Smashing Patty with Confidential Sauce

#### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Confidential Sauce**:
Start by making the **Confidential Sauce**. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, hot sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and lemon juice. Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed—add more hot sauce for a spicier kick or a little extra lemon juice for more tang. Set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld together while you prepare the patties.

2. **Form the Patties**:
Take your ground beef and gently divide it into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a loose ball. The key to making a “smashing” patty is to avoid overworking the meat, which can make it tough.

3. **Smash the Patties**:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, place the meat balls in the skillet. Immediately press down on each patty with a spatula or a burger press to flatten them out. You want them to be thin, as this ensures a crispy edge and a juicy interior. Cook the patties for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until they develop a beautiful crust.

4. **Flip and Finish Cooking**:
Flip the patties over, season them with a little more salt and pepper, and cook for another 1-2 minutes for medium-rare to medium doneness. If you’re adding cheese, place a slice on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking and cover the pan to help it melt.

5. **Toast the Buns**:
While the patties are cooking, toast your burger buns. Place them cut-side down on a separate pan or under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, just until they’re golden brown and crispy. This step adds texture and prevents the buns from getting soggy once you assemble the burger.

6. **Assemble the Smashing Patty**:
Once everything is ready, it’s time to assemble your burger! Spread a generous amount of the **Confidential Sauce** on the bottom bun. Place the cooked patty on top, followed by any toppings you desire—crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, pickles, or even extra cheese. Finally, top it off with the other half of the bun, and you’re ready to enjoy!

7. **Serve and Enjoy**:
Serve your **Smashing Patty with Confidential Sauce** with your favorite side dishes, whether it’s crispy fries, a fresh salad, or some tangy coleslaw. Take a big bite, and savor the explosion of flavors that this burger brings to the table.

#### Tips for Making the Best Smashing Patty:

– **Choose the Right Beef**: The key to a juicy and flavorful patty is using the right ground beef. Look for an 80/20 blend (80% lean, 20% fat) for the best results. The fat adds flavor and moisture to the patty.

– **Smash at the Right Time**: Don’t smash your patty too early. Wait until the meat is in the pan and starts to sear before you press it down. This will create a nice crispy crust and lock in the juices.

– **Customize the Sauce**: While the Confidential Sauce recipe is fantastic as-is, feel free to get creative. Add a dash of Worcestershire sauce for an umami punch, or mix in some freshly chopped herbs for a fresh flavor boost.

– **Add More Toppings**: Get creative with your toppings! From avocado slices to crispy bacon, sautéed onions, or fried eggs, there’s no shortage of ways to elevate your smashing patty.

– **Don’t Overcook the Patty**: To keep your patty juicy, avoid overcooking. A few minutes on each side is usually enough to reach a delicious medium doneness, but adjust the cooking time to your preference.

#### Why You’ll Love Smashing Patty with Confidential Sauce:

1. **Juicy and Crispy**: The key to this burger is the smashing technique, which creates a crispy, caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. The texture contrast is mouthwatering.

2. **Irresistible Sauce**: The Confidential Sauce is a flavor-packed combination of creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy ingredients. It’s the secret ingredient that makes this burger special and sets it apart from your average patty.

3. **Versatile**: While this recipe is for a traditional beef patty, you can easily substitute with turkey, chicken, or even a veggie patty for a healthier or vegetarian alternative. The sauce works perfectly with all variations!

4. **Quick and Easy**: This burger is quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a casual weekend meal. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a gourmet experience at home.

5. **Satisfying**: With the crispy patty, delicious sauce, and choice of fresh toppings, this burger is a complete meal that will leave you feeling satisfied and craving more.

#### Conclusion:

**Smashing Patty with Confidential Sauce** is not just another burger—it’s a flavor-packed, crispy, juicy masterpiece that will become a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire. The **Confidential Sauce** is the secret weapon that elevates this simple dish to something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or impressing guests at your next BBQ, this smashing patty is sure to be a hit. Give it a try, and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite!