Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers

Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers are the perfect combination of heat, savoriness, and the irresistible texture of crispy, caramelized onions. This recipe brings together high-quality ground beef, gooey melted cheese, and a fiery jalapeño kick, creating a burger experience that’s anything but ordinary. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving a burger with a twist, these smash burgers will leave your taste buds tingling with satisfaction.

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Why Smash Burgers?

If you’ve never tried making smash burgers before, get ready for a game-changer. Unlike traditional thick burgers, smash burgers are all about creating a crispy, flavorful crust by pressing the burger patty onto a hot griddle or skillet. This method sears the meat quickly, sealing in the juices while developing a delectable crust on the outside. In this recipe, we elevate the classic smash burger by incorporating thinly sliced onions and jalapeños into the patty, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture that pairs beautifully with the rich burger sauce and melted cheese.

Let’s break down the recipe step by step so you can recreate these spicy, savory burgers right in your kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Burger Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Smash Burgers:

• 1 1/2 pounds high-quality 80% lean ground beef
• 1 teaspoon canola oil (for drizzling the skillet)
• 1 large yellow onion, very thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
• 1 large jalapeño, very thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt (divided)
• 3/4 teaspoon black pepper (divided)
• 4 American cheese slices
• 4 soft hamburger buns, split and toasted

Instructions

1. Make the Burger Sauce

The burger sauce is the unsung hero of this dish, adding a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy touch that ties everything together.

To prepare the sauce:

• In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt until fully combined.
• Cover and chill in the refrigerator while you prepare the burgers.

The sauce is best when it has had some time to chill, allowing the flavors to meld together. You can even prepare it a day in advance if you prefer.

2. Prepare the Smash Burgers

Smash burgers are all about quick, high-heat cooking that locks in flavor. Here’s how to get them just right.

To shape the patties:

• Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions, each weighing approximately 3 ounces.
• Shape each portion into a loose ball. The key is to avoid overworking the meat so that it stays tender. Keep the beef loosely packed to allow for even smashing and a crispy crust.
• Place the meatballs on a plate, cover with plastic wrap, and chill while you prepare your cooking surface.

3. Preheat the Skillet or Griddle

Smash burgers require a hot cooking surface to achieve that signature crispy crust. You can use a cast-iron skillet or griddle for the best results. If you’re grilling outdoors, preheat your grill to high heat (450°F to 500°F) and place the skillet or griddle on the grill to preheat.

• Once the skillet is heated, drizzle it with canola oil to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.

4. Prepare the Onion and Jalapeño Mounds

One of the standout features of this recipe is the combination of thinly sliced onions and jalapeños that cook directly into the burger patty.

To create the onion and jalapeño mounds:

• Arrange the thinly sliced onions in small mounds on the skillet (about 1/4 cup of onions per mound). You should be able to make 8 mounds.
• Top each onion mound with about 1 tablespoon of sliced jalapeños. If you’re sensitive to heat, you can adjust the amount of jalapeños to your preference.
• Sprinkle the onion-jalapeño mounds evenly with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.

Allow the onions and jalapeños to cook undisturbed for 30 seconds to 1 minute. You want the onions to begin browning and caramelizing, which will create an incredible depth of flavor.

5. Smash the Burgers

Once the onion and jalapeño mounds have started to brown, it’s time to smash the burgers.

To smash the patties:

• Place one of the chilled meatballs on top of each onion-jalapeño mound.
• Using a sturdy spatula or burger press, cover the meatball with a small piece of parchment paper and press down firmly to flatten the patty into a 4-inch wide circle. The parchment paper will prevent the meat from sticking to the spatula.
• Once flattened, remove the parchment paper and repeat the process for each burger.

The patties should be smashed thin, which will give them that delightful crispy edge. As they cook, the fat from the beef will seep into the onions and jalapeños, melding all the flavors together.

Seasoning: After smashing, sprinkle the patties with the remaining 3/4 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

Allow the patties to cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when the edges start to crisp and the bottoms are beautifully browned.

6. Flip and Add Cheese

Once the patties have developed a crispy crust, it’s time to flip them.

• Using a spatula, carefully flip each patty so that the onion-jalapeño mixture is now on top. The onions should be caramelized and golden brown.
• Place a slice of American cheese on top of 4 of the patties and allow the cheese to melt. You can cover the skillet briefly to speed up the melting process if necessary.

For a double stack burger, top each cheese-covered patty with one of the plain patties, creating 4 double-stacked burgers.

7. Toast the Buns

A great burger deserves a great bun. Toasting the buns adds an extra layer of flavor and texture that takes these smash burgers to the next level.

To toast the buns:

• Split your hamburger buns in half and place them cut-side down on the skillet or griddle for 1 to 2 minutes until they are golden and slightly crisp.

This step ensures that the buns can hold up to the juicy burgers without becoming soggy.

8. Assemble and Serve

Now that your smash burgers are ready, it’s time to assemble.

To assemble the burgers:

• Spread about 1 tablespoon of the prepared burger sauce on each top bun.
• Place each double-stacked burger on the bottom bun and top with the sauced top bun.

Serve immediately while the burgers are still hot, juicy, and loaded with flavor. Pair them with your favorite sides like fries, onion rings, or a crisp salad.

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Sausage Cream Cheese Crescents

Loaded Baked Potato with Steak Bites

Crispy, Cheesy Philly Cheesesteak Egg Rolls

Tips for Perfect Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers

1. Use High-Quality Beef

Since smash burgers cook quickly and rely on minimal ingredients, the quality of the beef matters. Opt for 80% lean ground beef to ensure your patties are juicy but still have enough fat to create that crispy crust.

2. Thinly Slice the Onions and Jalapeños

The thinner the slices, the better they will caramelize and cook evenly. A mandoline slicer is a great tool to achieve perfectly thin slices, but a sharp knife will work as well.

3. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet

If you’re making a large batch of burgers, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the cooking surface, preventing the patties from getting that desirable crispy edge.

4. Customize the Heat

If you’re a spice lover, feel free to add more jalapeños or even swap them for spicier chiles like serranos. If you prefer a milder burger, you can reduce the amount of jalapeños or omit them altogether.

5. Make Ahead

You can shape the meatballs and prepare the burger sauce ahead of time, making the cooking process faster when you’re ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers are a bold and flavorful twist on the classic burger. The combination of crispy onions, spicy jalapeños, and melty cheese creates a mouthwatering experience in every bite. These burgers are perfect for a weekend cookout, family dinner, or whenever you’re craving something extra special.

With just a few ingredients and some simple techniques, you can recreate this restaurant-quality burger right at home. So fire up your skillet or griddle, and get ready to enjoy one of the best burgers you’ve ever made!