# Double-Laced Wagyu Smash Burgers
*The ultimate crust-to-meat ratio centered on high-fat decadence.*

## Headnote
The first time I pressed a ball of Wagyu beef into a screaming-hot cast iron surface, the kitchen filled with the scent of rendered fat that smelled more like butter than steak. That is the magic of using Wagyu for a smash burger; the high intramuscular fat content doesn't just keep the meat moist, it actually fries the beef in its own juices, creating a lacy, mahogany crust that is impossible to achieve with standard grocery store chuck.

This isn't a thick, pub-style burger. We are looking for thin, jagged edges that shatter when you bite into them. Because Wagyu fat melts at a lower temperature than traditional beef fat, you have to work fast and keep the meat cold until the very second it hits the metal. If the beef gets too warm on the counter, the fat will coat your hands instead of searing into the crust. 

One critical tip: do not use a non-stick pan. You need the beef to physically bond to the surface of a stainless steel or cast iron skillet to develop that iconic crust. If the meat doesn't stick, it won't smash properly, and you’ll lose the texture that makes this technique famous.

**Prep time:** 15 min
**Cook time:** 10 min
**Total time:** 25 min
**Yield:** 4 burgers
**Difficulty:** Medium

## Ingredients
*For the burgers:*
- 1 lb ground Wagyu beef (chilled)
- 1 tbsp high-smoke point oil (such as avocado or grapeseed oil)
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 8 slices sharp American cheese (the meltability is non-negotiable)
- 4 brioche buns, sliced and buttered

*For the assembly:*
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, fried until shattering
- 2 tbsp melted salted butter

## Method
1. Divide the chilled Wagyu beef into 8 equal portions (approximately 2 ounces each) and gently roll them into spheres without overworking the meat.
2. Place the beef spheres on a plate and return them to the refrigerator for 10 minutes to ensure the fat stays solid.
3. Heat a large cast iron skillet or griddle over high heat until the oil begins to wispy-smoke and a bead of water dances across the surface before evaporating.
4. Place the buttered brioche buns face-down in the skillet for 30–45 seconds until the edges are golden brown and the centers feel toasted.
5. Set the buns aside and place two chilled beef spheres into the skillet, leaving at least 4 inches of space between them.
6. Use a heavy, flat-bottomed spatula (and a second tool to press down if needed) to smash the beef into paper-thin rounds until the edges are jagged and translucent.
7. Season the top of the raw meat generously with salt and pepper immediately after smashing.
8. Scrape a sturdy metal spatula underneath the patty after 2 minutes, ensuring you lift every bit of the dark brown crust from the pan.
9. Flip the patty and immediately place a slice of American cheese on the seared side.
10. Cook for only 30-45 seconds more until the cheese is draped over the edges and the meat is just barely opaque.
11. Stack two patties on each bun, top with two slices of crispy bacon, and close the sandwich.

## Variations
**The Bone Marrow Boost**: If you want to lean into the richness, brush the burger buns with melted bone marrow instead of butter before toasting.
**Peppercorn Crusted**: Instead of standard pepper, press 1 tablespoon of coarsely cracked black peppercorns into the beef balls before smashing for a "Burgers au Poivre" steakhouse vibe.
**Truffle Butter Finish**: Place a small dollop of chilled truffle butter between the two hot patties right before serving so it melts into the meat.

## Storage & Reheating
Smash burgers are designed for immediate consumption; the thin patties lose their moisture and "lace" quickly. If you must store them, keep the patties and buns separate in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the patties in a dry pan over medium heat for 60 seconds per side to revive the crust.

## Pairing Suggestion
Serve these alongside a pile of beef tallow-fried potato wedges to stay within the carnivore theme.