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Beyond Meat Smash Burger is made from Beyond Meat, a plant-based protein that looks, cooks, and tastes like real beef. After eating a burger with Beyond Meat Burger for the first time, I found the taste bland and greasy the first time I cooked one.

So, I set out to create a better-tasting, healthier burger. The result is this recipe for my version of the Classic Smash Burger – this delicious Vegan Smash Burger that is a great option for those looking to reduce their meat consumption without compromising on taste.

Some recipes with plant based protein/meat that you might enjoy. Vegan Pork with Coconut Curry, Vegan Hotdogs and Vegan Irish Stew with Dumplings.

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Key Takeaways:

Cooking Matters: Plant-based burgers like Beyond Meat must be thoroughly cooked to avoid an unpleasant slimy texture and smell. Cooking them well-done transforms the texture into a juicy, crispy delight.
Flavor Enhancements: Ingredients like smoked paprika, roasted garlic powder, and onion powder elevate the taste of plant-based burgers, making them a flavorful alternative to meat.
Special Sauce Secret: A mix of vegan mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and vegan Worcestershire sauce adds a tangy and sweet flavor that complements the burger perfectly.
Mindful Consumption: While plant-based meats are a good alternative for reducing meat intake, they can be high in sodium and fat. Enjoy them in moderation, ideally once or twice a month.
Crispy Smash Technique: Smashing the burger with a press ensures crispy edges and an even cook, mimicking the texture of a classic smash burger.
Vegan Toppings Variety: Customize your burger with fresh toppings like tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and vegan cheddar for added texture and flavor.

Overview

The Beyond Meat Smash Burger is a flavor-packed, plant-based twist on the classic American favorite, designed for vegans and flexitarians alike who crave a juicy, satisfying burger without the beef. Originally inspired by a disappointing first experience with Beyond Meat’s flavor and texture, this recipe transforms that bland, greasy patty into a deliciously crispy and savory burger through careful seasoning and proper cooking technique. Key to this transformation is the “smash” method, which crisps the edges while locking in moisture, and a homemade vegan special sauce that adds sweet, tangy depth. Using familiar ingredients like roasted garlic powder, smoked paprika, and vegan Worcestershire sauce, the burger offers a rich umami experience that rivals its meat-based counterparts. While it’s a tasty alternative for reducing meat intake, this burger should still be enjoyed in moderation due to its sodium and fat content. With thoughtful toppings and a well-toasted brioche-style bun, the result is a crave-worthy vegan option that even meat lovers can appreciate.

SIS Simple is Smart Tip

Make sure you cook this burger until it is well done. Plant Based Meat is squishy and a bit slimy, if it is undercooked it has a squishy slimy texture and smells not so great. However when it is thoroughly cooked that texture and smell is transformed into a delicious soft juice burger. So don’t be afraid to cook these burgers until they are done. If you cooked a meat based burger this long it would be a hockey puck. Not these Beyond or Impossible Burgers. If anything the extra cooking makes them crispy around the edges which is the effect you want in a smashburger.

Neuro Nutrition Nugget for Vegan Smash Burger

I grew up eating plant-based meat made by Loma Linda and the Worthington company. Most of these products were made from wheat gluten and soy protein. They had a lot of additives and sodium added to them to make them taste better.

They came in frozen and canned packaging. Growing up we included these in our diet occasionally because of their additives and sodium content. The wheat gluten wasn’t a concern at that time.

Fast forward to today, and we now have similar products that are also gluten-free. However, they are still enhanced by chemicals, sodium, and additives. Many also add a lot of fat to make them juicier and more like “real” meat.

The result is a product that I believe still belongs in the eat infrequently or rarely. Maybe once or twice a month. When I compare the nutritional content of these products with meat in general, plant-based meats are higher in fat and sodium. So enjoy these products in moderation.

Ingredients for Beyond Meat Smash Burger

Special Sauce Ingredients

Vegan Mayonnaise I use Veganaise or Hellmans. It also makes a pretty good vegan salad dressing.
Vegan Worchester Sauce: cook for one that doesn’t have anchovies in it.
Ketchup: Gives the sauce a pinkish color.
Sweet Pickle Relish: adds a little crunch and sweetness to the sauce.

Ingredients for the Plant Based Burger

Beyond Meat Burger or any plant-based burger. I’ve also used Impossible Burger.
Onion powder: use onion powder, not onion salt, as the Burger already has a lot of sodium.
Garlic powder: I love the roasted garlic powder for this burger.
Smoked Paprika adds a hint of smokiness. Since you are cooking it indoors and not on the grill, the paprika’s smokiness is delicious. If I don’t have smoked paprika, I add a few drops of liquid smoke instead.
Worchester Sauce

Step by Step Instructions for Beyond Meat Smash Burger

Make the Special Sauce

Add the Vegan Mayonnaise. I like either Vegenaise or Hellmann’s plant-based Mayo. to a small bowl.
Add the Ketchup, sweet pickle relish, and Vegan Worchester sauce.
Whisk together and set aside in the fridge.

Make the Plant-Based Burger

Add the Beyond Meat or Impossible Burger to a mixing bowl.
Add the onion power, garlic powder, vegan Worchester, and smoked paprika to the burger.
Mix to combine.
Form the burger into 4 equal balls and let them firm up in the fridge for 15 minutes while you prepare the toppings.
Topping options include Sliced tomatoes, sliced sweet or red onions, lettuce, pickle chips, onion rings, and cheese slices.

Cook and Assemble the Beyond-Meat Burger

Heat a frying pan to medium-hot. Unlike meat burgers you don’t want to heat the pan to smoking hot as you will burn the plant-based burger on the outside before it is cooked through. Plant-based burgers must be well done, or they taste nasty and have a gooey texture.
Place a burger on the frying pan and immediately Smash it with a burger press to about 1/2 of an inch thick. I don’t have the burger press, but my bacon press does the job. There’s no problem.
Cook for 2 minutes on each side. When done, the edges are crispy, and the center is firm.
Add a slice of optional Vegan Cheddar cheese to the burger when you flip it over.
Put the cooked burgers on a plate and cover with foil or the lid to a large kettle.
Butter and toast your Brioche style Hamburger Rolls in the frying pan until golden brown. Spread a generous amount of Special Sauce on both halves of the roll.
Butter and toast your Brioche style Hamburger Rolls in the frying pan until golden brown. Spread a generous amount of Special Sauce on both halves of the roll.

FAQ for Plant Based Burgers

How should a Beyond Burger be cooked?

This is my primary method for cooking a Beyond Burger: to cook frozen Beyond Meat burgers, start by preheating your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Place the frozen patties directly on the grill or skillet without thawing them first. Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid pressing down on the patties too much, as this can cause them to lose their juiciness. Once cooked, remove the patties from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious and plant-based Beyond Meat burger with your favorite toppings and condiments.

How do you cook frozen Beyond Meat burgers?

When it comes to cooking frozen Beyond Meat burgers, there are a few methods you can try. The first option is to cook them on the stovetop. Start by preheating a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, place the frozen burgers in the pan without thawing them first. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Another option is to cook them on the grill. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and place the frozen burgers directly on the grates. Cook for approximately 6-7 minutes per side or until heated through.

Do Beyond Burgers need to be thawed before cooking?

Beyond Burgers do not need to be thawed before cooking. These plant-based patties are designed to be cooked in a frozen state, making them convenient and easy to prepare. Melting the Beyond Burgers is unnecessary and may result in a less desirable texture and taste. When cooked from frozen, the Beyond Burgers maintain their juiciness and meat-like texture.

This means you can take the patties out of the freezer and cook them on the grill, stove, or in the oven without any defrosting time. So, whether you’re in a rush or prefer the convenience of cooking from frozen, Beyond Burgers can be enjoyed without thawing.

How do you make Beyond Burger taste better?

If you want to enhance your Beyond Burger taste, scroll down to the recipe below for a delicious juice from Beyond Burger. In addition to this recipe, you can try a few simple tricks to make it even more delicious. First, season the patty generously with your favorite spices and herbs.

Adding garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper can give it a flavorful kick. Secondly, before cooking, consider marinating the patty in a mixture of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke for an hour or two. This will infuse the burger with a savory and smoky flavor. Lastly, cook the patty properly for a caramelized exterior and juicy interior. Searing it on a hot grill or skillet can help achieve that perfect texture.

Can Beyond Meat be undercooked?

Beyond MeaMeat is a plant-based meat substitute that has recently gained significant popularity. While traditional meat products need to be thoroughly cooked to eliminate the risk of foodborne illnesses, such as salmonella or E. coli, the same rules do not necessarily apply to Beyond Meat.

This is because Beyond Meat is made from plant-based ingredients and contains no raw animal products. However, cooking Beyond Meat properly for optimal taste and texture is still essential. Undercooking Beyond Meat may result in a less enjoyable eating experience, as it may have a mushy or unpleasant texture.

If you aren’t sure if your Beyond Burger is done, check the internal temperature with a thermometer. It should read at least 165 degrees F. Unlike hamburgers, Beyond Burger is hard to overcook.

Is a Beyond Burger healthy?

The Beyond Burger has recently gained significant popularity as a plant-based alternative to traditional beef burgers. But is it healthy? While the Beyond Burger is marketed as a healthier option, it’s essential to consider the overall nutritional profile.

The Beyond Burger is made primarily from pea protein, coconut oil, and beet juice extract, among other ingredients. While it does contain less saturated fat and cholesterol than a traditional beef burger, it is also higher in sodium and calories.

Additionally, it’s important to note that highly processed foods, like the Beyond Burger, may not offer the same health benefits as whole, unprocessed plant-based foods. Therefore, while the Beyond Burger can be a part of a healthy diet, it should be consumed in moderation and balanced with other nutrient-dense foods.

Can Beyond Meat be fried?

Yes, Beyond Meat can be fried. Beyond MeaMeat is a plant-based meat substitute designed to mimic the taste and texture of real Meat; it is made from a blend of proteins, fats, and other ingredients that give it a meat-like appearance and flavor.

One of the advantages of Beyond Meat is its versatility in cooking methods, including frying. Frying Beyond Meat can help to enhance its flavor and create a crispy outer layer. However, it is essential to note that, like any other food, frying Beyond Meat should be done in moderation to maintain a healthy diet.

Is Beyond Meat ready to eat?

Beyond MeaMeat, a plant-based meat substitute, has gained significant attention recently. It claims to be a healthier and more sustainable alternative to traditional meals, and many consumers are eager to try it.

However, the question remains: is Beyond Meat ready to eat? While it is true that Beyond Meat offers a convenient and ready-to-cook product, it is essential to note that it does require some preparation.

Unlike traditional meaMeathich, which can be eaten even when undercooked, Beyond Meat products often need to be cooked thoroughly to ensure food safety.

Therefore, while Beyond Meat may be an excellent option for those looking to reduce their meat consumption and try something new, it is still essential to follow proper cooking instructions and handle the product carefully.

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