Smoking Jalapeno Burger

Pairs well with:

Zinfandel

Bright and full-bodied, this Zinfandel wine is a curious contradiction in tastes.

Ingredients

Patties
2 lbs ground beef – 20% fat
½ cup favorite bbq sauce (recommended – KC masterpiece)
1 tbs worchestershire sauce
2 tbs Montréal steak seasoning
1 tbs chili powder
2 tbs smoky paprika
1 jalapeno pepper – seeded and finely chopped

Bacon and spicy onion relish
8 slices bacon
2 onions, sliced
1 tsp cumin
1 tbs chili powder
2 tbs chipotle Tabasco
4 tbs favorite bbq sauce (recommended – KC masterpiece)
¼ c white wine vinegar
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper

Roasted Jalapeno mayonnaise
2 fresh jalapeño
1 cup mayonnaise
1 tbs fresh lime juice
1 tbs lime zest
1 tsp mustard
1 tbs green Tabasco sauce

Vegetable oil for brushing grill rack
6 slices smoked cheddar cheese slices
6 large sesame hamburger buns
3 cups shredded romaine lettuce
6 slices beefsteak tomato

 

Instructions

Directions
Preheat gas grill to medium high, or prepare a medium high heat in a charcoal grill with cover

Roasted jalapeno mayonnaise
To make roasted jalapeno mayonnaise, Place whole jalapeno on grill. Grill until charred on all sides. Remove from heat and place in plastic bag to steam. Once steamed – about 15 minutes, remove charred skin, cut open and remove seeds. Chop finely. Add jalapeno and rest of ingredients in bowl. Cover and set aside until ready to use, keeping chilled.

Bacon and spicy caramelized onion relish
To make bacon and spicy caramelized onion relish, in skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove to paper towl lined plate. Remove all but 2 tbs bacon fat, add onions. Season with salt and pepper, and cook until they begin to turn brown, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. When onions are brown, add remaining ingredients, including bacon. Remove from heat and set aside in bowl until ready for use.

Patties
Combine all ingredients in bowl. Mix with hands until combined. Form into 6 patties.

When grill is hot, brush grill rack with oil. Place patties on grill rack, season with salt and pepper and close lid. Cook, covered for 4 minutes. Open lid, and flip burgers, cooking 4 more minutes for medium. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, top each patty with cheese. Place buns on grill rack and lightly toast.

Assembly
Put burger patties on bottom layer of buns. Top each patty with one slice of tomato. Top with bacon and spicy caramelized onion relish, then shredded lettuce. On bun top, spread generously with jalapeno mayonnaise.