Spicy Jalapeno & Onion Smash Burgers Recipe

Sizzling Spicy Jalapeno & Onion Smash Burgers Recipe

Crafting the perfect spicy jalapeno and onion smash burgers requires a delightful dance of bold flavors and sizzling technique.

Every burger enthusiast knows the magic happens when crispy edges meet tender meat.

Jalapeños bring a fiery kick that sparks excitement on your plate.

Caramelized onions weave a sweet complexity through each juicy bite.

Griddle masters understand the art of creating that irresistible golden crust with precise pressure and timing.

Unexpected ingredients can turn an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary adventure.

You’ll want to gather your skillet and savor every spicy, mouthwatering moment.

Why Spicy Jalapeno & Onion Smash Burgers Bring The Heat

  • Spice Up Your Meal: Inject bold flavors with jalapenos and onions that transform an ordinary burger into a zesty culinary adventure.
  • Quick and Simple Cooking: Prepare these burgers in minutes with minimal ingredients and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, adding different cheeses, or experimenting with unique toppings to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.
  • Restaurant-Quality at Home: Achieve professional-style crispy edges and juicy centers that rival gourmet burger joints, all from the comfort of your own kitchen.

What Goes Into Spicy Jalapeno & Onion Smash Burgers

Meat Ingredients:
  • Ground Beef: A lean and flavorful base that provides the main protein for the burger patties.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the meat mixture.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Provide aromatic and savory notes to enhance the burger's overall taste.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
Fresh Ingredients:
  • Jalapenos, Onions: Chopped additions that bring spicy kick and sharp, sweet crunch to the burger patties.
  • Cheese: Optional melty topping that adds richness and extra flavor to the burger.
  • Burger Buns: Soft bread that serves as the foundation for assembling the burger.

How To Make Spicy Jalapeno & Onion Smash Burgers

Step 1: Prepare the Cooking Surface

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until it’s smoking hot and ready for burger magic.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Meat Mixture

Combine the ground beef with these flavor boosters:
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Chopped jalapenos
  • Chopped onions
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Gently mix the ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.

Step 3: Shape the Burger Balls

Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions and roll them into loose balls.

Step 4: Smash and Sear

Drop the meat balls onto the blazing hot skillet and immediately smash them down with a spatula or burger press.

Create thin, crispy-edged patties by pressing firmly.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Sear the patties for 2-3 minutes on each side.

Look for a golden-brown crust and crispy edges while maintaining a juicy interior.

Step 6: Add Melty Cheese

If desired, place a cheese slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking to create a melty, gooey topping.

Step 7: Toast the Buns

Quickly toast the burger buns on the same skillet to add extra flavor and crunch.

Step 8: Build Your Burger

Place the sizzling patties on the toasted buns and dress with your favorite condiments and toppings.

Tips To Get Spicy Jalapeno & Onion Smash Burgers Just Right

  • Avoid overworking the meat to keep burgers tender and prevent tough texture.
  • Choose 80/20 ground beef for juiciest results with perfect fat content.
  • Remove seeds from jalapenos to reduce heat while maintaining pepper flavor.
  • Let patties rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help retain moisture and juices.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack or sharp cheddar for extra kick.

Fun Flavor Combos For Spicy Jalapeno & Onion Smash Burgers

  • Smoky Southwest Smashers: Replace jalapenos with diced green chiles and add smoked paprika for a southwestern flavor profile that brings bold, earthy notes to the burger.
  • Mediterranean Herb Burger: Swap onions and jalapenos with chopped fresh herbs like oregano, mint, and parsley, then mix in crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Blue Cheese Ranch Burger: Incorporate crumbled blue cheese into the meat mixture and top with a homemade ranch sauce, creating a tangy and creamy burger experience.
  • Korean BBQ Fusion: Mix ground beef with gochujang paste, minced garlic, and green onions, then top with quick-pickled cucumbers and a drizzle of Korean BBQ sauce for an Asian-inspired transformation.

