Viral Smash Burger Bowls with Tangy Pickle Aioli & Crispy Onion Straws

Dive into the latest food trend with these irresistible Smash Burger Bowls! This recipe takes all the iconic flavors of a classic smash burger – juicy patties, tangy pickles, and crisp veggies – and deconstructs them into a healthier, easy-to-make bowl. The star is our homemade tangy pickle aioli and a topping of golden crispy onion straws, making every bite a burst of flavor and texture.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred, or ground turkey/lentils for plant-based)
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup dill pickle slices or chopped dill pickles
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking beef)
• For the Crispy Onion Straws:
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced into rings
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 2-3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Tangy Pickle Aioli:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp dill pickle relish (or finely chopped dill pickles)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp pickle juice

Instructions

1. First, prepare the Tangy Pickle Aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and pickle juice. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
2. Next, prepare the Crispy Onion Straws: Heat 2-3 cups of vegetable oil in a medium saucepan or deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
3. While oil heats, toss the thinly sliced onion rings with flour, salt, and smoked paprika until evenly coated. Shake off excess flour.
4. Carefully add a handful of coated onion rings to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3-5 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat with remaining onions.
5. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper. Divide into 4 equal balls. Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat until shimmering.
6. Place the beef balls in the hot skillet, spaced apart. Use a sturdy spatula to firmly press each ball down into a thin patty. Cook for 2-3 minutes until a crust forms, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until cooked through.
7. To assemble the bowls: Divide the chopped romaine lettuce among 4 serving bowls. Top with cooked smash burger patties, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and dill pickle slices.
8. Generously drizzle each bowl with the Tangy Pickle Aioli. Finish with a heap of the crispy homemade onion straws. Serve immediately and enjoy the viral flavors!

Chef's Note

For extra crispy patties, ensure your skillet is scorching hot before smashing the beef. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook the patties in batches if necessary to maintain high heat. For the onions, ensure they are thinly sliced for maximum crispness.

Make-Ahead Tips

The Tangy Pickle Aioli can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cooked ground beef can be stored for 2-3 days, but for best results, cook the patties and fry the onion straws fresh just before serving.

Substitutions

Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based ground meat alternative. For a lower carb option, omit the crispy onion straws or use thinly sliced raw onions instead. Feel free to add other burger toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, avocado slices, or a fried egg.