Save
This paratha smash burger is a perfect way to bring a twist to the classic burger night using flaky Indian bread instead of regular buns. It combines crispy smashed beef patties with rich caramelized onions and a tangy sauce that will make your weeknight meals feel extra special.
I whipped this up on a quiet weekend and we couldn&t stop going back for seconds. It quickly became a new favorite in my house.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour: for soft paratha buns use a good quality brand for lighter texture
- Salt: balances flavor throughout both dough and patties
- Caster sugar: helps the paratha dough brown nicely and adds slight sweetness
- Baking powder: gives the paratha buns a gentle lift for flakiness
- Milk: enriches the dough and makes it tender
- Ground beef: should be fresh with about 20 percent fat to keep patties juicy
- Garlic: adds aromatic punch both in patties and sauce use fresh cloves
- Crushed red pepper: delivers a gentle kick much better than leftover powders
- Worcestershire sauce: deepens the meaty flavor of the patties
- Cheddar cheese slices: melt perfectly over the hot patties
- Mayonnaise and Greek yogurt: combine creaminess and tang in the sauce
- Dijon mustard: sharpens the sauce making it bright and flavorful
- Lemon juice: cuts through richness with fresh acidity use real juice whenever possible
- Pickles: add crunch and a vinegary snap to the sauce
- Butter and oil: for caramelizing onions bring both flavor and moisture
- Sugar: helps the onions brown and develop sweetness as they cook
- Salt: adjusts seasoning and brings out onion flavor
Instructions
- Prepare Paratha Buns:
- Mix all-purpose flour salt caster sugar and baking powder in a large bowl. Add milk gradually and a little warm water to bring it together into a soft dough. Knead well for about 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Rest the dough covered for 45 minutes to relax the gluten. Divide into six equal balls then roll each into a circle about 5 inches wide. Cook each on a hot pan with a little oil for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden and layered. Keep warm.
- Caramelize the Onions:
- Heat butter and oil in a wide pan over low-medium heat. Add sliced onions sugar and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly stirring often for about 25 minutes until deep golden and sweet. Lower the heat if they start to burn. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl combine mayonnaise Greek yogurt crushed garlic Dijon mustard lemon juice and chopped pickles. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Form and Smash Patties:
- In a bowl combine ground beef salt crushed garlic crushed red pepper black pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Handle the meat gently do not overwork. Divide into six equal portions but do not form tight balls. Heat a heavy pan or griddle until very hot. Place portions on the pan then smash them immediately with a spatula to about ¼ inch thickness. Cook without moving for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges look crispy and brown. Flip carefully add a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty and cook another minute until melted.
- Assemble the Burgers:
- Spread a generous spoon of sauce on the bottom paratha bun. Add a cheese-covered patty followed by a heap of caramelized onions. Top with the remaining bun and press gently to hold everything together. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
My favorite part is the paratha bun that stays crispy even with juicy patties lending a satisfying crunch. I remember making these with friends on a lazy weekend afternoon, sharing stories and savoring every bite.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover patties and caramelized onions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat patties gently on a skillet to avoid drying out and warm onions in a microwave or pan. Paratha buns freeze well& thaw before reheating on a pan to bring back crispness.
Ingredient Swaps
You can substitute ground beef with ground lamb or turkey but watch cooking times to keep patties juicy. If you do not have Greek yogurt replace with sour cream or extra mayonnaise. For cheese feel free to use pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Serving Ideas
Pair these burgers with a fresh side salad or crispy potato wedges for a well-rounded meal. A tangy coleslaw or pickled vegetables make excellent accompaniments. Add a drizzle of hot sauce on the assembled burger for an extra kick.
This paratha smash burger comes alive with crispy edges and rich flavors making every bite unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Recipe Questions
- → What makes paratha buns different from regular burger buns?
Paratha buns are made from all-purpose flour and cooked like flatbreads, giving them a flaky, layered texture that is slightly crisp yet soft inside, unlike traditional bread buns.
- → How do you achieve the perfect smashed patty texture?
Use ground beef seasoned well, then press firmly onto a hot surface to create even, thin patties that develop flavorful crispy edges while staying juicy inside.
- → Why add caramelized onions to this burger?
Caramelized onions add a natural sweetness and soft texture that balances the savory and spicy notes of the patties and sauce.
- → What flavor does the sauce contribute to the sandwich?
The sauce combines creamy, tangy, and slightly zesty elements from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and pickles to brighten the overall flavor.
- → Can I prepare the paratha buns ahead of time?
Yes, paratha buns can be made in advance and lightly reheated before assembling to maintain their flaky texture and warm softness.