Jalapeño Smash Burger
Creamy Green Herb Sauce
Get the ultimate crust with this spicy jalapeño smash burger. Featuring crispy beef patties, melted cheddar, and a vibrant, tangy green herb sauce.
The smash burger technique is all about maximizing flavor through the Maillard reaction, creating lacy, crispy edges that trap the meats savory juices. By smashing jalapeños and onions directly into the patty, their flavors infuse the beef as it cooks. Finished with a bright, herbaceous green sauce, this burger balances rich, melted cheddar with an acidic, fresh kick.
Ingredients
- 400 g ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- 1/4 white onion, thinly sliced
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 2 slices cheddar cheese
- 2 brioche burger buns
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp fresh herbs (cilantro and parsley), finely chopped
Instructions
- 1Prepare the patty

Begin by placing a raw beef meatball onto a preheated, hot pan. This high heat is essential for developing a deep, flavorful sear on the meat.
Tip: Ensure your pan is sufficiently hot before adding the meat to guarantee a good crust. - 2Flatten the patty

Using a heavy press or spatula, firmly flatten the beef meatball into a thin patty directly in the hot pan. This technique creates a delicious, crispy edge characteristic of a smash burger.
Tip: Press down firmly and hold for a few seconds to maximize contact with the pans surface. - 3Season the beef

Generously season the flattened patty with salt and pepper to taste. Applying seasoning directly to the meat during cooking enhances its natural savory flavor.
Tip: Seasoning while the patty is searing locks in flavor and creates a tasty crust. - 4Add aromatics

Distribute thinly sliced jalapeños and onions over the top of the cooking beef patty. Allowing them to sit on the hot meat will soften the onions and infuse the beef with the peppers heat.
Tip: Thin slices ensure the vegetables soften and cook through perfectly as the burger finishes. - 5Melt the cheese

Place a slice of cheddar cheese directly over the patty, jalapeños, and onions. The residual heat from the patty and pan will melt the cheese into a gooey, savory topping.
Tip: Cover the pan for a moment if you want the cheese to melt extra quickly. - 6Prepare the fresh herbs

Gather fresh herbs and finely chop them on a cutting board to prepare them for the sauce. These herbs will add a vibrant, aromatic freshness to the dressing.
Tip: Ensure your knife is sharp to avoid bruising the delicate herb leaves, which helps maintain their bright color and flavor. - 7Prepare the green sauce

In a small glass bowl, combine mayonnaise, mustard, red wine vinegar, and lime juice. Whisk in the freshly chopped herbs until the sauce is smooth and well-incorporated.
Tip: Whisk the vinegar and lime juice into the mayonnaise first before adding the herbs to ensure an even consistency. - 8Assemble the burger

To assemble, take a toasted bottom bun and spread a generous layer of the prepared green herb sauce over it. Carefully place the hot, cheesy beef patty directly onto the sauced bun.
Tip: Toasting the bun helps create a barrier that prevents the sauce from making the bread soggy.