Sizzling Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers Recipe for Spicy Fans

Juicy beef patties meet a spicy jalapeño-onion smash burger that’ll revolutionize your backyard grilling game.

Kitchen experiments often spark unexpected culinary magic with simple ingredients.

Smashing meat onto a scorching griddle creates crispy, caramelized edges that crackle with flavor.

Bold home cooks know the secret lies in technique and quality components.

The sizzling interaction between ground beef, diced jalapeños, and caramelized onions promises an unforgettable taste adventure.

Sharp cheddar melting over these patties completes a mouthwatering masterpiece that demands immediate attention.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this flavor-packed burger experience.

Best Sides to Serve with Jalapeno Smash Burgers

• Complement the burger's spicy kick with a zesty tequila-based cocktail that matches the jalapeño's heat and brings out smoky undertones.
• Create a cool, tangy side dish with cilantro, lime juice, and a hint of cumin to balance the burger's rich and spicy profile.
• Select a crisp, light beer like Modelo Especial or Pacifico to cut through the burger's richness and refresh the palate.
• Add a bright, sweet-spicy side that echoes the burger's jalapeño notes and provides a vibrant textural contrast.

Variations to Level Up Jalapeno-Onion Smash Burgers

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Burger: Swap hamburger buns for large crisp lettuce leaves, creating a lighter, carb-free version that's perfect for keto dieters.
• Vegetarian Black Bean Smash Patty: Replace ground beef with seasoned black bean patties, maintaining the same cooking technique and flavor profile for plant-based eaters.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hamburger buns or portobello mushroom caps as a bread alternative, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the burger.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute American cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives or skip cheese entirely, using nutritional yeast for additional flavor complexity.

Why Jalapeno-Onion Smash Burgers Deserve a Spot on Your Grill

• This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a flavor explosion that takes minimal kitchen skills to master.
• Preparation and cooking time is under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy families wanting a delicious dinner without complicated steps.
• Professional-style smash burger technique creates crispy, caramelized edges that rival gourmet restaurant offerings, letting home cooks feel like culinary experts.
• Easily adjust spice levels by controlling jalapeno quantity, allowing everyone from heat lovers to mild-preference eaters to enjoy this versatile burger recipe.

What You Need for Jalapeno-Onion Smash Burgers

Main Ingredients:

• Ground Beef: A flavorful base for smash burgers, best with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy results.

• American Cheese: Melts perfectly and adds creamy texture to the burger.
• Mayonnaise, Ketchup: Classic burger sauce base with rich, tangy flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the burger sauce.

• Onions: Sweet and caramelized, providing a rich flavor layer.
• Jalapenos: Adds spicy kick and vibrant heat to the burger.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing overall taste.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle background flavor to the sauce.

• Canola Oil: Neutral oil for even cooking and preventing sticking.
• Hamburger Buns: Soft carriers for the burger, best when lightly toasted.

• Additional Toppings: Customize burger with personal favorite ingredients.

How to Smash and Sear the Best Jalapeno-Onion Burgers

Step 1: Whip Up the Secret Sauce

• Grab mayonnaise
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth. Stash in the refrigerator to let flavors mingle.

Step 2: Caramelize Onions and Jalapenos

Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium flame. Drizzle canola oil into the pan. Toss in sliced onions and jalapenos. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally, letting them dance and soften for 10-15 minutes until golden and fragrant. Transfer to a side bowl.

Step 3: Shape Meaty Patties

Divide ground beef into eight loose balls. Handle gently to keep the meat tender. Place balls on a parchment-lined tray. Chill in the refrigerator to firm up.

Step 4: Smash and Sear

Wipe skillet clean. Crank heat to high until it’s smoking hot. Drop beef balls into the skillet, leaving space between them. Use a sturdy spatula to smash each ball into a crispy-edged thin patty. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until perfectly crusty. Melt a slice of American cheese on top during the final minute.

Step 5: Build Your Burger

Slather burger sauce on toasted bun halves. Layer a cheesy patty on the bottom bun. Pile on the caramelized onion and jalapeno mix. Add any extra toppings that make your heart sing. Crown with the top bun and dive in immediately.

Tips to Balance Spice and Sizzle in Smash Burgers

• Chill the Beef: Keep burger meat cold before smashing to ensure a crispy, caramelized exterior and juicy interior.
• Control Heat Levels: Adjust jalapeno quantity based on personal spice tolerance by removing seeds for milder flavor or keeping them for extra heat.
• Perfect Smash Technique: Use a heavy, flat spatula or burger press and apply firm, even pressure when smashing patties to create maximum crispy edges.
• Sauce Prep Tip: Make burger sauce ahead of time and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld together, enhancing overall taste profile.
• Skillet Selection: Use a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet for best heat distribution and developing rich, golden-brown crust on burger patties.

How to Keep Jalapeno-Onion Smash Burgers Juicy After Reheating

• Store leftover burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate patties with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Warm burgers over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain juiciness.
• Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make burger patties tough and rubbery. If needed, use 50% power and heat in short 15-second intervals.
• Keep burger sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Stir before using to recombine ingredients.

Jalapeno-Onion Smash Burgers Recipe

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4.7 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy jalapeño-onion smash burgers deliver explosive flavor in every bite. Crispy, caramelized edges and spicy-sweet complexity make these burgers an irresistible choice for weekend grilling enthusiasts seeking bold, memorable meals.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) high-quality 80% lean ground beef
• 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
• 4 slices American cheese

Vegetable Ingredients:

• 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
• 1 large jalapeno chile, thinly sliced (about ½ cup)

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1.5 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 1.25 teaspoons kosher salt
• 0.75 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty burger sauce by blending mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt in a small bowl. Refrigerate the mixture to allow flavors to meld.
2. Warm a cast-iron skillet over medium heat with canola oil. Introduce sliced onions and jalapenos, seasoning with salt and pepper. Gently sauté until onions transform into a golden, caramelized state and jalapenos soften, approximately 10-15 minutes. Transfer the aromatic mixture to a separate bowl.
3. Portion ground beef into 8 loosely formed balls, handling minimally to preserve meat’s delicate texture. Arrange on a parchment-lined tray and chill until cooking preparation.
4. Heat the skillet to a smoking point. Carefully place beef balls without overcrowding. Employ a sturdy spatula to smash each ball into thin, crispy-edged patties. Season with additional salt and pepper. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, achieving a perfect doneness. During the final cooking moments, crown each patty with a slice of American cheese.
5. Toast hamburger buns and generously spread the prepared burger sauce on inner surfaces. Layer a cheese-melted patty onto the bottom bun. Crown with the caramelized onion-jalapeno medley. Add optional complementary toppings. Crown with the top bun and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Choose high-fat ground beef like 80/20 chuck for maximum juiciness and crispy edges during smashing.
• Ensure cast-iron skillet is scorching hot before adding burger balls to create perfect caramelized crust.
• Gently press patties without overworking meat to maintain tenderness and prevent tough burgers.
• Adjust jalapeno quantity based on personal spice tolerance for customized heat level.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 930mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 29g
• Cholesterol: 90mg