Description
This spicy jalapeño pepper jack burger recipe delivers a flavorful and zesty twist on the classic burger. Featuring juicy beef patties topped with melted pepper jack cheese, sautéed jalapeños, and a smoky chipotle mayo, this burger is perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat with their meal. Served on toasted brioche buns with fresh arugula, tomato, and red onion, it’s a satisfying and vibrant dish ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Burger Patties
- 680 g ground beef (80/20 blend)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 2 fresh jalapeños, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp butter (for sautéing jalapeños)
Chipotle Mayonnaise
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp adobo sauce (from chipotle peppers in adobo)
- 1 chipotle pepper, finely minced
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Pinch of salt
Burger Assembly
- 4 brioche or sesame burger buns, toasted
- 1 tbsp butter (for toasting buns)
- 1 cup arugula or shredded lettuce
- 1 tomato, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Prepare Chipotle Mayonnaise: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, adobo sauce, finely minced chipotle pepper, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Cover and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Sauté Jalapeños: Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the thinly sliced jalapeños and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until they soften slightly but still retain some crunch. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Form Patties: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty of even thickness, then season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cook Patties: Preheat a grill or another skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the beef patties for 3 to 4 minutes on each side or until reaching your desired level of doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each patty and cover the pan or grill to allow the cheese to melt nicely.
- Toast Buns: Spread butter on the cut sides of each brioche or sesame burger bun. Toast them in a pan or on the grill over medium heat until golden brown and slightly crisp. Remove and keep warm.
- Assemble Burgers: Spread the prepared chipotle mayonnaise evenly over both halves of each toasted bun. On the bottom bun, layer arugula or shredded lettuce, followed by the tomato slices, then the cheese-topped burger patty. Add the sautéed jalapeños and thinly sliced red onions on top. Finish by placing the top bun and serve the burgers hot for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños and chipotle pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- For a milder version, use fewer jalapeños and omit the chipotle pepper from the mayo.
- Let the beef patties rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices and enhance flavor.
- Substitute arugula with lettuce of choice, such as romaine or butter leaf, for different textures and tastes.
- Using good-quality brioche buns adds a touch of sweetness that complements the spicy ingredients.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
