VEGAN SMASH BURGERS

Vegan Smash Burgers image

Provided by JJ Johnson

Time 30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 tablespoons canola oil
4 vegan burger patties, such as Beyond Burgers
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 slices vegan cheese
2 medium onions, halved and sliced
1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
1 bunch cilantro, stems removed
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
4 hamburger buns, toasted
Sliced tomatoes and shredded iceberg lettuce for garnish

Steps:

For the burgers: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat until very hot, at least 5 minutes. Add 2 tablespoons of the oil to the pan and heat until almost smoking. Lightly salt and pepper both sides of the patties and add to the pan, being careful of splattering. Cook over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes or until patties are well browned and crisping up. Flip the burgers and smash down with your spatula until they are 1/4-inch thick. Top each patty with a slice of cheese and cook until well-browned on the bottoms, about 4 minutes more. Transfer to a plate.
While the burgers are cooking, heat a second large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil. When hot, add the onions. Lower the heat to medium and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions brown and caramelize, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt.
For the avocado spread: Place the avocado, cilantro, vinegar, salt and pepper in a food processer and pulse until well combined.
To assemble the burgers, dollop avocado spread on the bottoms of the buns, top with patties, then onions, tomatoes and lettuce.