Baking Soda Smash Burger

Divide the ground beef into six equal balls, about 85 g (3 oz) each.

Sprinkle 1/4 tsp baking soda over each ball of beef and mix it thoroughly into the meat with your hands.

Heat a flat-top griddle or large cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking hot.

Place the beef balls onto the hot griddle and use a burger press or sturdy spatula to smash them flat.

Press firmly right away to get maximum surface contact for the best crust.

Season the smashed patties with salt and black pepper.

Cook until the edges are deep brown and crispy, about 2 minutes.

Flip the patties and immediately lay a slice of American cheese on top of each one.

Cook until the cheese is melted and the bottoms are browned, about 1 minute.

Stack the patties two deep so each burger has two cheese-covered patties.

Spread burger sauce on the bottom buns, place a double patty on each, and close with the top buns.