Cameron Diaz’s Cuban Smash Burger: A Deliciously Unexpected Twist on a Classic
Forget everything you thought you knew about smash burgers. Cameron Diaz, the actress turned wellness guru, has shared a recipe that takes the humble smash burger and elevates it to new heights with a vibrant Cuban twist. This isn’t just ground beef pressed thin; it’s a flavor explosion combining juicy, caramelized patties with tangy mojo marinade, sweet plantains, melted Swiss cheese, and a smear of mustard, all nestled in a toasted Cuban roll. Intrigued? You should be! This recipe is surprisingly simple to execute and delivers an unbelievably satisfying burger experience. Get ready to ditch the drive-thru and make the best burger you’ve ever had in your own kitchen.
## What Makes This Cuban Smash Burger So Special?
This Cuban Smash Burger isn’t your average backyard barbecue fare. Several key elements contribute to its unique and irresistible flavor profile:
* **The Mojo Marinade:** This isn’t just a burger; it’s a flavor journey. The mojo marinade, a staple of Cuban cuisine, infuses the ground beef with a bright, citrusy, and garlicky punch. The key ingredients—sour orange juice (or a blend of orange and lime), garlic, oregano, cumin, and olive oil—create a marinade that tenderizes the meat and imparts a distinct Cuban flair.
* **The Smash Technique:** The smash burger technique maximizes the Maillard reaction, the chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned food its distinctive flavor. Smashing the burger patty thin against a hot surface creates maximum contact, resulting in a beautifully caramelized crust and incredibly juicy interior.
* **Sweet Plantains:** The sweetness of the fried plantains provides a delightful contrast to the savory beef, tangy mojo, and sharp mustard. This unexpected element adds a layer of complexity and richness that elevates the burger to gourmet status.
* **The Cuban Roll:** The choice of bread is crucial. A soft, slightly sweet Cuban roll is the perfect vehicle for all the delicious ingredients. Its texture complements the juicy patty and the other fillings.
* **The Swiss Cheese:** The nutty, slightly tangy flavor of Swiss cheese complements the other flavors without overpowering them. It melts beautifully and creates a gooey, delicious layer.
## Cameron Diaz’s Cuban Smash Burger Recipe: Step-by-Step
This recipe is divided into several components: the mojo marinade, the plantains, the burger patties, and the assembly. Don’t be intimidated; each step is straightforward and well worth the effort.
**Yields:** 4 burgers
**Prep time:** 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
**Cook time:** 20 minutes
**Ingredients:**
**For the Mojo Marinade:**
* 1/2 cup sour orange juice (or 1/4 cup orange juice + 1/4 cup lime juice)
* 6 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/4 cup olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
**For the Sweet Plantains:**
* 2 ripe plantains, peeled and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rounds
* 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
* Pinch of salt
**For the Burger Patties:**
* 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
* 4 Cuban rolls, split and toasted
* 8 slices Swiss cheese
* Yellow mustard, for spreading
* Optional: Pickles (thinly sliced dill or bread and butter)
**Equipment:**
* Large bowl
* Small bowl
* Cast iron skillet or griddle
* Spatula (a sturdy metal spatula is best for smashing)
* Meat thermometer (optional)
**Instructions:**
**Part 1: Preparing the Mojo Marinade**
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a large bowl, whisk together the sour orange juice (or orange and lime juice), minced garlic, oregano, cumin, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The marinade should be flavorful and slightly acidic.
**Part 2: Marinating the Ground Beef**
1. **Divide and Marinate:** Gently divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (about 3 ounces each). Do not overwork the meat; this will make the burgers tough. Place the beef portions in the mojo marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. Longer marinating times will result in more flavorful burgers, but avoid marinating for more than 2 hours, as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the proteins in the meat, resulting in a mushy texture.
**Part 3: Preparing the Sweet Plantains**
1. **Fry the Plantains:** Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the plantain slices in a single layer. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and slightly caramelized. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary. If the plantains are getting too dark too quickly, reduce the heat slightly.
2. **Drain and Season:** Remove the fried plantains from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while they are still hot.
**Part 4: Cooking the Smash Burgers**
1. **Heat the Skillet:** Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it is very hot. A hot surface is crucial for achieving a good sear and a crispy crust.
2. **Smash the Patties:** Remove the marinated beef portions from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Place two beef portions on the hot skillet. Using a sturdy metal spatula, immediately smash each portion down as thin as possible, about 1/4 inch thick. Press firmly and hold the spatula for a few seconds to ensure good contact with the surface. The thinner the patty, the crispier the edges will be.
3. **Cook and Scrape:** Cook the smash burgers for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are deeply browned and caramelized. Use the spatula to scrape the patties off the skillet, ensuring you get all the crispy bits. If the patties are sticking, they are not browned enough; wait another minute or so before attempting to scrape them.
