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Flavorful Grilled Brisket Smash Burger Recipe with Easy Caramelized Onion Jam

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A juicy and crispy smash burger made with ground brisket, topped with a sweet and savory caramelized onion jam. Perfect for quick, flavorful meals that impress with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground brisket (freshly ground if possible)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable oil or high smoke point oil, for searing
  • Cheese slices (optional) – American, cheddar, or pepper jack
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • Pinch of salt (for onion jam)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Burger buns, preferably brioche or potato buns
  • Pickles, lettuce, or tomato slices (optional)
  • Mayonnaise or mustard (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Caramelized Onion Jam: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a medium sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, letting the onions soften and turn golden brown (about 20 minutes).
  2. Stir in 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and cook for another 3-4 minutes until sticky.
  3. Pour in 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, stirring constantly. Let it simmer gently until the vinegar reduces and coats the onions in a jam-like glaze, about 5-7 minutes. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Prepare the Brisket Patties: Divide the ground brisket into 4 equal portions (about 4 ounces each). Roll loosely into balls without overhandling. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Keep cold until ready to cook.
  5. Heat the Cast Iron Skillet: Place skillet or griddle on medium-high heat until smoking hot. Add a small amount of vegetable oil and spread evenly.
  6. Smash and Sear the Burgers: Place one ball of brisket in the hot skillet. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly to flatten into a thin patty (about 1/4 inch thick). Hold for 10 seconds to keep shape. Cook without moving for 2-3 minutes until edges are deeply browned and crisp.
  7. Flip the patty gently and immediately top with a slice of cheese if using. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until melted and cooked through. Repeat with remaining patties, adding more oil as needed.
  8. Toast the Buns (optional): Lightly butter the buns and toast cut-side down in a separate pan or on the grill until golden brown (about 2 minutes).
  9. Assemble the Burgers: Spread mayonnaise or preferred sauce on buns. Add brisket patty, a generous spoonful of caramelized onion jam, and any fresh toppings like pickles or lettuce.

Notes

Use cold meat balls to prevent fat from melting too soon. Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure a crispy crust. Slow caramelization of onions is key for best flavor. Rest patties briefly before assembling. For gluten-free, use gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps.

Nutrition

Keywords: brisket smash burger, caramelized onion jam, grilled burger, smash burger recipe, easy burger recipe, quick dinner, backyard BBQ

Find it online: https://magnetmeal.com/flavorful-grilled-brisket-smash-burger-recipe-with-easy-caramelized-onion-jam/