Perfect Sides For Spicy Jalapeno & Onion Smash Burgers

  • Pair Fire-Roasted Jalapeño Beer: A hoppy IPA with citrus notes perfectly complements the burger's spicy kick and cuts through rich meat flavors.
  • Serve Crisp Cucumber Slaw: A refreshing, tangy side dish balances the burger's heat and provides a cool, crunchy contrast to the crispy patty.
  • Spike with Spicy Margarita: A zesty tequila cocktail with fresh lime and jalapeño slice echoes the burger's bold, peppery profile while offering a bright, boozy accompaniment.
  • Match with Pepper Jack Cheese: A spicy cheese that amplifies the jalapeño's heat and adds creamy, melty texture to the smash burger's crusty exterior.

How To Store Spicy Jalapeno & Onion Smash Burgers Safely

  • Refrigerator Storage: Transfer leftover burger patties to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Seal tightly and consume within 3-4 days for best quality and taste.
  • Freezer Storage: Wrap individual patties in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
  • Reheating Skillet Method: Warm patties on a medium-low skillet for 2-3 minutes per side, adding a splash of water to prevent drying. Cover with a lid to retain moisture and restore juiciness.
  • Oven Reheating: Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Spicy Jalapeno & Onion Smash Burgers FAQs

  • How spicy are these burgers?

The jalapeños provide a moderate heat level, but you can control the spiciness by removing the seeds for less heat or adding more peppers for extra kick.

  • Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives while keeping the same seasoning and cooking technique.

  • What makes the smash technique special?

Smashing the burger creates a crispy, caramelized crust with more surface area, resulting in enhanced flavor and a perfect texture that’s crispy on the outside and juicy inside.

  • Is Worcestershire sauce necessary for the recipe?

While it adds depth of flavor, you can omit it if you don’t have it on hand. The sauce enhances the meat’s umami taste but isn’t critical to the burger’s success.

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Spicy Jalapeno & Onion Smash Burgers Recipe

Spicy Jalapeno & Onion Smash Burgers Recipe


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4.7 from 26 reviews

  • Total Time: 20-22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling spicy jalapeno & onion smash burgers deliver a flavor explosion that ignites taste buds with bold, zesty charm. Crispy edges, melted cheese, and fiery peppers promise you a mouthwatering culinary adventure packed with irresistible southwestern flair.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80/20 for best results)
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese (optional)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1/2 cup finely chopped jalapenos
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Seasonings and Condiments:

  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 burger buns
  • Ketchup (optional)
  • Mustard (optional)
  • Pickles (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat skillet or griddle to medium-high temperature around 400°F, ensuring surface is thoroughly preheated.
  2. Gently blend ground beef with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, diced jalapenos, and chopped onions. Carefully season with salt and pepper, mixing minimally to prevent meat from becoming tough.
  3. Portion meat mixture into four uniform round balls, handling meat delicately to maintain loose texture.
  4. Drop meat balls onto scorching hot surface and immediately compress with heavy spatula, creating ultra-thin crispy-edged patties. Apply firm, consistent pressure to maximize caramelization.
  5. Cook patties approximately 2-3 minutes per side, developing deep golden-brown crust while maintaining interior juiciness. Surface should display crisp, lacy edges with rich browning.
  6. During final cooking minute, layer cheese slice atop each patty, allowing gentle melting and complete coverage.
  7. Lightly toast burger buns on same cooking surface to enhance flavor and texture, achieving delicate golden-brown color.
  8. Construct burgers by positioning seared patties onto toasted buns, embellishing with preferred condiments and garnishes for personalized finishing touch.

Notes

  • Avoid overworking the meat mixture to keep burgers tender and prevent tough texture.
  • Smash patties immediately after placing on hot skillet to create crispy, caramelized edges and maximize flavor development.
  • Use freshly ground beef with higher fat content (80/20 blend) for juicier, more flavorful burgers that won’t dry out during cooking.
  • Adjust jalapeno quantity based on personal spice tolerance, removing seeds for milder heat or adding more for extra kick.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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