Here’s how to make delicious and flavorful spicy beef burgers:
Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: Choose a good quality ground beef, ideally an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for juicy burgers. (1 pound / 450 grams)
- Spices: This is where the magic happens! Here are some options to create your spice blend:
- Chili Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon
- Cayenne Pepper: a pinch (adjust to your spice preference)
- Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon
- Salt and Black Pepper: to taste
- Other Ingredients:
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Hamburger Buns: 4 buns
- Toppings of your choice: Lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, pickles, jalapenos (fresh or pickled), your favorite burger sauce
Instructions:
- Make the Spice Blend: In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (start with a pinch and adjust to your spice tolerance), cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Season the Beef: In a large bowl, gently mix the ground beef with the olive oil and Worcestershire sauce. Do not overmix. Gently fold in the prepared spice blend until just evenly distributed. Overmixing can make the burgers tough.
- Form the Patties: Divide the seasoned beef mixture into four equal portions. Gently form each portion into a patty that’s slightly larger in diameter than your hamburger bun, accounting for shrinkage during cooking. Make a dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help prevent them from puffing up in the middle while cooking.
- Heat Up the Grill or Pan: Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Burgers: Place the burgers on the preheated grill or pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare burgers, or adjust the cooking time according to your desired doneness (use a meat thermometer for accurate internal temperature).
- Toast the Buns (Optional): While the burgers are cooking, you can toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a pan with some butter for a bit of extra flavor.
- Assemble and Enjoy!: Once the burgers are cooked through, place them on the toasted buns and add your favorite toppings. Here are some ideas to complement the spicy kick: cool and refreshing toppings like lettuce, tomato, and creamy avocado; tangy options like pickles and pickled onions; or even a spicy mayo or sriracha sauce. Dig in and enjoy your delicious homemade spicy beef burgers!
Tips:
- For extra juicy burgers, grate a small onion or some fresh jalapeno into the beef mixture.
- If the mixture seems too loose, you can add a tablespoon of breadcrumbs to help bind the ingredients.
- Let the cooked burgers rest for a few minutes before assembling them on the buns. This allows the juices to redistribute for a more flavorful burger.
- Get creative with your toppings! There are endless possibilities to customize your perfect spicy beef burger.