Smash burgers are as the name suggests...smashed, into the hot searing heat of the pan. They are delicious and easy to make, and I'm going to show you how. To make a smash burger you will need a few tools. These are not your average burger patty, and so will require a slightly different way of thinking. Usually, you wouldn't dream of mashing a burger patty into the pan, for fear of all the juices coming out. For a smash burger though, that's exactly what you need to do.

You'll want to get a heavy sturdy metal spatula, and a good heavy pan to fry the smash burgers in, preferably cast iron. What happens when you press down on the meat, is you force the mix to come into contact with the fierce heat of the pan, meaning it cooks quicker. But you also get that all important maillard reaction, with all those crispy bits and dark caramelised edges. A smash burger is a thing of beauty, and made properly, you will love em!

To make my smash burgers you will need:

Makes 2 burgers

• 4 x 100g balls of 80/20 minced beef

• 4 slices of processed American cheese

• 2 large burger buns

• Shredded iceberg lettuce

• Diced white onion

• Sliced gherkins (pickles)

• Salt & pepper

• Small knob of butter

• American mustard for top bun

For the sauce

• 4 tbsp of good mayonnaise

• 1/4 tbsp of green pickle relish

• 1/4 tbsp of American mustard

• 1/4 tbsp of white distilled vinegar

• 1/2 tsp of onion powder

• 1/2 tsp of garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp of paprika