Vig Burger Recipe

Combine white vinegar, water, sugar and salt in a small heatproof bowl or jar and stir until sugar and salt dissolve.

Add sliced jalapeños, press them down so they are submerged, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 20 minutes. These can be made several hours ahead and keep for up to 2 weeks refrigerated.

In a small bowl mix mayonnaise, finely chopped chipotle in adobo, lime juice, minced garlic and smoked paprika until smooth.

Season to taste with 1/16 tsp salt (about a pinch). Adjust chipotle for heat. Cover and refrigerate until assembly.

Form

Divide beef (or use a preformed veggie patty). Form into a 4–4.5 oz (about 0.25 lb) patty about 3/4 inch thick. Make a shallow dimple in the center with your thumb to prevent doming while cooking. Season both sides with 1/8 tsp salt and a light grind of black pepper.

Cook

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add 1 tsp vegetable oil. When shimmering, add the patty and cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a brown crust forms. Flip and immediately place a slice of Oaxaca cheese on top. Cook another 3–4 minutes for medium (cook longer for well done or less for medium-rare if using beef). For veggie patties, follow package or cook until heated through and cheese is melted.

Remove patty to a plate and tent with foil to rest for 2–3 minutes while you toast the bun and finish assembly.

Butter the cut faces of the pub bun with 1/2 tsp butter. Toast face-down in the same skillet over medium heat until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Wipe skillet if there are large burnt bits before toasting.

Spread about 1 tablespoon of chipotle aioli on the bottom bun.

Place lettuce and tomato (if using) on the aioli, then set the rested cheeseburger patty on top.

Spoon 3 tablespoons guacamole over the cheese and patty, then arrange 6 pickled jalapeño slices (or to taste) on top of the guac.

Scatter 2 tablespoons of crispy fried onions over the jalapeños for crunch.

Finish with a small swipe of chipotle aioli on the top bun, close the burger and serve immediately.