about 1/2 inch thick).
05 - Cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy and browned. Flip patties, top each with a slice of cheddar cheese, and cook for 1 additional minute until cheese is melted. Repeat process with remaining beef balls.
06 - Lay out 2 overlapping lettuce leaves per wrap. Place two burger patties on each lettuce base, followed by tomato slices, red onion, pickles, and a generous drizzle of secret sauce.
07 - Fold lettuce leaves around the fillings to form a secure wrap. Serve immediately while burgers are still hot and crispy.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The crispy edges on these smashed patties create texture that makes you completely forget about the bun
- You can eat two or three without feeling heavy or weighed down afterwards
02 -
- Letting your meat come to room temperature for 20 minutes before cooking helps it cook more evenly
- Do not use nonstick spray or oil in your cast iron, the fat from the beef creates its own nonstick surface
03 -
- A cast iron skillet really is essential here because it holds heat evenly and gets hot enough to create that perfect crust
- Smash the patties immediately after placing them in the pan, waiting even 10 seconds means less crispy edges