My Experiment with Grill Grates Changed the Way I Cook Burgers!

I Was Going To Use My Griddle BUT The Grill Grates Nailed It

My Experiment with Grill Grates Changed the Way I Cook Burgers! - Click to Watch Video

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Introduction

What’s up, barbecue fans? My name is Jake, and today we’re tackling a classic with a twist—Oklahoma Smash Burgers. These aren’t your traditional burgers; they come with shaved onions smashed right into the patty, adding a layer of flavor that takes your burger game to the next level. Let’s fire up the Yoder and get started!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ground Beef: 1 pound of Wagyu (or your choice of beef).

• Seasoning: Kosher salt, fresh cracked pepper, and Worcestershire sauce (W sauce).

• Onions: Paper-thin slices, best achieved with a mandolin slicer.

• Oil: Avocado oil for cooking.

• Toppings: Bacon, mustard, ketchup (or your favorite condiments).

• Optional: Cheese for those who like it (not me!).

Preparation Steps

1. Preheat the Grill:

   • Fire up your Yoder pellet grill and set it to 350°F.

   • Cook the bacon first to get some flavorful grease on the grates.

   • Increase the heat to 400°F for the burgers.

2. Prepare the Onions:

   • Use a mandolin to slice onions paper-thin. The thinner, the better—they’ll caramelize beautifully.

3. Make the Patties:

   • Combine ground beef with salt, pepper, and Worcestershire sauce.

   • Divide into four equal portions and form into loose patties.

4. Grill Setup:

   • Flip the grill grates to their flat side to simulate a griddle. Add a little avocado oil to prevent sticking.

Cooking the Smash Burgers

1. Sear the Onions:

   • Place a small mound of shaved onions on the grill.

2. Smash the Patties:

   • Place a patty on top of each onion mound.

   • Use a burger press (or heavy spatula) with parchment paper to smash the patty onto the onions.

3. Cook:

   • Let the burgers cook undisturbed until the edges are crispy and the onions caramelize. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

4. Toast the Buns:

   • Use the bacon grease on the grates to toast the buns lightly.

Assembling the Burger

1. Spread mustard and ketchup on the bottom bun.

2. Place the onion-crusted patty on the bun.

3. Add crispy bacon strips.

4. Top with the other bun and serve.

Taste Test

Man, oh man, this burger is everything a burger should be—juicy, flavorful, and dripping with goodness. The caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness, while the Wagyu beef delivers unmatched richness.

Pro Tip: If you’re not into cheese on your burgers (like me), the flavors of the onions and beef will shine even more.

Final Thoughts

Oklahoma Smash Burgers are a must-try, and using the back of the grill grates worked surprisingly well. If you’ve got a Yoder or a similar setup, this method is a game changer.

If you enjoyed this video, give it a thumbs up, and don’t forget to subscribe for more BBQ goodness. Thanks, as always, for watching—see you next time!

Thanks For Watching

Whether you're a seasoned pitmaster or a novice, these tips will enhance your cooking skills and leave your family and friends raving about your delicious, smoky creations. Don't forget to subscribe for more step-by-step videos, and let's together become the barbecue heroes we were meant to be!

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