4. **Add Cheese:** During the last minute of cooking, place two slices of Swiss cheese on top of each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid or a heatproof bowl to help the cheese melt quickly. Alternatively, you can add a splash of water to the skillet and immediately cover it; the steam will help melt the cheese.
5. **Repeat:** Repeat the smashing and cooking process with the remaining beef portions.
**Part 5: Assembling the Cuban Smash Burgers**
1. **Spread Mustard:** Lightly spread yellow mustard on both halves of each toasted Cuban roll. The amount of mustard is a matter of personal preference; use as much or as little as you like.
2. **Layer the Ingredients:** Place two cheeseburger patties on the bottom half of each roll. Top with a generous portion of fried sweet plantains.
3. **Add Pickles (Optional):** If using, add a few slices of thinly sliced pickles on top of the plantains.
4. **Top and Serve:** Place the top half of the roll on top of the fillings. Serve immediately and enjoy!
## Tips for the Perfect Cuban Smash Burger
* **Use High-Quality Ground Beef:** The quality of the ground beef will significantly impact the flavor and texture of the burgers. An 80/20 blend (80% lean meat, 20% fat) is recommended for optimal juiciness and flavor. You can also use a blend of ground chuck and ground brisket for an even richer flavor.
* **Don’t Overwork the Meat:** Overworking the ground beef will result in tough burgers. Gently divide the meat into portions and avoid mixing it excessively.
* **Get the Skillet Screaming Hot:** A hot skillet is essential for achieving a good sear and a crispy crust on the smash burgers. Allow the skillet to heat up completely before adding the patties.
* **Smash with Confidence:** Don’t be afraid to smash the patties thin. The thinner the patty, the crispier the edges will be.
* **Use a Sturdy Spatula:** A sturdy metal spatula is essential for smashing the patties and scraping them off the skillet.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Cook the burgers in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the skillet and prevent the burgers from browning properly.
* **Adjust the Marinade to Your Taste:** The mojo marinade is a versatile recipe that can be easily adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a spicier marinade, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely chopped jalapeño. If you prefer a sweeter marinade, add a tablespoon of honey or brown sugar.
* **Experiment with Toppings:** While this recipe calls for Swiss cheese, mustard, and sweet plantains, feel free to experiment with other toppings. Some other delicious options include sliced ham, roasted pork, pickled onions, and spicy mayo.
* **Make it a Meal:** Serve the Cuban Smash Burgers with a side of fries, sweet potato fries, or a Cuban salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
## Variations on the Cuban Smash Burger
* **Spicy Cuban Smash Burger:** Add a finely chopped jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mojo marinade. You can also add a few slices of pickled jalapeños to the burger.
* **Cuban Pork Smash Burger:** Substitute the ground beef with ground pork. You can also add some shredded roasted pork to the burger for an extra layer of flavor.
* **Vegetarian Cuban Smash Burger:** Use a plant-based burger patty instead of ground beef. Marinate the patty in the mojo marinade before cooking.
* **Deconstructed Cuban Smash Burger:** Serve the burger components separately and let everyone assemble their own burgers. This is a great option for parties and gatherings.
## Serving Suggestions
These Cuban Smash Burgers are best served hot and fresh. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your burger experience:
* **Classic Sides:** French fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or potato salad are classic burger sides that pair well with the Cuban Smash Burger.
* **Cuban-Inspired Sides:** Black beans and rice, plantain chips, yucca fries, or a Cuban salad are all great options for a Cuban-themed meal.
* **Refreshing Drinks:** A cold beer, a mojito, or a glass of lemonade are all refreshing drinks that complement the flavors of the Cuban Smash Burger.
* **Dessert:** For a sweet ending, serve some guava pastries, flan, or tres leches cake.
## Storage Instructions
* **Leftover Patties:** Leftover cooked burger patties can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving.
* **Mojo Marinade:** Leftover mojo marinade can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use it to marinate chicken, pork, or vegetables.
* **Fried Plantains:** Fried plantains are best served immediately, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving.
* **Assembled Burgers:** Assembled burgers are best consumed immediately, as the bun can become soggy over time. If you need to store them, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate them for up to 1 day. Reheat them in a microwave or oven before serving.
## Conclusion
Cameron Diaz’s Cuban Smash Burger is a surprisingly simple and incredibly delicious recipe that will transform your burger game. The combination of juicy, caramelized patties, tangy mojo marinade, sweet plantains, and melted Swiss cheese creates a flavor explosion that is both unexpected and utterly satisfying. So, ditch the drive-thru and get ready to experience the best burger you’ve ever had in your own kitchen. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and is perfect for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or any occasion where you want to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills. Get ready to smash, sizzle, and savor the flavors of Cuba with this amazing burger recipe!