Oh, now we’re talking luxury comfort food—a burger with cheddar smash patty and lobster on top. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step recipe to make a Lobster-Topped Cheddar Smash Burger at home:
Ingredients (makes 2 burgers)
For the burger patties:
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 slices sharp cheddar cheese
For the lobster topping:
- 6 oz (170 g) cooked lobster meat (tail or claw), chopped
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Pinch of paprika or cayenne (optional)
- Salt & pepper
For the buns and assembly:
- 2 burger buns (brioche works great)
- Butter for toasting buns
- Lettuce or arugula
- Tomato slices
- Optional: mayo or garlic aioli
Instructions
1. Prepare the lobster topping:
- Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic, sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Toss in lobster, a squeeze of lemon, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat just until warm (don’t overcook lobster—it’s already cooked). Remove from heat.
2. Form and cook the smash burgers:
- Divide beef into 2 equal balls (about ½ lb each).
- Heat a skillet or griddle over high heat.
- Place a beef ball on the hot surface and immediately smash it with a spatula until about ½ inch thick.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook 2–3 minutes until edges are brown and crispy. Flip, place cheddar on top, and cook another 1–2 minutes until cheese melts.
3. Toast the buns:
- Butter the cut sides of buns and toast in a skillet until golden.
4. Assemble the burger:
- Bottom bun → lettuce → tomato → cheddar smash burger → lobster topping → top bun.
- Optional: spread aioli or mayo on buns for extra richness.
Tips:
- Smash burgers get those crispy edges—don’t press too hard after the first smash.
- Lobster is best pre-cooked; leftover lobster tail works perfectly.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds punch, but Gruyère or fontina can also be decadent.
- Serve with fries, sweet potato fries, or a light salad for balance.
If you want, I can also give a “restaurant-style” version with a buttery lobster sauce drizzle and caramelized onions that makes it even more indulgent. Do you want me to make that version too?
