Are you ready to elevate your burger game with a bold and spicy twist? Look no further than this Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burger recipe! With a perfect balance of heat from fresh jalapeños and sweetness from caramelized onions, these burgers deliver a burst of flavor that’s sure to impress at your next cookout or family dinner.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a tasty and satisfying meal, these smash burgers offer a unique take on the traditional beef patty. Keep reading for step-by-step instructions and helpful tips for creating the ultimate Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create the perfect Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers, you’ll need a few essential ingredients that combine for a mouthwatering, flavorful burger experience:
For the Smash Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80% lean, 20% fat)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or your favorite type)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon mustard (optional)
- 2 slices of American cheese (or cheese of your choice)
- Pickled jalapeños (optional, for added spice)
For the Jalapeño-Onion Topping:
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, for caramelizing the onions)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions
Start by caramelizing the onions to bring out their natural sweetness. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat in a skillet. Add the sliced onions and sauté, stirring occasionally, until they turn golden and soft—this should take about 20 minutes. Add the sugar halfway through cooking to help speed up the caramelization process. Once the onions are ready, stir in the sliced jalapeños and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the peppers soften and release their heat.
2. Prepare the Smash Burgers
While the onions and jalapeños are cooking, it’s time to form the burger patties. Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, about 4 ounces each. Roll each portion into a ball. Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle with olive oil.
Once the pan is hot, place the beef balls in the pan and immediately smash them down with a spatula or burger press to create a thin patty. Season each patty generously with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms, then flip the patty and add a slice of cheese to melt.
3. Toast the Buns
While the burgers are cooking, toast your buns. You can do this by placing them, cut-side down, in a separate skillet or griddle over medium heat until golden and slightly crispy, about 2 minutes.
4. Assemble the Burgers
Once the patties are cooked, it’s time to assemble your Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers. Spread a layer of mayonnaise (and mustard, if desired) on the bottom of each toasted bun. Place the cheesy smash burger patty on the bun, then top with the caramelized jalapeño-onion mixture. Add pickled jalapeños for an extra kick if desired.
Place the top bun on the assembled burger and press down gently to secure everything in place.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Your Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers are now ready to be served! Pair them with your favorite side dishes, like crispy fries, a fresh salad, or some creamy coleslaw, and enjoy the bold flavors that come from the combination of spicy jalapeños and sweet onions.
Tips for the Perfect Smash Burger
- Use high-quality beef: For the juiciest and most flavorful burgers, choose ground beef with a good fat ratio (80% lean, 20% fat) to keep your burgers tender and moist.
- Smash the burgers: The secret to a great smash burger is to press the beef down firmly once it hits the pan, creating a thin patty with crispy edges.
- Customize your toppings: While this recipe features caramelized onions and fresh jalapeños, feel free to add your favorite burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado, or bacon.
- Adjust the heat: If you love spice, leave the seeds in the jalapeños for an extra fiery punch. For a milder option, remove the seeds before adding them to the burger.
Why You’ll Love Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers
These Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers offer the perfect blend of textures and flavors, with crispy edges on the burger patties, sweet and spicy toppings, and soft, toasted buns. Whether you’re looking to impress guests at your next cookout or indulge in a satisfying meal at home, this burger recipe is sure to be a hit!
Serving and Storage Tips for Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers
Serving Tips
- Side Pairings: These Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers are perfect when paired with crispy sides that complement their bold flavors. Consider serving them with:
- Crispy French fries or sweet potato fries.
- A refreshing coleslaw to balance the heat.
- A grilled vegetable medley, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus, to add a light and healthy touch.
- A cold beer or spicy margarita to enhance the spicy kick of the jalapeños.
- Burger Variations: If you want to mix things up, try adding unique toppings or different cheese varieties to customize your burger:
- Swap the American cheese for cheddar, pepper jack, or even blue cheese for a more intense flavor.
- Add crispy bacon or fried egg for extra richness.
- Top with avocado slices or a spicy mayo for a creamy finish.
- Serving Style: Serve your Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers on a large platter for family-style meals or individually wrapped in parchment paper for easy grab-and-go meals during picnics or BBQs.
Storage Tips
- Storing Leftover Burgers:
- If you have leftover cooked patties, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to separate the burger patties with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- For the caramelized onions and jalapeños, store them in a separate airtight container in the fridge. They can be kept for about 4-5 days.
- Freezing for Later:
- If you want to keep your smash burgers for a longer time, you can freeze the patties and toppings separately.
- Place cooked, cooled patties in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a skillet or on the grill for a few minutes until warmed through.
- For the caramelized onions and jalapeños, allow them to cool, then freeze in a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, reheat in a skillet until warmed.
- Reheating Tips:
- To reheat the burgers, it’s best to use a skillet or grill to bring back some of the crispy texture of the smashed patties.
- If you’re reheating the onions and jalapeños, sauté them in a small amount of oil over medium heat until warmed through.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers not only on the day they’re made but also as delicious leftovers or even as part of a meal prep plan!
1. Can I make the caramelized onions and jalapeños ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the caramelized onions and jalapeños ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. They can be reheated in a skillet when you’re ready to assemble the burgers.
2. What type of beef is best for smash burgers?
For the juiciest smash burgers, it’s recommended to use ground beef with an 80% lean to 20% fat ratio. This ensures the burgers stay flavorful and juicy while cooking, giving you that perfect crispy edge with a tender interior.
3. Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the burger patties in advance! Form the patties, then cover and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. This can help the flavors meld together and save time on the day of cooking.
4. How can I make these burgers less spicy?
If you prefer a milder version of these Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers, you can remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before adding them to the onions. Additionally, you can skip the pickled jalapeños and opt for a milder cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar, to tone down the heat.
Print
Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers combine the classic smash burger technique with the bold flavors of caramelized onions and spicy jalapeños. The result is a juicy, flavorful burger with a crispy exterior, perfect for spice lovers and burger enthusiasts alike.
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
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
- 1 large jalapeño chile, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger 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.
- Prepare the Onions and Jalapeños:
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add the canola oil.
- Add the sliced onions and jalapeños to the skillet.
- Season with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and the jalapeños are softened, about 10-15 minutes.
- Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Form the Burger Patties:
- Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions (approximately 3 ounces each).
- Gently form each portion into a loose ball; avoid overworking the meat to maintain tenderness.
- Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until ready to cook.
- Cook the Smash Burgers:
- Wipe the skillet clean and return it to high heat until it begins to smoke slightly.
- Place a few beef balls into the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd.
- Using a sturdy spatula or a burger press, firmly press down each ball to flatten it into a thin patty.
- Season the patties with a pinch of the remaining kosher salt and black pepper.
- Cook until the edges are crispy and the center is cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of American cheese on each patty to melt.
- Assemble the Burgers:
- Spread a generous amount of the prepared burger sauce on the cut sides of the toasted hamburger buns.
- Place a cheese-topped patty on the bottom bun.
- Top with a spoonful of the caramelized onion and jalapeño mixture.
- Add any additional desired toppings.
- Cover with the top bun and serve immediately.
Notes
- For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before slicing.
- To achieve the best crust on the burgers, ensure the skillet is very hot before adding the beef.
- These burgers pair well with classic sides like fries or a simple salad.