Ingredients

For the Smash Burger Patties

  • 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for best flavor)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)

For the Stir Fry

  • 2 packs (6 oz total) instant ramen noodles (discard seasoning packets)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup dill pickle slices, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

For the Stir Fry Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tsp sriracha (optional, for heat)
  • 1 tsp sugar

Equipment

  • Large skillet or griddle
  • Wok or large non-stick pan
  • Spatula
  • Pot for boiling noodles
  • Mixing bowl

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ramen Noodles

  1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
  2. Cook the ramen noodles for 2-3 minutes until just al dente (slightly undercooked).
  3. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Smash Burger Patties

  1. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each) and loosely form into balls.
  2. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
  3. Place each ball on the hot skillet and smash it down with a spatula to form a thin patty (about 1/4 inch thick).
  4. Season each patty with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  5. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until crispy and browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  6. Roughly chop the cooked patties into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Caramelize the Onions

  1. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.
  3. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Prepare the Stir Fry Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, sriracha (if using), and sugar until smooth. Set aside.

Step 5: Stir Fry the Dish

  1. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil and 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok or large non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add the cooked ramen noodles and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  4. Pour in the stir fry sauce and toss to coat the noodles evenly.
  5. Add the chopped smash burger pieces, caramelized onions, and chopped pickles. Stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top and stir until slightly melted, about 1 minute.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Transfer the stir fry to serving plates or bowls.
  2. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds (if using).
  3. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips

  • For extra crunch, add a handful of crushed potato chips or fried onions on top.
  • Adjust sriracha to your preferred spice level.
  • Use fresh ramen noodles for a chewier texture if available.

Servings

  • Serves 4
  • Prep time: 15 minutes
  • Cook time: 25 minutes
  • Total time: 40 minutes