A Delicious Fusion Of Vietnamese Banh Mi Flavors With Juicy Smash Burgers – Crispy, Savory, And Full Of Vibrant Toppings!
These Banh Mi Smash Burgers are a fun and flavorful twist on the classic smash burger. I decided to make them because I love the combination of juicy beef, crispy edges, and the bold, tangy flavors of a traditional Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich.
The pickled vegetables, cilantro, and spicy mayo take the burger to the next level, giving it a fresh, crispy, and savory bite with every mouthful. My family loves these burgers because they’re unique, bursting with flavor, and perfect for a casual dinner or BBQ. They’re the ideal fusion of two favorite comfort foods – juicy burgers and zesty Banh Mi!
Questions I Often Get Asked About This Recipe
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for the burgers?
A: Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional for smash burgers, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat alternative if you prefer.
Q: Can I make the pickled vegetables ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can pickle the carrots and daikon up to 2-3 days ahead of time, which will help the flavors develop even more.
Q: How do I get crispy edges on the smash burgers?
A: The key to crispy edges is to press the burger patties down firmly onto the hot griddle or pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes before flipping them to get that perfect crispy crust.
Q: Can I make this a lettuce-wrapped burger instead of using a bun?
A: Yes, you can wrap the smash burger with lettuce for a low-carb option, or serve it open-faced with the pickled veggies and toppings on top.
Q: Can I make the spicy mayo ahead of time?
A: Yes, the spicy mayo can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.
What You Need to Make Banh Mi Smash Burgers
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 burger buns (soft, ideally brioche or sesame)
For the Pickled Vegetables:
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup julienned daikon radish
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
For the Toppings:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1-2 sliced jalapeños (optional, for added spice)
For the Spicy Mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or adjust for desired spice level)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
How to Make Banh Mi Smash Burgers
1. Pickle the vegetables:
In a small bowl, combine the julienned carrots and daikon radish. In another bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and water until the sugar dissolves. Pour the pickling liquid over the vegetables, ensuring they’re fully covered. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2-3 days for more flavor.
2. Prepare the spicy mayo:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and set aside.
3. Form and cook the burgers:
Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a loose ball. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the beef balls onto the skillet and immediately press down firmly with a spatula to smash them flat. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until the edges are crispy, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the burger is cooked through.
4. Toast the buns:
While the burgers are cooking, toast the buns lightly on a separate pan or griddle until golden brown.
5. Assemble the burgers:
Spread a generous amount of spicy mayo on the bottom of each toasted bun. Top with a smash burger patty, followed by a handful of pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro leaves, and sliced jalapeños (if using). Place the top bun on and serve immediately.
Tips
- For an even crispier burger: Use a cast iron skillet or a griddle to cook the burgers, as it retains heat better and helps create that perfect crispy crust.
- Add extra toppings: If you want to get creative, top the burger with a fried egg for an extra layer of flavor and richness.
- Make it less spicy: If you don’t like spicy food, reduce the amount of sriracha in the mayo, or use a milder hot sauce.
Reader Reviews
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Megan P. – “These Banh Mi Smash Burgers are a game-changer! The crispy edges on the beef are perfect, and the pickled veggies add such a great tang. Definitely a new family favorite!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Rachel T. – “I made these for a BBQ, and everyone loved them! The flavors are so fresh and bold, and the spicy mayo takes it to the next level.”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Lena S. – “These burgers are packed with flavor! I love the crispy texture of the smash burger, and the pickled veggies really make it stand out. So good!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟 Sophie W. – “I’ve never had a burger quite like this before! The combination of the spicy mayo and pickled veggies is fantastic. My family devoured them!”
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 Jessica L. – “These are absolutely delicious! The burger is juicy and crispy, and the toppings are perfect. I’ll definitely make these again for our next cookout.”
Printable Recipe
Banh Mi Smash Burgers
Ingredients
- For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80% lean)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 burger buns (soft, ideally brioche or sesame)
- For the Pickled Vegetables:
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1 cup julienned daikon radish
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- For the Toppings:
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1-2 sliced jalapeños (optional, for added spice)
- For the Spicy Mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or adjust for desired spice level)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Pickle the vegetables:
- In a small bowl, combine the julienned carrots and daikon radish. In another bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, salt, and water until the sugar dissolves. Pour the pickling liquid over the vegetables, ensuring they’re fully covered. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 2-3 days for more flavor.
Prepare the spicy mayo:
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Form and cook the burgers:
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a loose ball. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the beef balls onto the skillet and immediately press down firmly with a spatula to smash them flat. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until the edges are crispy, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the burger is cooked through.
Toast the buns:
- While the burgers are cooking, toast the buns lightly on a separate pan or griddle until golden brown.
Assemble the burgers:
- Spread a generous amount of spicy mayo on the bottom of each toasted bun. Top with a smash burger patty, followed by a handful of pickled vegetables, fresh cilantro leaves, and sliced jalapeños (if using). Place the top bun on and serve immediately.
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If You Enjoyed This Recipe, Please Share!
If you loved these Banh Mi Smash Burgers, please share them with your friends and family! They’re a fun fusion of two favorite dishes, and I’m sure they’ll love them just as much as you did. Share it on social media and tag me – I’d love to see how your burgers turn out!
