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Savory Smash Burger Tacos Recipe Easy Homemade with Secret Sauce and Pickled Onions

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These savory smash burger tacos combine crispy, juicy beef patties with tangy pickled onions and a creamy secret sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas for a quick and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil or avocado oil
  • ½ cup mayonnaise (full-fat)
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup apple cider vinegar
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup water
  • 8 small soft corn or flour tortillas (warmed)
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pickle the Onions: In a small saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and water. Heat gently, stirring until sugar dissolves. Pour the warm brine over thinly sliced red onions in a jar or bowl. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least an hour (overnight if possible).
  2. Make the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, yellow mustard, smoked paprika, vinegar, honey, and cayenne pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Prepare the Burger Patties: Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 2 oz each). Roll each into a loose ball without packing tightly.
  4. Heat the Skillet: Place cast iron or skillet over medium-high heat and add oil. Once shimmering and just starting to smoke, ready to smash.
  5. Cook the Smash Burgers: Place 2-3 beef balls on the skillet, leaving space between. Using a metal spatula, press each ball down firmly to about ¼ inch thickness. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crispy.
  6. Flip and Melt Cheese: Flip each patty carefully and immediately top with shredded cheese if using. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through but still juicy.
  7. Warm Tortillas: While burgers cook, warm tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel.
  8. Assemble the Tacos: Spread a spoonful of secret sauce on each tortilla. Add a lettuce bed, then the hot smash burger patty. Top with pickled onions and fresh cilantro leaves.
  9. Serve Immediately: Enjoy fresh off the skillet when patties are crispiest and flavors vibrant.

Notes

For best pickled onion flavor, refrigerate overnight. Use non-stick spray or oil on spatula to prevent sticking when smashing patties. Do not press patties after initial smash to keep them juicy. Warm tortillas before assembling to prevent cracking. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas and check condiment labels. Variations include spicy sauce, vegetarian patties, and different cheeses.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, tacos, secret sauce, pickled onions, easy recipe, quick dinner, homemade tacos, savory, party food

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/savory-smash-burger-tacos-recipe-easy-homemade-with-secret-sauce-and-pickled-onions/