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Savory Smash Burger Taco Recipe with Easy Tangy Pickle Brine Slaw

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A quick and flavorful smash burger turned taco, topped with a tangy pickle brine slaw that adds a refreshing crunch and zest.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil or canola oil
  • 4 small soft flour or corn tortillas (6-inch size)
  • Optional: sliced cheddar or American cheese
  • 2 cups shredded green cabbage
  • 1 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • 1/3 cup pickle brine (juice from pickles)
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: chopped fresh dill or parsley
  • Pickle slices or spears for topping
  • Hot sauce or favorite taco salsa
  • Fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tangy Pickle Brine Slaw: In a large bowl, combine shredded cabbage, carrot, and red onion. In a smaller bowl, whisk pickle brine, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour over veggies and toss. Add dill or parsley if desired. Set aside to marinate.
  2. Form the Beef Balls: Divide ground beef into 4 equal portions (~4 oz each). Roll loosely into balls and season with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat the Skillet: Place cast iron or heavy pan over medium-high heat. Add oil and heat until shimmering.
  4. Smash and Cook the Burgers: Place one beef ball in skillet. Smash firmly to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cook undisturbed 2-3 minutes until edges are browned and crispy. Flip and cook 2 more minutes. Add cheese if using and cover to melt. Repeat with remaining balls.
  5. Warm the Tortillas: While burgers rest, warm tortillas in dry skillet or microwave wrapped in damp paper towel.
  6. Assemble the Tacos: Place each burger on a tortilla, top with pickle brine slaw, pickle slices, cilantro, and drizzle hot sauce or salsa if desired.
  7. Serve immediately while hot and juicy.

Notes

Use room temperature meat for best smashing results. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook burgers in batches if needed. Let burgers rest before assembling. Adjust slaw sweetness or tanginess by adding sugar or more pickle brine. For gluten-free, use corn tortillas or lettuce wraps. For dairy-free, omit cheese and use plant-based mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: smash burger, taco, pickle brine slaw, quick recipe, easy dinner, tangy slaw, ground beef, casual meal

Find it online: https://sunnysavory.com/savory-smash-burger-taco-recipe-with-easy-tangy-pickle-brine-slaw/