Ultimate Brisket Smash Burger with Fried Jalapeños

Ultimate Brisket Smash Burger with Fried Jalapeños

Bring Ultimate Brisket Smash Burger with Fried Jalapeños to your table with an easy method and crowd-pleasing taste. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and casual gatherings alike.

Ultimate Brisket Smash Burger with Fried Jalapeños captures the essence of meals|beef & lamb while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Ultimate Brisket Smash Burger with Fried Jalapeños becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.

INGREDIENTS

For the Burger:
1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend for juicy burgers)
8 slices cheddar or American cheese
8 slices smoked brisket (store-bought or homemade)
4 brioche or sesame seed buns
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup BBQ sauce
1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for extra kick)
Pickles (for garnish)
For the Fried Jalapeños:
2 large jalapeños, thinly sliced
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil (for frying)

PREPARATION STEPS

Prepare the Fried Jalapeños:
Soak the sliced jalapeños in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes.
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Dredge the soaked jalapeño slices in the flour mixture, coating well.
Fry the jalapeños in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels and set aside.
Cook the Brisket:
If you’re using pre-cooked smoked brisket, warm the slices in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Set aside.
Form and Cook the Smash Patties:
Divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.
Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over high heat until it’s very hot.
Place a beef ball onto the skillet, then immediately smash it down with a spatula (use a second spatula or a heavy object to press down if necessary) until it’s thin and flat. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook for about 2 minutes until the edges are crispy, then flip.
Place a slice of cheese on each patty immediately after flipping, allowing it to melt as the patty finishes cooking, about 1-2 minutes.
Prepare the Buns:
Spread butter on the inside of each bun and toast them in a skillet or on the griddle until golden brown.
Assemble the Burger:
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, and hot sauce (if using).
Spread the sauce generously on the bottom bun.
Place one cheesy patty on the bottom bun, followed by a slice of smoked brisket.
Add another cheesy patty and another slice of brisket on top.
Pile on a few crispy fried jalapeños.
Top with the other half of the bun, and garnish with a pickle on top, secured with a skewer.
Serve:
Serve your ultimate brisket smash burger hot with a side of fries, onion rings, or your favorite burger side. Enjoy this bold, flavorful, and indulgent creation!

ORIGIN

Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.

META INFOS

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 65 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~450 kcal | Difficulty: Medium

BENEFITS

Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.

OCCASIONS

Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep

VARIATIONS

Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.

PAIRINGS

Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread

STORAGE

Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.

TIPS

Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.

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