Description
Juicy jalapeno-onion smash burgers bring bold flavors to classic American grilling with crispy edges and spicy charm. Melted cheese, caramelized onions, and fresh jalapeños create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
Burger Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cooking and Topping Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 hamburger buns (brioche or preferred type)
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 2 slices American cheese
- Pickled jalapeños
Jalapeño-Onion Topping:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Transform sweet onions into golden, jammy delicacies by gently sautéing in olive oil over medium-low heat for approximately 20 minutes, stirring periodically. Midway through cooking, sprinkle sugar to accelerate caramelization, then incorporate diced jalapeños and continue cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Separate ground beef into four loosely formed spherical portions. Prepare a griddle or skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, positioning beef balls strategically. Immediately compress each ball forcefully using a spatula, creating thin, crispy-edged patties. Generously season with salt and black pepper.
- Allow patties to sizzle for roughly 2 minutes until edges turn dark and crisp. Quickly flip and crown each patty with cheese, cooking an additional 1-2 minutes until cheese melts completely.
- Simultaneously, place bun halves cut-side down in a separate skillet, toasting until achieving a rich golden-brown color, approximately 2 minutes.
- Construct burgers by spreading mayonnaise and optional mustard across bottom bun. Carefully position melted cheese patty, lavishly covering with caramelized jalapeño-onion mixture. Enhance heat levels by scattering pickled jalapeño slices. Crown with top bun, gently pressing to integrate flavors.
- Present immediately alongside crisp accompaniments like french fries, verdant salad, or tangy coleslaw for a complete culinary experience.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeño heat by removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra spiciness.
- Caramelize onions slowly to develop deep, sweet flavor without burning them.
- Use high-fat ground beef (80/20 ratio) for juicier, more flavorful smash burgers with crispy edges.
- Dairy-free option: Replace cheese with vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for similar umami taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 674
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1095 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 98 mg