The chef puts a nice piece of ground beef on a hot griddle or skillet and gives it a good smash. That way, the patty cooks fast and remains juicy while displaying crispy edges.
Smash burgers are simply delicious…and they’re growing in popularity by the bite.
Enjoy some distinctly Queens versions at 76-04 Woodside Ave. in the heart of Elmhurst’s Little Thailand, where Zaab Zaab launches the Zaab Burger Lab on July 28. The Isaan restaurant will then offer a rotating selection of experimental smashburgers on select Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm.
The menu for the July 28 debut features a Pandan Onion Burger topped with pandan onions, pandan mayo, Zaab sauce, and pickles. Or ask for the Larb Ped Burger, which consists of a duck patty seasoned with chilies, galangal, lime leaves, and roasted rice powder topped with American cheese, pickles, duck crackling, fried duck intestines, and Zaab sauce.
There will also be a tribute to the Big Mac — the Tuk Tuk Burger — which mixes two dry aged beef patties with black garlic, onions, aged Cheddar cheese, and a bacon jam made with Mekhon Thai rum and tamarind.
Dessert is Durian Crème Brûlée in the fruit’s husk.
Editor’s note: Click here to make reservations.
Images: Joe DiStefano