Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spicy Latin Burger?
A Spicy Latin Burger is a flavorful twist on the classic hamburger featuring a meat blend of ground sirloin, chuck, and chorizo, topped with Oaxaca cheese and a sweet onion and jalapeño relish.
What meats are used in the burger patties?
The patties consist of a blend of ground sirloin, ground chuck, and raw crumbled chorizo sausage.
What is the purpose of adding chorizo to the burger?
Chorizo adds a zesty, spicy, and smoky flavor profile that distinguishes these burgers from traditional beef patties.
What seasoning is used for the meat mixture?
The meat is seasoned with adobo seasoning and grated onion for deep flavor.
Why are breadcrumbs included in the recipe?
Dry breadcrumbs are mixed into the meat to help bind the ingredients together and maintain the patty structure.
How many burger patties does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to make 6 burger patties.
Why should I refrigerate the patties before grilling?
Refrigerating the patties for at least 30 minutes helps them hold their shape better while cooking on the grill.
What ingredients are in the sweet onion and jalapeño relish?
The relish is made from yellow onions, olive oil, kosher salt, fresh ground pepper, bottled jalapeño chiles, and dark brown sugar.
How do you cook the relish?
Sauté finely sliced onions and jalapeños in olive oil with brown sugar over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes until caramelized and tender.
What makes the relish sweet?
The sweetness comes from the combination of caramelized yellow onions and 1/2 cup of dark brown sugar.
How is the roasted red pepper mayonnaise made?
It is made by blending jarred roasted red peppers with mayonnaise, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Can I make the red pepper mayo in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the mayonnaise mix up to 2 days in advance to allow the flavors to enhance.
What type of cheese is best for this Latin burger?
Oaxaca cheese is recommended for its excellent melting properties and mild flavor, though mozzarella is a suitable substitute.
What is the total cooking time for the patties on the grill?
The patties should be grilled for approximately 10 minutes on each side.
What level of doneness is recommended for these burgers?
Because the mixture contains raw chorizo, it is recommended to cook the burgers to at least a medium-well doneness for safety.
How do I get the cheese to melt perfectly?
Place a slice of cheese on each burger during the final 5 minutes of grilling and close the grill lid to help it melt evenly.
How do you assemble the Spicy Latin Burger?
Spread the red pepper mayo on both sides of the bun, place the patty on the bottom, and top generously with the onion and jalapeño relish.
What are the nutritional facts for one burger?
Each burger contains approximately 408 calories, 26g of fat, 22g of carbohydrates, and 22g of protein.
Are these burgers very spicy?
They have a moderate kick from the chorizo and the jalapeño chiles, balanced by the sweetness of the caramelized onions.
What kind of buns should I use?
Standard hamburger buns work well, though you can use brioche or artisanal rolls for an elevated experience.
Is it okay to use fresh jalapeños instead of bottled?
Yes, though bottled jalapeños are often pickled, which adds a specific tanginess that complements the sweet onions.
Can I cook these burgers indoors?
Yes, you can use an indoor grill pan over medium-high heat if an outdoor grill is not available.
What preparation is needed for the onions in the meat?
One large onion should be grated before being mixed into the beef and chorizo mixture.
What kind of adobo seasoning should I use?
Any standard dry adobo seasoning blend (usually containing garlic, oregano, and black pepper) will work.
How much mayonnaise is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of mayonnaise to be blended with the roasted peppers.
Should I drain the roasted red peppers?
Yes, be sure to drain the jarred roasted red peppers before placing them in the blender to avoid a watery sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, the patties can be shaped ahead of time and the mayo and relish can be prepared in advance.
Can I use different meat ratios?
While the 3/4 lb sirloin, 3/4 lb chuck, and 1/2 lb chorizo ratio is recommended for flavor and fat content, you can adjust to your preference.
What is the best way to mix the burger meat?
Mix by hand until just combined; overworking the meat can result in a tough, dense burger.
How much relish should I put on each burger?
The recipe suggests topping each burger generously with the relish after applying the red pepper mayonnaise.