Overhead plate of seared beef smash patties with crisp, lacy edges
Smash patties with a deep crust—rest 1 minute before serving. Photo via Canva

Smash Patties (Carnivore): Simple Method

Quick Answer
Very hot skillet. 2–3 oz (60–85 g) beef balls. Smash 10–15 sec. Cook 60–90 sec first side, 30–60 sec second.

Thin beef patties cooking over high heat on grill grates with visible browning
Step 4: Lacy edges and deep browning… ready to flip or serve. Photo via Canva

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) 80/20 ground beef (grassfed/finished when possible)
  • Salt to taste
  • Optional: squares of parchment for smashing

Method

  1. Heat cast-iron or griddle on high until ripping hot.
  2. Divide beef into 6–8 balls (≈ 60–75 g each).
  3. Place a ball on the hot surface; cover with parchment; smash hard 10–15 sec to thin.
  4. Cook 60–90 sec (edge browns and lacy).
  5. Flip over; cook 30–60 sec more.
  6. Remove; rest 1 minute; salt to taste. Repeat.

Cues
Deep brown crust with lacy edges; juices bead on top before the flip.

Batch notes

Cook 6–8 at once. Cool on a rack; stack with parchment; refrigerate or freeze. Reheat fast on a hot pan.

Variations

  • Optional cheese if tolerated (off-carnivore).
  • Double stack two thin patties.

Storage

Fridge: 3–4 days. Freezer: up to 2 months (separate with parchment).

Micro-practice

Jaw drop + sigh → soften jaw, drop tongue → inhale 4, exhale 6 with a quiet sigh (10–15 sec).

FAQ

  1. Sticking? Preheat longer; smash immediately; avoid flipping early.
  2. Too lean? 80/20 works best; add a touch of tallow for 90/10.
  3. No press? Use the back of a sturdy spatula over parchment.

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Clinical Scope

Clinical services are provided within my scope as a licensed clinical psychologist (CA, RI). My Doctor of Integrative Medicine credential is a doctoral degree with board certification by the Board of Integrative Medicine (BOIM) and does not represent a medical/physician license. All educational content is for learning only and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional treatment.

About Dr. Nnenna Ndika

Dr. Nnenna Ndika is a licensed clinical psychologist in California and Rhode Island and a Doctor of Integrative Medicine with board certification through BOIM. She is the founder of Silent Medicine, an education and coaching platform where psychology, integrative medicine, mind-body-spirit education, conscious nourishment, natural living, and whole-person wellness come together to help people reconnect with The Healer Within.

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