Zesty Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers Recipe: Flavor Explosion!

Beef sizzles with intensity when jalapeno-onion smash burgers hit a screaming hot griddle, creating crispy edges that make taste buds dance.

These burgers pack a serious punch of flavor and heat.

Spicy peppers intermingle with sweet caramelized onions, delivering a mouthwatering combination that elevates the classic burger experience.

Melted cheese adds a creamy contrast to the bold ingredients.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of crunch and juiciness.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, these smash burgers will become your new grilling obsession.

Serve them up and watch everyone crave seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers:: Ingredient List

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that adds richness and helps bind the sauce together.
• Ketchup: Brings tangy sweetness and classic burger flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Introduces deep, umami complexity to the sauce.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic warmth.
• Garlic Powder: Infuses savory depth without raw garlic intensity.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and balances flavors.

• Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 blend for juiciest, most flavorful smash burgers.
• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning meat and creating delectable crust.
• Black Pepper: Delivers gentle spiciness and complements beef's richness.
• American Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating creamy layer on burger.

• Onions: Select sweet varieties like Vidalia for deeper caramelization.
• Jalapenos: Pick firm, bright green peppers for maximum heat and freshness.
• Canola Oil: Neutral oil with high smoke point perfect for high-heat cooking.
• Kosher Salt: Helps draw out moisture and concentrate vegetable flavors.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle kick to caramelized vegetable mixture.

• Hamburger Buns: Choose soft, slightly toasted buns for perfect burger presentation.

What You’ll Need to Smash and Grill Jalapeño Burgers

• Cast-iron skillet: Heavy-duty pan perfect for creating crispy burger edges.
• Spatula: Sturdy tool for smashing and flipping burger patties.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing burger sauce ingredients.
• Parchment-lined baking sheet: Helps organize and chill burger patties before cooking.
• Cutting board: For slicing onions and jalapenos.
• Chef's knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable cutting.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and sauce ingredients.

How to Build Flavorful Smash Burgers with a Kick

• Whip Up Zesty Burger Sauce

Blend creamy mayo, tangy ketchup, savory Worcestershire, and a sprinkle of spices into a mouthwatering sauce. Pop it in the fridge to let flavors mingle.

• Caramelize Onion and Pepper Medley

Sizzle sliced onions and jalapeños in a hot skillet, stirring until they turn golden and soft. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra kick.

• Shape Tasty Beef Patties

Gently roll ground beef into loose balls, keeping them light and airy. Chill them briefly to lock in juiciness.

• Smash and Sear Burgers

Crank up the heat on your skillet until it’s smoking. Slam those beef balls flat with a spatula, creating crispy edges. Season generously and cook until perfectly charred. Melt a slice of cheese on top for gooey goodness.

• Build Your Ultimate Burger

Slather toasted buns with the zingy sauce. Layer a cheesy patty, crown with caramelized onions and jalapeños. Add any extra toppings that make your taste buds dance. Serve hot and enjoy the flavor explosion!

Tips for Char, Spice, and Melted Cheese

• Use a heavy cast-iron skillet for maximum heat retention and perfect searing.
• Press patties very firmly to create those signature crispy, lacy edges that make smash burgers legendary.
• Remove jalapeno seeds for a milder flavor.
• Use different pepper varieties like poblano or anaheim for varied heat levels.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based burger alternatives.
• Use gluten-free buns for a celiac-friendly version.
• Replace cheese with dairy-free alternatives for a vegan-friendly option.

Serve Smash Burgers Piled High or Slid Low

• Flavor Explosion Plating: Stack two smash burgers on a rustic wooden board with crispy pickles and extra burger sauce drizzled around for a mouthwatering presentation.
• Spicy Side Companions: Serve alongside crispy sweet potato fries or zesty coleslaw to complement the burger's rich, spicy flavor profile and add textural contrast.
• Beverage Pairing: Pair with an ice-cold craft beer like an IPA or a tangy hard cider that cuts through the burger's richness and enhances the jalapeno's heat.
• Backyard BBQ Style: Create a casual dining experience by serving on colorful melamine plates with small ramekins of extra burger sauce for dipping and personalized garnishing.

Store Smash Burgers to Keep ‘Em Juicy

• Store the burger sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, maintaining its fresh flavor and creamy consistency.
• Keep caramelized onions and jalapenos in a separate sealed container in the refrigerator, which will stay delicious for 3-4 days and can be easily reheated.
• When making burger patties in advance, separate each patty with parchment paper and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for maximum 24 hours to maintain meat quality and prevent sticking.
• If you have remaining burgers, wrap them individually in aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet on medium-low heat to preserve the crispy edges and prevent drying out.

FAQs

The technique involves pressing the beef ball into a thin patty on a hot skillet, creating crispy, caramelized edges that develop intense flavor and a unique texture different from traditional thick burger patties.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken, but the fat content might affect the burger’s crispiness and flavor, so choose a ground meat with at least 15-20% fat.

• How do I prevent the burger patties from falling apart when smashing?

Ensure your skillet is very hot and use a sturdy metal spatula or burger press. Avoid overworking the meat when forming balls, and don’t move the patties too much during cooking to maintain their structure.

• Is it necessary to use a cast-iron skillet?

While a cast-iron skillet provides the best heat retention and crispy results, you can use a heavy-bottomed stainless steel or carbon steel skillet as an alternative.

Juicy Jalapeno-Onion Smash Burgers Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Bold jalapeno-onion smash burgers merge classic American grilling techniques with spicy southwestern flair. Sizzling patties deliver intense flavor combinations that hungry diners will crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1.5 lbs (680 g) high-quality 80% lean ground beef
• 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
• 4 slices american cheese
• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
• 1 large jalapeno chile, thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
• 3 tbsps mayonnaise
• 1.5 tbsps ketchup
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp canola oil
• 1.25 tsps kosher salt
• 0.75 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Sauce Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Refrigerate to intensify flavor profile.
2. Vegetable Sautéing: Heat cast-iron skillet with canola oil over medium temperature. Introduce sliced onions and jalapenos, seasoning with salt and pepper. Caramelize onions and soften jalapenos until achieving a rich golden hue, approximately 10-15 minutes. Transfer aromatic mixture to a separate container.
3. Meat Preparation: Gently form ground beef into 8 delicate balls, minimizing handling to preserve meat’s natural texture. Arrange on parchment-lined tray and chill before cooking.
4. Burger Searing: Elevate skillet to smoking point. Carefully position beef balls without overcrowding. Utilize sturdy spatula to transform balls into ultra-thin, crispy-edged patties. Season with additional salt and pepper. Sear 2-3 minutes per side, ensuring optimal doneness. During final moments, adorn each patty with American cheese slice.
5. Assembly and Serving: Toast hamburger buns and generously spread prepared sauce on inner surfaces. Position cheese-melted patty onto bottom bun. Garnish with caramelized onion-jalapeno mixture. Add optional complementary toppings. Complete with top bun and serve immediately while steaming hot.

Notes

• Control Meat Temperature: Keep ground beef cold before smashing to ensure crispy, caramelized edges and prevent meat from becoming tough.
• Master Smashing Technique: Use a heavy, flat spatula and press firmly but quickly to create thin, crispy-edged patties without overworking the meat.
• Balance Spice Level: Remove jalapeno seeds for milder heat or keep them for extra kick; adjust according to personal spice tolerance.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Cover patties with a lid during final moments of cooking to help cheese melt evenly and create a perfectly gooey texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 880 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg