Cookwith

Name: Keto Smash Burgers with Garlic Aioli & Summer Herb Salad
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 1 serving
Ingredients: 6 oz ground beef (80/20 blend preferred); 1/2 tsp kosher salt; 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper; 2 large leaves butter lettuce; 2 slices ripe tomato; 2 thin slices red onion; 1 tbsp olive oil (for pan); 1 large egg yolk (for aioli); 1 small garlic clove, finely grated; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard; 1/3 cup light olive oil or avocado oil (for aioli); 1/2 tsp salt (for aioli); 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup cucumber, diced; 2 tbsp kalamata olives, pitted & halved; 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for salad); 1 tsp red wine vinegar; 1/8 tsp black pepper (for salad)

Keto Smash Burgers with Garlic Aioli & Summer Herb Salad

RoastedCarrot1900

This keto-friendly American smash burger delivers big flavor and incredible texture in under 30 minutes. Juicy, pan-seared patties get irresistibly crisp edges, while a homemade garlic aioli adds a luscious, tangy punch. Instead of a bun, butter lettuce keeps things fresh and low-carb, supporting the savory beef, juicy tomato, and sharp red onion. On the side, a vibrant summer salad of tomato, cucumber, olives, and herbs tossed in olive oil vinaigrette cools things off and brings Mediterranean brightness. It’s a craveable, high-protein meal that’s perfect for quick weeknight dinners, bursting with savory, garlicky, and fresh flavors.

Ingredients

Instructions

Make the garlic aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk, grated garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and 1/2 tsp salt. Very slowly drizzle in 1/3 cup oil while whisking vigorously until thick and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside.
Prepare the summer salad: In a small bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, kalamata olives, chopped parsley, and basil. Drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and red wine vinegar. Season with 1/8 tsp black pepper and a pinch of salt. Toss gently and chill while cooking burgers.
Form the burger: Divide ground beef into two loose balls (do not overwork). Season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
Heat a cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil. Once shimmering hot, add the beef balls. Smash each one flat using a spatula (press hard for thin, crispy edges). Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until deeply browned and edges are crisp.
Flip the patties and cook 1 more minute for medium doneness. Remove from pan.
Assemble: Lay butter lettuce leaves on a plate. Top each with a smash burger patty. Spoon a generous dollop of garlic aioli over each. Add tomato and red onion slices. Garnish with extra chopped herbs.
Serve immediately with the summer salad on the side.