Jalapeño-Onion Smash Burgers (Print Version)

Thin, crispy beef patties topped with caramelized onions, jalapeños, melted cheese and tangy homemade sauce.

# Ingredients:

→ Burger Sauce

01 - 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
02 - 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
03 - 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
04 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
06 - 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

→ Smash Burgers

07 - 680g high-quality 80% lean ground beef
08 - 1 teaspoon canola oil
09 - 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
10 - 1 large jalapeño chile, thinly sliced (about 1/2 cup)
11 - 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
12 - 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
13 - 4 slices American cheese
14 - 4 hamburger buns, split and toasted

# Steps:

01 - In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, black pepper, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Mix thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate until needed.
02 - Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat and add the canola oil. Add sliced onions and jalapeños, seasoning with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Cook until onions are caramelized and jalapeños softened, approximately 10-15 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and reserve.
03 - Divide ground beef into 8 equal portions (approximately 85g each). Gently form each portion into a loose ball without overworking the meat. Place balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate until ready to cook.
04 - Wipe the skillet clean and heat over high heat until slightly smoking. Place beef balls into the hot skillet without overcrowding. Using a sturdy spatula or burger press, firmly flatten each ball into a thin patty. Season with remaining kosher salt and black pepper. Cook until edges are crispy and center is cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side. During the final minute, top each patty with American cheese to melt.
05 - Spread a generous amount of burger sauce on both cut sides of the toasted hamburger buns. Place a cheese-topped patty on each bottom bun. Top with a spoonful of caramelized onion and jalapeño mixture. Cover with top bun and serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - For best results, use a cast-iron skillet to achieve the signature crust on the smash burgers.
02 - The key to a proper smash burger is pressing firmly with a metal spatula within the first 30 seconds of cooking.