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Smash Burger Tacos with Special Sauce

October 9, 2023 by Mel and Boys Kitchen + Leave a Comment

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I tried these Smash Burger Tacos with special sauce that went viral on TikTOk this year, and my family LOVED them! We decided they were a fun combination of ‘Shake Shack’ and ‘Taco Bell’! They are a marriage of the best elements of two beloved classics: the juicy, flavorful smash burger and the handheld convenience of a taco. The idea of smashing a burger patty flat on the griddle until it was crispy and delicious, then folding it into a soft taco shell is brilliant. We can see why this delicious creation took the internet by storm, becoming a viral sensation!

Ingredients That Make It Irresistible

  1. Smashed Burger Patty: The star of the show is, of course, the burger patty. Made from high-quality ground beef, seasoned to perfection, and smashed onto a hot griddle to create that irresistible crispy crust, it’s the foundation of the entire dish.
  2. Taco Shell: Instead of the traditional burger bun, the Smash Burger Taco uses a soft taco shell. This choice allows for a perfect balance between the crispy, savory patty and the tender, foldable shell.
  3. Special Sauce: Ah, the secret weapon! The sauce is what truly elevates this creation to legendary status. While the exact recipe varies, it often includes a blend of mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickles, and a few secret spices. The tangy, slightly sweet, and savory profile of the sauce is what sets this taco apart.
  4. Cheese: A slice of American cheese is typically melted onto the smashed patty, adding that creamy, gooey goodness that cheeseburger lovers adore.
  5. Toppings: Depending on personal preference, various toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and even bacon can be added to customize the Smash Burger Taco to your liking.

The Secret Behind the Sauce

While the ingredients for the special sauce are relatively simple, it’s the balance and the specific combination of flavors that make it truly exceptional. The mayonnaise provides a rich, creamy base, while ketchup and hot sauce add sweetness and acidity. Mustard introduces a tangy kick, and the pickles contribute a welcomed crunch and briny goodness and finished with a few spices!

The Smash Burger Tacos with Special Sauce is a testament to the power of culinary creativity and the influence of social media in the world of food trends. It takes two beloved classics and combines them in a way that both comforts and surprises the taste buds. Whether you’re a burger enthusiast, a taco lover, or just someone looking for a delicious and unique meal, this viral sensation is undoubtedly worth a try. Just remember, it’s the special sauce that makes it truly special!

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Smash Burger Tacos with Special Sauce


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  • Author: Mel and Boys Kitchen
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Description

The Smash Burger is the best elements of two beloved classics: the juicy, flavorful smash burger and the handheld convenience of a taco. 


Ingredients

Scale

For the Special Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 TB sweet pickle relish

1 TB ketchup

1 tsp yellow mustard

1 tsp Franks Hot Sauce

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tacos:

1 pound ground beef, preferably 80% lean

4–6 (6 inch tortillas)

salt and pepper

4–6 sliced American cheese or cheddar cheese

Sliced dill pickles, shredded lettuce, diced onions, and sesame seeds, for serving


Instructions

  1. Make the special sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, relish, ketchup, mustard, hot sauce and garlic powder until combined.  Taste, and season with salt and pepper, as desired. 
  2. Make tacos: Heat a griddle or large cast -iron skillet over medium high heat until very hot.  Meanwhile, divide the meat into 4-6 equal portions (we make 4 the original recipe said 6) and press each portion onto one side of a tortilla to cover the entire surface.  The patty will shrink away rom the edge of the tortilla as it cooks.  Lightly season each patty with salt and pepper.
  3. In batches, depending on the size of your griddle or skillet, add the tortillas to the hot skillet, ,eat side down and cook, pressing each regularly with a spatula, until a nice brown curst forms, about 3-5 minutes.  Flip the tortillas over, top with a slice of cheese and cook until the tortillas are crisp on the bottom and the cheese has melted, about 1 minute more. Transfer the tortilla to a platter or individual plates and repeat with remaining tortillas. Top each with pickles, lettuce, onions, the sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Serve hot!

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Recipe Source: slightly adapted from the The Washington Post

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Filed Under: Beef, Beef Tagged With: burgers, ground beef, pickled onions, smash burgers, tacos

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Hi! I’m Melanie, a Wife, Mother and now a Grandma (Mimi)!  My goal is to help YOU gather your family and friends together, one great recipe at a time!

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Tribute to my sweet Mom

I developed my love of cooking at an early age “helping” my Mom bake cookies, make dinner, and knead bread. She had quite the well of patience! She is the one that taught me about measurements, leavening agents, egg-washes, the basic white sauce, and numerous other mysteries of the kitchen!  I cherish the memories I have of learning to cook at her side. Thank you Mom! You instilled in me a respect for work as well as a joy in creating delicious things. I love you! xoxo

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