Ingredients :
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
Smash Burgers :
1 1/2 pounds high-quality 80% lean ground beef
1 teaspoon canola oil
1 large yellow onion, very thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
1 large jalapeño chile, 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
Directions :
Make the burger sauce
Stir together all burger sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Cover, and chill until ready to use.
Make the smash burgers
Divide beef into 8 (3-ounce) portions, and shape each portion into a loose ball; place on a plate. Cover, and chill while preparing grill. Cut a 3-inch square of parchment paper; set aside. Preheat grill to high (450°F to 500°F); place a large cast-iron skillet or griddle on grill to preheat. (Alternatively, heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle on the stove over high.)
Drizzle skillet evenly with oil. Working in batches if needed, arrange onion slices in 8 small mounds (about 1/4 cup each) on skillet, spacing at least 2 inches apart. Top onion mounds with jalapeño slices (about 1 tablespoon each), and sprinkle evenly with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook, undisturbed, until onions are beginning to brown, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Place 1 meat ball on each onion mound.
Top with parchment paper square, and press firmly to flatten, using a sturdy spatula or burger press, to form a 4-inch-wide patty; remove parchment paper. Repeat process with remaining meat balls and onion mounds. Sprinkle smashed patties evenly with remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and remaining 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Cook, undisturbed, until patties begin to crisp around the edges, 2 to 3 minutes.
Flip patties so that onion-jalapeño mixture is on top. Place 1 cheese slice on each of 4 patties. Continue to cook until patties are well browned and cheese is melted, 1 minute and 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Top each cheese-covered patty with a plain patty to create 4 double stacks. Transfer each stack to a bottom bun. Spread about 1 tablespoon burger sauce on each top bun; place on top of patties. Serve immediately
20 Tips for Making Perfect Jalapeños 🌶️
- Select Fresh Jalapeños: Choose firm, bright green jalapeños with smooth skin. Avoid any with wrinkles or soft spots.
- Wear Gloves: When handling jalapeños, wear gloves to prevent irritation from the capsaicin, the compound that gives them their heat.
- Adjust the Heat: Remove the seeds and membranes if you prefer a milder flavor, as these parts contain most of the heat.
- Roast for Extra Flavor: Roast jalapeños on an open flame or under a broiler until the skin is charred. This enhances their flavor and makes them easier to peel.
- Pickle for Preservation: Pickling jalapeños not only preserves them but also mellows their heat while adding tangy flavor.
- Stuff Them: Create jalapeño poppers by stuffing them with cheese, meat, or other fillings before baking or frying.
- Grill Them: Grilling jalapeños brings out their natural sweetness and adds a smoky flavor.
- Use in Salsas: Finely chop fresh jalapeños to add heat and freshness to salsas and other dishes.
- Balance with Dairy: Pair jalapeños with creamy ingredients like cheese or sour cream to balance their heat.
- Add to Marinades: Use jalapeños in marinades to infuse meats with a spicy kick.
- Incorporate into Soups and Stews: Add diced jalapeños to soups and stews for an extra layer of flavor and heat.
- Make Jalapeño Jam: Combine jalapeños with sugar and vinegar to make a sweet and spicy jam that’s perfect with cheese or meats.
- Freeze for Later: Freeze jalapeños whole or sliced to preserve them for future use.
- Dry Them: Dry jalapeños to make chipotle peppers or grind them into a powder for seasoning.
- Blend into Sauces: Use jalapeños as a base for homemade hot sauces or other spicy condiments.
- Include in Omelets: Add sliced or diced jalapeños to omelets for a spicy breakfast treat.
- Tame the Heat with Acidity: Add a splash of lime juice or vinegar to dishes with jalapeños to help mellow their heat.
- Infuse into Oils: Make jalapeño-infused oil by heating sliced jalapeños in oil, then straining them out.
- Pair with Fruits: Combine jalapeños with fruits like mango or pineapple for a sweet and spicy flavor combo.
- Experiment with Different Colors: Try using red, yellow, or purple jalapeños for a slightly different flavor and visual appeal.
With these tips, you can make the most of jalapeños in your cooking, adding a delicious and spicy touch to your dishes! 🌶️