Jason Momoa’s Go-To Smash Burger, And We Love It Too
Jason Momoa knows what he wants when hunger strikes, and his favorite fast food order is surprisingly simple yet absolutely perfect. The Aquaman star swears by a classic smash burger topped with mustard, fresh farm tomatoes, and dill pickles, proving that sometimes the best meals are the ones that keep it real.
His no-fuss approach to burger bliss has inspired home cooks everywhere to fire up their griddles and create their own crispy-edged masterpieces with ingredients that actually matter.
1. The Perfect Smash Technique
Your largest bowl of ground beef means nothing without the right smashing method. The secret lies in forming loose balls of beef and pressing them hard onto a screaming-hot griddle or cast-iron skillet.
That first crackle when meat hits metal creates the legendary crust that separates ordinary burgers from legendary ones. Press down firmly for about 10 seconds, then leave it alone to develop those golden, lacy edges.
Flip only once when the edges turn dark brown and crispy.
2. Mustard Magic
Mustard stands as the unsung hero in Momoa’s burger blueprint. He’s vocal about loving mustard in all its forms, and honestly, that tangy punch cuts through the richness of beef like nothing else can.
Spread it generously on both bun halves before assembly. The vinegar notes wake up your taste buds while complementing the savory meat perfectly.
Skip the ketchup debate entirely and let yellow mustard take center stage for authentic Aquaman-approved flavor.
3. Farm-Fresh Tomato Slices
Golden edges on your patty deserve equally impressive toppings. Momoa specifically calls for good farm tomatoes, and that distinction matters more than you might think.
Supermarket tomatoes often taste like crunchy water, but a ripe heirloom or beefsteak variety brings sweetness and acidity that transforms every bite. Slice them thick, about a quarter-inch, and season lightly with salt.
The juices mingle with mustard and pickle brine to create burger magic.
4. Dill Pickle Power
Sizzle therapy reaches its peak when tangy dill pickles join the party. These briny beauties provide the crunch and acid that balance the rich beef and creamy cheese perfectly.
Choose crisp dill chips rather than soggy sandwich slices for maximum texture contrast. The vinegar cuts through fat while the dill adds an herbal note that feels almost fancy.
Layer three or four chips directly on the patty for even distribution in every bite.
5. Choosing Your Beef
Pure comfort starts with selecting the right ground beef blend. Most burger experts, including those inspired by Momoa’s preferences, recommend 80/20 ground chuck for the ideal fat-to-meat ratio.
Leaner beef creates dry, hockey-puck patties that nobody wants. The fat renders during cooking, keeping everything juicy while creating that irresistible crust.
Form loose balls using about four ounces of beef per burger, handling the meat as little as possible to avoid tough texture.
6. Temperature and Timing
Midnight hunger demands food safety alongside deliciousness. Smash burgers cook fast because of their thin profile, usually taking just two to three minutes per side on high heat.
The internal temperature should reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit for ground beef safety. However, the aggressive sear and thin patty mean you’ll hit that mark quickly while maintaining juiciness.
Resist the urge to press down repeatedly, which squeezes out precious juices and flavor.
