The Zesty Jalapeño Onion Smash Burgers Recipe You’ll Crave

Burgers sizzle with unexpected flavor when you add jalapeño onion smash burgers to your weekend grilling lineup.

spicy, crispy edges promise a mouthwatering experience that elevates the classic burger.

These patties pack a punch of heat and savory goodness.

Each smashed patty delivers a perfect blend of caramelized onions and fiery jalapeño kick.

Hungry grill masters will appreciate the simple yet bold technique that creates irresistibly crisp burger edges.

The secret lies in the smashing method that guarantees maximum flavor and texture.

Prepare to transform your burger game with this zesty, crowd-pleasing recipe that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Jalapeno-Onion Smash Burgers Stand Out

• Packed with spicy jalapeños and caramelized onions, these smash burgers deliver an explosive taste experience that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Learn the art of creating perfectly crispy, restaurant-quality burgers with a simple cast-iron skillet method that ensures a delicious crust and juicy interior.
• Whip up these gourmet burgers in just a few minutes, making them ideal for casual gatherings, weekend cookouts, or when you want to wow your dinner guests with minimal effort.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, cheese types, or toppings to suit individual preferences, making it a versatile crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Key Ingredients for Smash Burger Flavor

• Ground Beef: Rich meat base that creates the core of the smash burger patties.
• Cheese Slices: Melty topping that adds creamy texture and savory flavor to the burgers.

• Hamburger Buns: Soft bread that holds the burger components together.

• Onions, Jalapeños: Fresh vegetables that provide spicy and sweet flavor layers when grilled directly with the burger patties.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile of the burger.

• Burger Sauce: Creamy condiment that adds tangy and rich flavor to the burger.

• Parchment Paper: Helpful tool for creating even burger patties without sticking.
• Cooking Oil: Prevents ingredients from sticking and helps achieve a crispy exterior.

Tools for Smash Burger Perfection at Home

• Cast-iron skillet or griddle: Essential for achieving perfect crispy burger edges and caramelizing onions.
• Spatula: Sturdy tool for pressing and flipping burger patties.
• Small bowl: Used for mixing burger sauce ingredients.
• Parchment paper: Helps create uniform patties without sticking.
• Plate: For chilling meat portions before cooking.
• Knife: For slicing onions and jalapeños.
• Measuring spoons: To accurately measure salt and pepper.

Cooking Spicy Jalapeno-Onion Smash Burgers

Step 1: Whip Up The Burger Sauce

Grab a small bowl and mix together all the burger sauce ingredients.

Cover the bowl and pop it in the refrigerator to keep cool until you’re ready to use it.

Step 2: Prepare The Meat Portions

Divide the ground beef into 8 loose balls, each weighing about 3 ounces.

Place these meat portions on a plate and tuck them in the fridge to chill while you get the grill ready.

Step 3: Fire Up The Cooking Surface

Cut a small 3-inch square of parchment paper and set it aside.

Crank up your grill to high heat (between 450F and 500F).

Place a large cast-iron skillet or griddle on the grill to get blazing hot.

If you’re cooking indoors, use a stovetop skillet at high heat.

Step 4: Sizzle The Onions And Jalapeños

Drizzle oil across the skillet.

Create 8 small onion mounds, spacing them at least 2 inches apart.

Top each onion mound with jalapeño slices.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Let them sizzle undisturbed until the onions start to brown, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Step 5: Smash Those Patties

Place a meat ball on top of each onion mound.

Use the parchment paper square to press down firmly with a spatula, creating a 4-inch wide patty.

Remove the paper and sprinkle with additional salt and pepper.

Cook until the edges start to crisp, around 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 6: Create The Ultimate Burger Stack

Flip the patties so the onion-jalapeno mixture faces up.

Add a slice of cheese to 4 of the patties.

Cook until the patties are well-browned and the cheese melts, about 1 to 2 minutes.

Create double stacks by placing plain patties on top of the cheese-covered ones.

Transfer to bottom buns, spread burger sauce on top buns, and complete the burger stack.

Serve immediately and enjoy the flavor explosion!

Pro Tips for Juicy Smash Burgers Every Time

• Keep burger meat cold before shaping to maintain proper texture and help patties hold together during cooking.
• Ensure cast-iron skillet is extremely hot before adding meat to create perfect crispy edges and caramelized onions.
• Use light pressure when smashing burgers to prevent tough meat, allowing for crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Place jalapeños and onions under the meat to infuse burgers with smoky, spicy, and sweet undertones.
• Add cheese during final cooking stage and cover briefly to ensure smooth, even melting without overcooking patties.

