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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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