Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and gently form each into a loose ball. Keep them cold until ready to cook.
Preheat your skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and slightly smoking. Add a small amount of neutral oil and swirl to coat the surface.
Place a beef ball onto the hot skillet and immediately press down firmly with a spatula, flattening it into a thin patty. You should hear a loud crack and sizzle as it hits the pan.
Season the exposed edges with a pinch of salt. Let the patty cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until the edges are golden and crispy, and juices are bubbling around the sides.
Use the spatula to flip the burger carefully, revealing the deep caramelized crust. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the inside is just cooked through.
Immediately place a slice of cheese on top of the hot patty and cover the skillet briefly if needed, to help melt the cheese quickly.
While the patty finishes cooking, toast the buns in a separate pan with a little butter until golden and lightly crispy.
Assemble the burger by spreading condiments on the toasted buns, then adding the crispy patty with melted cheese, followed by slices of pickles and additional toppings if desired.
Top with the other half of the bun, gently press down, and serve immediately to enjoy the crispy, juicy, flavorful smash burger.