Variations for Spicy Smash Burger Fans

• Vegetarian Smash Burger: Replace beef with plant-based patties made from black beans, quinoa, or beyond meat. Keep the spicy onion-jalapeño topping for extra flavor.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap burger buns with lettuce wraps or grilled portobello mushroom caps. Use full-fat cheese and maintain the original spicy toppings.
• Turkey Lean Protein Burger: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter protein option. Maintain the same seasoning and smash technique for juicy results.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free burger buns or almond flour-based buns. Ensure all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free and maintain the original spicy onion-jalapeño method.

Serving Jalapeno-Onion Smash Burgers Creatively

• Flavor Explosion Platter: Arrange burgers with extra jalapeño slices, pickled onions, and crispy bacon bits scattered around for a vibrant presentation.
• Sidekick Sensations: Pair with tangy coleslaw, spicy sweet potato fries, or grilled corn on the cob to complement the burger's bold flavors.
• Beverage Buddies: Serve with ice-cold Mexican beer, spicy margarita, or a crisp lager to balance the heat and richness of the smash burgers.
• Condiment Carnival: Offer additional burger sauce, hot sauce, and quick-pickled jalapeños on the side for guests who want extra kick and customization.

Storage Solutions for Smash Burger Leftovers

• Store leftover burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate patties with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Wrap individual burgers in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month to maintain best quality and taste.
• Warm burgers at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of water to keep patties moist and restore original juiciness.
• Quickly warm burgers in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Avoid overcooking to prevent toughening the meat.

FAQs

• Why use loose meat balls instead of traditional patties?

Loose meat balls allow for better crust formation and more surface area when smashed, creating crispy edges and maximizing the delicious caramelized texture.

• Can I make these burgers without a cast-iron skillet?

While cast-iron provides the best heat retention and crust, you can use a heavy-bottomed griddle or skillet that can withstand high heat. The key is having a very hot cooking surface.

• How do I get the perfect smash technique?

Use a firm, even pressure when smashing. Place parchment paper between the spatula and meat to prevent sticking, and press down quickly and decisively to create thin, crispy patties.

Jalapeño Onion Smash Burgers Recipe

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4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Jalapeño onion smash burgers combine spicy peppers with classic beef patties for an explosive culinary experience. Crisp edges, melted cheese, and caramelized onions create a mouthwatering meal that satisfies deep comfort food cravings you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1.5 pounds high-quality 80% lean ground beef

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1.5 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1.25 teaspoons kosher salt

Vegetables and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 large yellow onion, very thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
• 1 large jalapeno chile, very thinly sliced (about 0.5 cup)
• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 4 american cheese slices
• 4 soft hamburger buns, split and toasted

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Instructions

1. Craft the burger sauce by mixing ingredients thoroughly in a small bowl. Refrigerate until needed.
2. Portion ground beef into 8 loose spherical shapes. Chill on a plate while preparing the cooking surface.
3. Heat grill to high temperature (450F to 500F). Position a large cast-iron skillet or griddle on the grill grates.
4. Coat the skillet with oil. Create 8 small onion mounds, spacing them apart. Layer jalapeno slices on top of onions. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Sear for 30-60 seconds until onions start browning.
5. Place a meat portion on each onion mound. Use parchment paper and a sturdy spatula to flatten into 4-inch patties. Remove paper immediately. Season patties with additional salt and pepper.
6. Cook undisturbed until patty edges crisp, approximately 2-3 minutes. Flip so onion-jalapeno mixture faces upward.
7. Add cheese slice to 4 patties. Continue cooking until patties brown and cheese melts, about 1.5-2 minutes.
8. Create double-stacked burgers by combining plain and cheese-covered patties. Transfer to bottom buns.
9. Spread burger sauce on top buns. Crown the burgers and serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Notes

• Choose high-fat ground beef like an 80/20 blend for maximum juiciness and flavor in your smash burgers.
• Pat meat extremely gently when forming balls to keep burger texture loose and tender, preventing dense patties.
• Use a heavy cast-iron skillet or griddle for creating perfect crispy caramelized edges on burger patties.
• Slice jalapeños and onions thinly to ensure they cook evenly and integrate seamlessly with the burger meat.
• For a lower-heat version, remove jalapeño seeds and membranes before slicing to reduce spiciness.
• Avoid pressing burgers multiple times during cooking, which can squeeze out flavorful meat juices.
• Prepare all ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and ensure each burger is served hot and fresh.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 710
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg