Mexican Salsa
Smoked Chili Double Smash Burger

By CookFrames
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A bold fusion of Mexican flavors and smash burger perfection, featuring Wagyu beef, sharp cheddar, zesty apple cider salsa, and crispy tortilla chips.

↓ The ingredients ↓ The steps

This burger is a study in textures and deep, smoky flavors. By pairing a rich, house-made chili-infused mayonnaise with the bright acidity of an apple cider vinegar-based salsa, this dish elevates the classic smash burger into a gourmet experience. It is a vibrant, satisfying meal that balances the decadence of wagyu beef with the heat of traditional Mexican chilies.

A double cheeseburger assembly featuring melted cheddar, zesty salsa, and a crown of crunchy tortilla chips.
A double cheeseburger assembly featuring melted cheddar, zesty salsa, and a crown of crunchy tortilla chips.
Prep40 mins
Cook20 mins
Total1 hr
Yield2 burgers
DifficultyMedium
Calories850 kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. 1Mince the dried chilies
    A chef wearing black gloves chopping dried black chilies on a white cutting board.

    Using a sharp knife, finely mince the dried Ancho and smoked chilies on a cutting board. Break them down into small, uniform pieces so they blend easily and release maximum flavor into the sauce later.

    Tip: Ensure your knife is very sharp, as dried chilies can have tough, leathery skins that are difficult to cut cleanly.
  2. 2Combine ingredients in a blender
    Chef pouring a clear liquid into a tall blender jug containing garlic and chilies.

    Transfer the minced smoked chilies and fresh garlic cloves into a tall blender jug. Pour in the necessary liquid to help the blades catch the dry ingredients and process them into a completely smooth paste.

    Tip: Add the liquid gradually; you can always add more to adjust the consistency, but adding too much will make the puree too watery.
  3. 3Prepare the smoked chili base
    Emulsifying egg yolk, parmesan, and chili base with oil in a stainless steel bowl.

    In a metal mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, parmesan cheese, and your prepared smoked chili mixture. Slowly drizzle in oil while whisking constantly to emulsify the ingredients into a rich, flavorful mayonnaise.

    Tip: Add the oil in a thin, steady stream to ensure the emulsion holds without breaking.
  4. 4Emulsify the mayonnaise
    Whisking an egg mixture in a metal bowl while drizzling in clear oil from a squeeze bottle.

    Vigorously whisk the egg yolk base while slowly drizzling in the oil from a squeeze bottle. Continue whisking continuously to force the oil and liquid to emulsify into a thick, creamy mayonnaise base.

    Tip: Pour the oil in a very thin, slow stream. If you add it too quickly, the emulsion will break and the sauce will separate.
  5. 5Incorporate the chili puree
    Pouring red blended chili puree into a yellow mayonnaise base in a metal bowl.

    Pour the blended Ancho and smoked chili puree from the jug directly into your prepared mayonnaise emulsion. Whisk thoroughly until the chili is fully incorporated and the sauce takes on a rich, vibrant color.

    Tip: Use a spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender jug to ensure you get every bit of the flavorful chili mixture.
  6. 6Prepare the apple cider salsa
    Freshly prepared salsa with diced tomatoes, onions, and cilantro being mixed in a metal bowl.

    In a clean bowl, combine the finely diced tomatoes, onions, and fresh cilantro. Add a splash of apple cider vinegar and season to taste, tossing everything together until well combined for a bright, acidic salsa.

    Tip: Let the salsa sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
  7. 7Toast the buns
    Buttered burger bun halves toasting to a golden brown on a flat-top grill.

    Place your buttered bun halves cut-side down onto a hot griddle. Toast them until they are golden brown and slightly crispy, providing a sturdy base for the burger ingredients.

    Tip: Keep a close eye on the buns as they can burn quickly on a high-heat griddle.
  8. 8Smash and sear the patties
    Ground beef patties being smashed thin on a hot griddle with a metal press.

    Place the seasoned wagyu ground beef balls onto the hot griddle and use a heavy metal press to smash them into thin patties. Cook until a deep, caramelized crust forms on the bottom before flipping.

    Tip: Use a heavy press to ensure maximum surface contact for that signature smash-burger crust.

Storage & Assembly

Refrigerator
2 days
Store salsa and mayonnaise in separate airtight containers. Do not assemble until ready to serve.
Reheating
5 min
Reheat cooked patties on a skillet over medium heat. Toast fresh buns before assembly.

Burn It Off

Running
~80 minutes at a vigorous pace (~11 km/h).
Hyrox
~90 minutes of high-intensity functional training.
Pickleball
~2 hours of active competitive play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, using high-quality store-bought mayonnaise as a base will save time, though the texture and richness will differ slightly from the fresh egg emulsion.
A heavy metal press ensures consistent, thin patties that maximize contact with the hot griddle, which is the secret to getting a deep, caramelized crust on a smash burger.
Always assemble the burger components in order and place the chips on top of the salsa just seconds before serving so they retain their crunch.
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