1 lb ground beef (455 g), very cold, divided into 4 pucks
½ teaspoon salt and pepper mix, recipe below
4 slices american cheese
4 pieces green leaf lettuce
8 slices ripe plum tomato, 1/4 inch (6 mm)
ShackSauce
½ cup hellmann's real mayonnaise (115 g)
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
¾ teaspoon heinz ketchup
¼ teaspoon kosher dill pickling brine
1 pinch cayenne pepper
Salt and Pepper Mix
½ cup kosher salt (120 g)
½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
How to Make It
1. Step
Heat a cast-iron griddle over medium-low heat until warm.
2. Step
Meanwhile, open the hamburger buns and brush the insides with the melted butter. A soft brush is helpful here.
3. Step
Place the buns buttered side down on the griddle and toast until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Step
Transfer buns to a plate. Create the Shack sauce with the provided ingredients.
5. Step
Spoon the sauce onto the top bun.
6. Step
Increase the heat to medium and heat the griddle until hot, 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Step
Evenly sprinkle a pinch of Our Salt & Pepper Mix on top of each puck of meat.
8. Step
Place the pucks on the griddle, seasoned side down. Using a large, sturdy metal spatula, firmly smash each puck into a ⅓-inch-thick (8 mm) round patty. Pressing down on the spatula with another stiff spatula helps flatten the burger quickly. Evenly sprinkle another big pinch of Our Salt & Pepper Mix.
9. Step
Cook the burgers, resisting the urge to move them, until the edges beneath are brown and crisp, and juices on the surface are bubbling hot, about 2 ½ minutes. Slide one of the spatulas beneath the burger to release it from the griddle and scrape up the caramelized browned crust. Use the other spatula to steady the burger and keep it from sliding.
10. Step
Flip the burgers. Put the cheese on top and cook the burgers 1 minute longer for medium. Cook more or less depending on your preference.
11. Step
Add a piece of the lettuce and two slices of tomato. Transfer the cheeseburgers to the prepared buns.
