RestaurantsChomp Kitchen and DrinksLucha Libre Smash Recipe

Lucha Libre Smash Recipe

Time1h
Serves4

pepperjack smash patty, chile pineapple aioli, carnitas, mexican street corn, crispy onions

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Ingredients

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Burger Patties & Seasoning

Method

Carnitas

1

Quick pan-carnitas

Pat pork cubes dry and season with 1 tsp salt, cumin and oregano. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high. Brown pork on all sides (about 6–8 minutes). Add orange juice, lime juice and minced garlic, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover and cook gently 20–25 minutes until tender and liquid mostly reduced. Increase heat to medium-high, remove lid and let pork sear for 4–6 minutes to get crispy edges. Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces and keep warm.

Chile Pineapple Aioli

2

In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp pineapple jam (or well-drained crushed pineapple), 1 tsp minced chipotle in adobo (use less if you want milder heat), 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp honey and 1/4 tsp salt. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness. Chill until assembly.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote) Salad

3

If using frozen corn, heat a dry skillet over high heat and char corn 4–6 minutes until spots are browned (or roast under broiler). In a bowl mix charred corn with 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp sour cream or crema, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1/2 tsp chili powder, 2 tbsp crumbled cotija and 1 tbsp chopped cilantro. Season with 1/4 tsp salt. Keep at room temperature for assembly.

Crispy Onions

4

Toss 1 cup thinly sliced onion with 1/4 cup flour, 1 tsp cornstarch and 1/4 tsp salt until well coated. Heat 1/2 cup vegetable oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 350°F/175°C). Fry onions in batches, stirring, until golden brown and crisp (2–3 minutes). Transfer to paper towel-lined plate and season lightly with salt.

Burger Patties & Assembly

5

Smash technique

Divide 1 lb ground chuck into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Form loose balls—do not overwork. Heat a heavy griddle or cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking slightly, add 2 tbsp neutral oil and place two balls on the surface (work in batches). Using a sturdy spatula or a burger press, smash each ball firmly and quickly to a thin patty (~1/4-inch). Season immediately with a light pinch of salt and black pepper.

6

Cook the smashed patties without moving for 2–3 minutes until edges are brown and crisp and juices bubble on top. Flip, immediately top each patty with a quarter of the pepperjack (about 1 oz per patty) and cook another 45–60 seconds until cheese melts and patty is cooked through. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

7

While patties cook, butter and toast buns in a separate pan or on the griddle until golden, about 30–45 seconds per side.

8

To assemble each burger: spread about 1.5 tbsp chile pineapple aioli on the bottom bun. Add 2 tbsp warm carnitas. Place one pepperjack smash patty on top of the carnitas. Spoon about 2–3 tbsp Mexican street corn salad over the patty. Scatter a handful (about 2 tbsp) of crispy onions. Add pickled jalapeños if using. Cap with top bun and press gently.

9

Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Repeat to make remaining burgers.

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