Jalapeño Onion Smash Burgers (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Burger Sauce
01 -
45 ml mayonnaise
02 -
22 ml ketchup
03 -
5 ml Worcestershire sauce
04 -
2 g freshly ground black pepper
05 -
1 g garlic powder
06 -
1 g kosher salt
→ Burgers
07 -
680 g 80% lean ground beef
08 -
5 ml canola oil
09 -
1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (approximately 240 g)
10 -
1 large jalapeño, thinly sliced (approximately 60 g)
11 -
7 g kosher salt, divided
12 -
3 g freshly ground black pepper, divided
13 -
4 slices American cheese
14 -
4 hamburger buns, split and toasted
# Instructions:
01 -
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Mix until homogenous, cover, and refrigerate for later use.
02 -
Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add canola oil. Add sliced onions and jalapeños. Season with 1 g kosher salt and 1 g black pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply caramelized and jalapeños are softened, about 10–15 minutes. Transfer mixture to a bowl and reserve.
03 -
Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions, approximately 85 g each. Gently shape each into a loose ball, being careful not to compress the meat. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until needed.
04 -
Wipe skillet clean and preheat over high heat until lightly smoking. Working in batches, place several beef balls into skillet without crowding. Using a stiff spatula or burger press, firmly smash each ball into a thin patty. Season patties with a pinch of the remaining kosher salt and black pepper. Cook until edges are crisp and center is cooked, about 2–3 minutes per side. During the final minute, add a slice of American cheese to each patty and allow to melt.
05 -
Generously spread the reserved burger sauce onto the cut surfaces of the toasted buns. Place a cheese-topped patty onto each lower bun half. Top with a generous spoonful of the caramelized onion and jalapeño mixture. Add additional preferred garnishes if desired. Crown with upper bun and serve immediately.
# Notes:
01 -
Handle the beef gently to retain juiciness; overworking the meat can make patties dense.
02 -
Use a hot, heavy skillet for optimal crust formation during searing.