Jalapeno Burgers with Onion Straws

I had planned on sharing these burgers with you yesterday, but a rousing game of "Hearts" with the family got in the way! I know I keep saying it, but we are running out of these carefree summer evenings. Sigh. Don't worry about me though...I love fall, football and tailgating so I will perk up soon. We grill a lot of burgers in the summer and I felt like we needed to change it up a bit. I get tired a plain old burgers. Of course with our  love of spicy foods, these ingredients were a natural fit. My two younger girls did opt for plain burgers however. These are a little bit of work, but a lot can be done ahead of time and they come together pretty fast. Next time I'm making them with chipotle chiles and blue cheese!

Jalapeno Burgers with Onion Straws

For the Burgers:
2  pounds ground beef (Ground Round)
1  red onion, diced (1  1/4 cups)
2-3  jalapenos, seeded and diced and the membranes removed
3  tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
4  cloves garlic, minced (2 teaspoons)
2  eggs, lightly beaten
1  teaspoon kosher salt
1/2  teaspoon ground black pepper

For the Onion Straws:
1  large onion
2  cups buttermilk
2  cups all-purpose flour
1  teaspoon season salt
1/2  teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying (We prefer peanut oil)

For the BBQ Sauce
1 cup ketchup
1 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Other Ingredients
Hamburger buns, lightly buttered
Cheese slices
Pickles
Cooked bacon slices
Mayo or Ranch dressing
Mustard
Anything else you like on your burger!


To Make the Burgers:
In a medium bowl combine the ground beef, onion, jalapenos, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, eggs, kosher salt and pepper. Use a fork to mix the ingredients. Divide the dough into 6 equal portions and shape into burgers. Place on a parchment lined baking sheet and place in the fridge for a couple of hours. I like to do this because I think they hold together better. 

To Make the Onion Straws:
Peel and slice the onion as thin as possible and place in a small dish. Pour the buttermilk over the onions and cover. Place in the fridge and let soak for an hour or two. In a medium bowl combine the flour, season salt and pepper. Combine well with a whisk. Using a pair of tongs remove some of the onions from the buttermilk mixture and dip in the flour. Lightly shake off the excess and fry in 375 degree oil for a minute or so until golden brown. Make sure to give them a stir so they don't stick together. Remove and drain on a paper towel lined plate. Repeat with the remaining onions. 

To Make the BBQ Sauce:
Combine all the ingredients in a medium saucepan.  Bring the mixture to boiling, reduce the heat and let simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes.  Makes about 1 1/2 cups sauce.

When your burgers are about done cooking add the cheese and toast the buns on the grill until lightly browned. Assemble your burger with your favorite fixins!

Cooks Notes: If you have never used a fork to combine your hamburgers start now. I learned this trick from a dear family friend and it keeps your burgers from being so dense. 

Also, I made mine into only 5 patties. My husband wanted 1/2 pounders! I had to talk him down from the ledge a little, so our burgers that are pictured were slightly larger than a 1/3 pound. 

Enjoy!

Kim

Onion Straw recipe adapted from The Pioneer Woman. 

Linked to these great parties:
Our very own Weekend Potluck
Six Sisters' Stuff Strut Your Stuff Saturday Link Party
Everyday Mom's Meals Church Supper
Real Housemoms Fabulous Fridays Link Party