Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsStevo'sJalapeno Burger Recipe

Jalapeno Burger Recipe

Inspired by Stevo's
Time35m
Serves2

Make Jalapeno Burger Recipe in just 35m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

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Ingredients

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Burger Patties

Jalapeño Topping & Spread

Method

Burger Patties

  1. 1

    Mix and shape

    Place ground chuck in a bowl. Sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika over the meat. Gently combine with your hands or a fork until just incorporated; avoid overworking. Divide into two equal portions and shape into patties about 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than the buns. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to reduce puffing during cooking.

  2. 2

    Rest

    Set the patties on a plate, cover loosely, and let rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the jalapeño topping and heat your pan or grill. This helps them cook more evenly.

Jalapeño Topping & Spread

  1. 3

    Prepare jalapeños and onion

    Thinly slice 2 fresh jalapeños (remove seeds for milder heat if desired). Finely dice 1/2 yellow onion.

  2. 4

    Sauté

    Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced fresh jalapeños and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the jalapeños are softened and lightly charred in spots, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

  3. 5

    Make jalapeño mayo

    In a small bowl combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, the sautéed jalapeños and onions (reserve a tablespoon of the mixture for topping if you like extra texture), 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional), and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Taste and adjust seasoning or lime/hot sauce to preference. Refrigerate if not using immediately.

Cheese & Assembly

  1. 6

    Preheat cooking surface

    Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat until hot (about 5 minutes). If using a skillet, add a light film of oil or spray to prevent sticking.

  2. 7

    Cook patties

    Place the patties on the hot surface. Cook without moving until a good crust forms, about 3–4 minutes. Flip and cook the second side 2–3 minutes for medium-rare to medium, or longer to desired doneness. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of pepper jack on each patty and cover the pan or close the grill lid to melt the cheese.

  3. 8

    Toast buns

    While the cheese melts, spread the insides of the buns with the remaining butter. Toast them in a separate skillet or on the grill, cut-side down, until golden, about 1–2 minutes.

  4. 9

    Assemble

    Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of the jalapeño mayo onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf and a tomato slice (from the half tomato) on the bottom bun. Add the cheesy patty, spoon reserved sautéed jalapeño/onion on top if you reserved some, and add pickled jalapeños if using. Top with the remaining bun half.

  5. 10

    Serve

    Serve immediately with fries or a simple salad. Provide extra jalapeño mayo on the side if desired.

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