lightened up burgers for national burger day

My brother-in-law makes the best cheeseburgers. They’re juicy, perfectly seasoned, and packed with flavor. Whenever we visit, a family barbecue in their backyard is a must, simply for those burgers (and, of course, the quality family time).

We won’t be able to enjoy my brother-in-law’s grilling expertise this National Burger Day (May 28), but we can certainly make our own! We decided to go with a smash burger, which is typically a ball of meat smashed flat onto a searing griddle until you get a crisp edge and juicy patty.

Here are two takes on the smash burger: The meat option is lightened up with extra lean ground beef, and the vegetarian option is packed with fiber from black beans. The sauce for both recipes is also healthier, using light mayo instead of full fat.

LIGHTENED UP SMASH CHEESEBURGER
Smash burgers are typically made with 80/20 ground beef because the higher fat prevents the meat from drying out. But since we’re aiming for a healthier version, we used 96% lean. Just keep a close eye on the patty as it cooks, and the result will still be a juicy patty with the classic smash burger edges.

Note: Since smash burgers are so thin, this recipe calls for two patties per bun. However, if you prefer, you can go even healthier with just one patty.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. 96/4 extra lean ground beef
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp. sea salt
• ½ tsp. ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp. paprika
• 1 Tbsp. avocado oil
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• Lettuce and tomato, optional
• 4 brioche buns

Instructions
In a large bowl, mix beef, Worcestershire, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Divide meat into 8 equal-size balls, about 2 ounces each.

In a large cast iron pan, heat oil over medium to medium-high heat. Once hot, add meat balls. Immediately press down into thin, flat patty with spatula. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until juices start to appear on top of uncooked side of patty.

Flip burger over. Immediately add cheese slice and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until cooked through and cheese is melted.

To assemble, add sauce (see recipe below) to each bun. Place two patties on bottom bun. Add lettuce and tomato if desired. Add top bun. Makes 4 servings.

BLACK BEAN SMASH BURGER
For our vegetarian readers (or simply those who are looking for a meatless meal or hoping to follow a flexitarian diet), you’ll love this black bean smash burger. It’s crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside!

Ingredients

• 2 15-oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• ⅔ cup seasoned breadcrumbs
• ¾ cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 Tbsp. avocado oil
• 8 slices cheddar cheese
• Lettuce and tomato, optional
• 4 brioche buns

Instructions
In a large bowl, use fork to coarsely mash black beans, leaving some pieces whole.

Add eggs, breadcrumbs, cheese, paprika, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to bowl. Mix until combined.

Use your hands to create 8-equal sized balls.

Heat oil in large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, press black bean ball into skillet. Use spatula to immediately press down into a thin, flat patty. Cook for 1-3 minutes, until golden. Gently flip patty over.

Cook on other side until golden and crisp, about 1 minute. Add slice of cheddar on each patty and let it melt.

To assemble, layer with bottom bun, 2 patties, sauce, your favorite toppings, and top bun. Makes 4 servings.

SMASH BURGER SAUCE
This is a classic smash burger sauce – tangy, creamy, and perfect for crispy-edged smash burgers (meat and vegetarian alike).

Ingredients

• ½ cup light mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp. ketchup
• 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp. dill pickle juice
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder
• ¼ tsp. paprika

Instructions
In a small bowl, mix all ingredients until well-combined. Store in refrigerator until ready to use. Makes 6 servings.

Burger bonanza
On a burger kick? Try these other islandscene.com recipes that don’t have meat but are still delicious:

• black bean burger
• english muffin burger deluxe
• vegan chickpea burgers

Don’t forget the perfect side for your burger: fries! Try our veggie fries made from healthier ingredients like parsnips, sweet potato, and taro.