I’m thrilled to share my Protein Smash Burger with Spicy Garlic Mayo – it’s my go-to for a satisfying, refreshing burger meal that’s bursting with flavor! With juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, and a zesty homemade mayo, this recipe is a surefire way to satisfy those burger cravings without the guilt. Say goodbye to the bun and hello to a delicious, protein-packed experience!
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m absolutely hooked on my Protein Smash Burger with Spicy Garlic Mayo because it’s not just delicious – it’s my go-to for a satisfying, fuss-free meal! Crafted with 100% real ground beef seasoned to perfection, grilled with sliced onions, and topped with my signature spicy mayo sauce, all hugged by a crisp lettuce wrap, it’s the ultimate homemade protein-style burger!
What sets this recipe apart is the ability to control exactly what kind of beef the patty is made from, no fillers or additives, just the quality beef you want to use and my hand-crafted spicy mayo sauce also used in my Spicy Baked Chicken With Sriracha Mayo Dipping Sauce and Baked Coconut Shrimp!
Perfect for lunch or a hearty main meal, this burger promises a burst of flavors in every bite, making it a must-try for anyone craving a fuss-free, homemade burger experience. Get ready to savor the juicy tenderness and zesty kick of this burger – trust me, you won’t be able to resist making it right now!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- Ground Beef – use at least 20% fat or greater.
- Onion – yellow or brown onion.
- Salt – sea salt preferred.
- Black Pepper – ground.
- Green Lettuce – use your preferred lettuce.
- American Cheese – optional, use American cheese or your preferred burger cheese.
- Mayonnaise – use Japanese Kewpie Mayo. Can substitute with regular mayo but will alter flavor.
- Sriracha – Asian style chill sauce.
- Garlic – fresh grated garlic.
Additional Burger Toppings
Elevate your burger with classic toppings like Cheese, Tomatoes, Pickles, Mushrooms, Avocado, and Fried Egg for added flavor and texture.
🥬 Lettuce Note
For optimal tenderness, we recommend using Green Leaf Lettuce, although alternatives like Iceberg, Red Leaf Lettuce, or Buttermilk Lettuce can also be used.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
Directions
Step 1 Prepare the spicy garlic mayo sauce by mixing together grated garlic, mayo, and Sriracha sauce in a small bowl.
Step 2 Next, make patties about 1/4 lb each, and shape them into meatballs. Heat up a frying pan on medium-high heat. Once hot, place the meatballs inside and use a spatula to press them down into patties about 1/2 inch thick.
Step 3 Now, layer thinly sliced onions on top of each patty and generously season with salt and black pepper. Cook the patties until they well-browned.
🧂 Seasoning Pro Tip
For optimal flavor, Generously Season your burger.
Step 4 To assemble the burger, place a lettuce leaf on a serving plate, followed by a beef patty onion-side up. If you’re using cheese, add it next, then place another beef patty on top, onion side down. Generously spread the spicy mayo you prepared earlier over the patties and add any other optional toppings you like. Cover with another lettuce leaf. To secure everything, you can insert a toothpick in the middle.
🌡 Internal Temperature Check
To ensure food safety, always conduct an internal temperature check, aiming for a minimum temperature of 165°F.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair your burger with some classic French fries or opt for a healthier choice with my Crispy Baked Garlic Kale Chips.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I cook the burger on each side?
For optimal results, aim to cook the burger for about 2-3 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165F. However, the exact timing may vary depending on the thickness of your burger patties.
Can I prepare the patties in advance and store them for later use?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties in advance and freeze them for later use. Once formed, simply store them in the freezer until you're ready to cook them.
Can I grill the burgers instead of cooking them on a pan?
Grilling the burgers is possible, but it's important to use a cast iron grill pan to achieve the best results. This type of pan allows you to properly smash down the burger while it cooks, ensuring you get the proper smash burger texture.
Storage Tips
For optimal freshness, it’s best to consume the leftovers promptly, ideally right after preparation. However, if leftovers are inevitable, store them in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly where it will keep for 1-2 days.
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Spicy Garlic Pan Fried Chicken
- Bacon Wrapped Garlic Chicken Breast
- Garlic Butter Oven-Seared Steak
- Garlic Lemon Spread
Watch How To Make It
Protein Smash Burger with Spicy Garlic Mayo
Ingredients
Patty
- 1 lb Ground Beef use at least 20% fat or greater
- 1/4 Cup Onions sliced
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 4 Leaves Green Lettuce
- 2 Slices American Cheese optional
Sauce
- 3 tbsp Kewpie Mayo you can sub with American mayo but will alter taste
- 1/2 tsp Sriracha
- 1 Clove Garlic
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Thinly slice onions with a knife or slicer.
- Grate garlic with a grater.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine mayo, Sriracha, grated garlic, and set aside.
- Take about 1/4 lbs of the ground beef and roll it into 2-3 inch diameter meatballs. Repeat until you end up with 4 meatballs.
- Bring a large frying pan up to temp on medium high heat and place meatballs inside. Use a spatula to press down on the meatballs to form a patty until they are around 1/2 inch thick. Note - you may need to spray cooking oil depending on the pan.
- Place the sliced onions on top of the patties followed by sprinkling salt and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes and then flip with the onions going on the bottom as shown below. Cook for 2-3 more minutes until patties are browned or an internal temp of 160F is attained.
- Take a lettuce leaf and place it onto a serving plate. Next, add a beef patty with onion up, followed by optional cheese, beef patty onion side down, a generous spread of spicy mayo, other optional toppings and finally another piece of lettuce on top. Use the lettuce to form a wrap and enjoy! Note - a toothpick in the middle will help hold everything together.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving
