Hamish is a skilled cook, and he knows that a smash burger requires precise technique and attention to detail to achieve that perfect crust on the patty while keeping it juicy and flavorful. To make his award-winning burger, he starts by selecting high-quality beef with a good amount of fat content for flavor and tenderness.
He preheats a cast-iron skillet on high heat and seasons the beef patties with salt. He then places them in the skillet and smashes them down with a spatula to create a thin, crispy crust on both sides. He knows that this technique will create a delicious Maillard reaction, which will add depth of flavor to the burger.
While the patties are cooking, Hamish toasts the brioche buns until they are lightly golden and slightly crispy on the edges. He spreads a special Lea & Perrins Mayo that he has crafted on the bottom bun. He then adds malt pickled onions, bone marrow confit onions, and a slice of American cheese on top of each patty, topped off with Ogleshield and Gruyere and lets them melt just enough to create a perfect blend of flavors.
Finally, Hamish assembles the burger by placing the patty and all its toppings on the bottom bun with the sauce, and adds a few pieces of fresh lettuce and tomato on top for some added crunch and freshness. He crowns the burger with the top bun and skewers it together with a pickle.
The result is a juicy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked smash burger that is sure to impress the judges at the UK National Burger Awards. Hamish's attention to detail, use of high-quality ingredients, and skilled technique have earned him a well-deserved third place in the competition.
Hamish's achievement in earning third place in the UK National Burger Awards is all the more impressive given the competition he faced. He was up against some of the best burger restaurants in the country, many of which had won the competition in previous years.
The competition was fierce, with contestants using unique and creative ingredients, cooking techniques, and presentation styles to set themselves apart. But Hamish's skill and attention to detail, combined with his use of high-quality ingredients, allowed him to create a smash burger that was both classic and exceptional.
Despite the tough competition, Hamish remained focused and confident, trusting in his abilities and his vision for the perfect smash burger. And his efforts paid off, earning him a well-deserved place among the top three burger chefs in the country.