Smash burgers

• burger buns↗4

  sesame topped or brioche, whichever you prefer

• sunflower oil↗1 tbsp/15ml tbsp/15ml
• steak mince↗500g/1lb 2oz g/1lb 2oz

  15-20% fat is good

• mild cheddar↗4 slices slices

  or burger cheese

• red onion↗1

  finely sliced

• iceberg lettuce↗handfuls of handfuls of

  finely shredded

• tomatoes↗2

  sliced

• large gherkin↗1

  sliced lengthways

• mayonnaise↗

  ketchup and American mustard, or your preferred sauces, to serve

Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Slice the burger buns in half, then toast or grill the cut sides and set aside. Heat the oven to 100C/80C fan/gas ¼.

2. 2

   Divide the mince into four loose piles and season generously with salt. Heat ¼ tbsp oil in a heavy frying pan or skillet over a high heat and put one of the piles in the pan. Working quickly, cover with a square of baking parchment and use a second smaller pan to press the beef patty down as hard as you can (you may wear oven gloves or use the end of a rolling pin for pressing down, being careful of the heat and rising steam). Allow to cook for 2 mins.

3. 3

   Remove the parchment and turn the patty over. Press down with a spatula, cover with a slice of cheese and cook for 1 min. Transfer to a baking tray and keep warm in the oven while you cook the other burgers in the same way.

4. 4

   To assemble the burger, scatter a bun base with onion, lettuce and tomato slices, followed by a smashed patty, gherkin slices and the bun top. Serve with your chosen sauces on the side.