Spicy Jalapeño Pepper Jack Burgers (Print version)
Juicy grilled beef burgers with fresh jalapeño, smoky seasoning, melted pepper jack, pickled jalapeños, and a quick creamy sauce.
# Ingredients:
For the spicy sauce
01 -
1/3 cup (80 g) mayonnaise
02 -
2 tablespoons (30 g) sour cream
03 -
1 tablespoon hot sauce
04 -
1 teaspoon lime juice
05 -
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
06 -
Pinch of kosher salt
For the burgers
07 -
1 1/2 lb (680 g) 80/20 ground beef
08 -
1 medium jalapeño, finely chopped, seeded if desired
09 -
1 teaspoon chili powder
10 -
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
11 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
12 -
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
13 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt
14 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
15 -
4 slices pepper jack cheese
16 -
4 potato hamburger buns
17 -
1 tablespoon neutral oil, for grill grates or pan
For serving
18 -
1/2 cup pickled jalapeño slices, drained
19 -
4 lettuce leaves
20 -
1 large tomato, sliced
21 -
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
# Instructions:
01 -
Stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, and salt. Refrigerate while you prepare the burgers.
02 -
Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to medium-high heat, about 400°F. Oil the grates or pan lightly.
03 -
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, chopped jalapeño, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne if using, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently just until combined.
04 -
Divide the beef into 4 patties. Shape each one slightly wider than the buns and press a shallow indentation into the center.
05 -
Grill the patties for about 4 minutes on the first side. Flip once and cook 3-4 minutes more, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
06 -
Top each patty with pepper jack during the final minute of cooking. Close the grill lid or cover the pan until the cheese melts.
07 -
Toast the buns cut side down for 30-60 seconds. Spread sauce on the buns, then stack lettuce, tomato, a cheeseburger patty, pickled jalapeños, red onion, and more sauce.
# Good to know:
01 -
Serve immediately while the cheese is melted and the buns are warm.
02 -
Shape patties up to 24 hours ahead and keep covered in the refrigerator.
03 -
Cook ground beef burgers to 160°F for food safety.