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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Sauce Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Refrigerate to intensify flavor profile.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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