Perfect Smash Burger

Burger, Quick & Easy
Beginner

This is your go-to plant-based smash burger for when you’re craving something familiar, filling and full of flavour. Fry’s Smash Burger patties are cooked until golden and glazed with smoky barbecue sauce, then topped with melty cheese (plant-based if you want), caramelised onions, crisp lettuce, tomato and gherkins. Served on toasted buns with oven chips on the side, it’s a comforting crowd-pleaser that works just as well for a relaxed family dinner as it does for an easy, meat-free braai alternative.

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients

Smash Burgers

4 Fry’s Smash Burger patties, defrosted
60 ml oil
2 onions, sliced
60 ml barbecue sauce
4 slices cheese (use vegan cheese for a vegan burger)
4 burger buns, sliced and toasted

Toppings & Sides

2 tomatoes, sliced
2 gherkins, sliced
80 g lettuce
Oven chips, to serve

Method

Prepare Sides

Cook oven chips according to the package instructions.

Caramelised Onions

Heat 30 ml oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add sliced onions and sauté for about 10 minutes until softened.
Reduce heat to low, add 30 ml water and continue cooking for about 20 minutes until golden and caramelised. Add more water if needed to prevent sticking.

Smash Burgers

Heat remaining 30 ml oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add Smash Burger patties and cook for 8–10 minutes, turning every 2 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
Brush or spoon over barbecue sauce and turn to glaze evenly. Top each patty with a slice of cheese while still hot.
Alternatively, brush patties with barbecue sauce and air fry at 180°C for 8–10 minutes.

To Assemble

Layer lettuce onto the bottom half of each bun, followed by the cheese-topped patty, tomato slices, and gherkins.
Close with the top bun and serve immediately with oven chips.

Are plant-based burgers suitable for family meals?

Yes. Plant-based burgers are a popular option for family meals because they’re quick to cook, familiar in flavour and easy to customise with different toppings and sauces. The better quality plant-based burgers are a good source of non-GMO plant proteins, have loads of fibre and are low in saturated fats.

What can I serve with plant-based burgers?

Plant-based burgers pair well with classic sides like oven chips, wedges, salads or grilled vegetables, making them a versatile option for both weeknight dinners and relaxed weekend meals.