Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers are a mouthwatering twist on the classic burger, featuring juicy ground beef patties topped with caramelized onions, spicy jalapeños, melted American cheese, and a zesty burger sauce. This recipe combines bold flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy any burger enthusiast.
Ingredients
Burger Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tablespoons ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Smash Burgers:
- 1 ½ pounds high-quality 80% lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon canola oil
- 1 large yellow onion, very thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
- 1 large jalapeño chile, very thinly sliced (about ½ cup)
- 1 ¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- ¾ teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 4 American cheese slices
- 4 soft hamburger buns, split and toasted
Instructions
Burger Sauce:
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Smash Burgers:
- Form and Season Patties:
- Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape into balls. Season each ball with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat Skillet or Grill:
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add canola oil and heat until shimmering.
- Smash and Cook Patties:
- Place each ball of seasoned beef onto the skillet, spacing them apart. Immediately flatten each ball with a spatula to about ¼-inch thickness. Season the tops with remaining kosher salt and black pepper.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes without moving, until the bottoms are well-browned and crispy.
- Add Onions and Jalapeños:
- Scatter thinly sliced onions and jalapeños evenly over the tops of the patties. Press them gently into the meat.
- Flip and Melt Cheese:
- Carefully flip each patty with a spatula, allowing the onions and jalapeños to cook and caramelize.
- Immediately place a slice of American cheese on top of each patty. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked to your desired doneness.
- Assemble the Burgers:
- Spread a generous amount of burger sauce on the bottom halves of the toasted hamburger buns.
- Place each patty on a bun bottom. Top with more burger sauce if desired.
- Add the top halves of the buns and serve immediately.
Cooking Notes
- Patty Thickness: Smash burgers cook quickly due to their thinness. Ensure your skillet or grill is hot enough to achieve a crispy crust.
- Cheese Options: Substitute American cheese with your favorite cheese slices for variation.
- Bun Choice: Choose soft hamburger buns that can hold up to the juicy burger without getting soggy.
Tips for Serving
- Side Dish: Serve with crispy French fries or onion rings for a classic burger joint experience.
- Beverage Pairing: Pair with a cold beer or a refreshing lemonade to complement the spicy kick of jalapeños.
- Garnish: Garnish with lettuce, tomato slices, or pickles for added crunch and freshness.
Variations
Vegetarian Option
Replace ground beef with plant-based burger patties or grilled portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free hamburger buns and ensure all sauces and seasonings are gluten-free certified.
Keto Version
Ingredients for Keto Version
- Use lettuce wraps instead of hamburger buns.
- Season ground beef with keto-friendly seasonings and omit ketchup for lower sugar content in the sauce.
Low Carb Version
Ingredients for Low Carb Version
- Use low-carb tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of hamburger buns.
- Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt in the sauce for a lighter option.
Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers are a celebration of bold flavors and textures, offering a spicy twist on the classic burger experience. Whether grilled outdoors or cooked indoors, these burgers are guaranteed to impress with their juicy patties, caramelized toppings, and zesty burger sauce.
Enjoy the deliciousness of Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers at your next barbecue or casual gathering, and share this recipe to inspire others to spice up their burger game!
