The Ultimate Chorizo Beef Burgers with Crispy Onion Straws

Prepare your taste buds for an unforgettable culinary adventure! These chorizo beef burgers are not just a meal; they’re an experience. Combining the rich, savory depth of ground beef with the bold, spicy kick of chorizo, each bite promises a symphony of flavors. Topped with a creamy BBQ fry sauce, zesty pickled jalapeños, and a generous heap of homemade crispy onion straws, this “big-mouth” burger is designed to delight every sense. Forget your standard grilled patties; it’s time to elevate your burger game to legendary status!

Why These Chorizo Burgers Are a Game Changer

Burgers are a beloved classic, especially during summer grilling season. We often stick to the familiar: a perfectly grilled patty, melted cheese, and the usual suspects like lettuce, onion, and tomato. While there’s nothing wrong with a classic, sometimes you crave something more—something with a bit of a twist, a punch of flavor that breaks the mold.

As seasons change, so too should our culinary inclinations. With the arrival of fall, it’s the perfect opportunity to venture beyond the typical and infuse our dishes with exciting new profiles. This is where the chorizo burger truly shines. It’s an invitation to get creative in the kitchen, offering a vibrant alternative to your everyday burger.

The Magic of the Chorizo and Beef Blend

Lately, chorizo has captivated my culinary imagination. Its unique blend of smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet notes, along with its wonderful fat content, makes it an incredibly versatile ingredient. For these burgers, I knew I wanted to harness that robust flavor and combine it with the familiar richness of ground beef. The solution? A perfect 50/50 blend!

This equal ratio of ground beef and flavor-packed chorizo creates a patty that is incredibly juicy and tender, boasting a complex flavor profile that’s both deeply savory and subtly spicy. The beef provides a comforting base, while the chorizo introduces an exciting new dimension, transforming a simple burger into an extraordinary one. To further enhance the patty, a secret weapon is added: finely diced yellow onion and a generous portion of chopped American cheese. These additions melt seamlessly into the burger as it cooks, contributing moisture, flavor, and an irresistible gooey texture, making each patty a delightful surprise.

Crafting the Perfect Toppings for an Unforgettable Burger

A truly great burger isn’t just about the patty; it’s about the entire ensemble. While the chorizo beef patty is undoubtedly the star, the supporting cast of toppings is what transforms it into a show-stopping meal. We’re talking about layers of texture, temperature, and taste that create an explosion of flavor with every bite. I decided to go all out, crafting three sensational components to crown these magnificent burgers.

Homemade Crispy Onion Straws: The Ultimate Crunch

First up, we have the homemade crispy onion straws. These aren’t just your average fried onions; they are thinly sliced, soaked in a spicy buttermilk bath, and then coated in a seasoned flour mixture before being fried to golden perfection. The buttermilk tenderizes the onions and allows the seasoned flour to adhere beautifully, resulting in an incredibly light, airy, and ultra-crispy texture. The hint of hot sauce in the buttermilk adds a subtle warmth that complements the chorizo beautifully. These onion straws provide a satisfying crunch and a delicate sweetness that perfectly balances the rich, spicy burger, making them an indispensable element.

Tangy BBQ Fry Sauce: The Creamy Complement

Next, we whip up a delectable BBQ fry sauce. This creamy concoction marries the smoky, sweet, and tangy notes of your favorite BBQ sauce with the smooth richness of mayonnaise. The result is a versatile condiment that’s not only fantastic for dipping fries (hence the name!) but also acts as the ideal spread for these burgers. Its creamy texture and balanced flavor profile provide a cooling counterpoint to the spice of the chorizo and jalapeños, while tying all the components of the burger together with a cohesive, luscious embrace. You might find yourself wanting to put this sauce on everything!

Zesty Pickled Jalapeños: A Pop of Heat and Tang

To complete the flavor profile, we add a generous scattering of spicy pickled jalapeños. These vibrant peppers deliver a sharp, tangy kick and a bright burst of heat that cuts through the richness of the beef and chorizo. The pickling process mellows their raw spiciness while intensifying their flavor, adding an addictive zing that truly elevates the burger experience. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider making your own candied jalapeños for an extra layer of sweet heat!

The Undeniable Appeal of American Cheese

When it comes to selecting the perfect cheese for these robust burgers, the choice is delightfully simple: American cheese. While gourmet cheeses often get the spotlight, there’s an undeniable magic to classic American cheese, especially when paired with a hearty burger. It’s the cheese of my childhood, a nostalgic comfort that brings a familiar, creamy melt that few other cheeses can replicate.

I still remember Sunday nights, accompanying my mom to the deli counter at the grocery store. The lines were always buzzing, a testament to the community’s love for fresh deli meats and cheeses. Grabbing a number and being ready to shout our order when it was called was a ritual. As the designated cheese picker, I always gravitated towards white American cheese. It wasn’t just good on sandwiches; it was the ultimate burger companion. Its incredible melting capabilities create that perfect gooey layer that cradles the patty, while its mild, slightly tangy flavor enhances rather than overwhelms the other bold ingredients. Plus, let’s be honest, it makes for an excellent sneaky midnight cheesy snack straight from the fridge!

For these chorizo burgers, American cheese is essential. It provides that perfect creamy texture and classic taste that balances the spicy and savory notes of the chorizo and beef. When it melts, it forms a luscious, slightly salty blanket over the patty, cementing its place as the ideal partner for our flavorful creations.

Assembling Your Masterpiece: The Chorizo Burger Experience

Now that all the components are ready, it’s time for the grand finale: assembly! A truly epic burger deserves an epic construction. Start with a toasted pretzel bun, which adds a subtle malty flavor and a satisfying chew. Spread a generous amount of that irresistible BBQ fry sauce on both the top and bottom halves of the bun. This foundational layer sets the stage for the explosion of flavors to come.

Place your perfectly cooked, cheese-topped chorizo beef patty on the bottom bun. Next, pile on a generous handful of those wonderfully crispy onion straws. Their delicate crunch and subtle sweetness provide an incredible textural contrast. Follow this with a scattering of zesty pickled jalapeños, adding that essential pop of heat and tang. For those who dare to go extreme, consider adding a second patty and doubling up on the toppings. This creates a towering, indulgent burger that promises maximum satisfaction.

These burgers aren’t just about eating; they’re about savoring. Serve them hot with your favorite side dishes. Classic crinkle-cut fries are a natural pairing, especially with any leftover BBQ fry sauce. A fresh coleslaw or a vibrant corn salad would offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the burger. For drinks, a cold craft beer or a zesty lemonade would complement the bold flavors beautifully. Enjoy every mouthwatering bite!

★
★
★
★
★

5 from 1 vote

Chorizo Beef Burger with Crispy Onion Straws

By:
Brandy O’Neill

Servings:
4 burgers

Prep:
30 mins

Cook:
1 hr

Total:
1 hr 30 mins

Pin Recipe
Share by Email
Print Recipe

This chorizo beef burger with crispy onion straws is the perfect big mouth burger. Topped with bbq fry sauce, candied jalapeños and American cheese.

Ingredients

For burgers:

• 3/4 pound 80/20 ground beef
• 3/4 pound fresh chorizo sausage, casings removed
• ½ cup small diced yellow onion
• 1/3 cup chopped American cheese, finely chopped/diced
• 8 slices American cheese
• 4 pretzel buns
• BBQ fry sauce, recipe below
• pickled jalapenos
• Onion straws, recipe below

For onion straws:

• 1 large sweet onion, peeled and thinly sliced
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 2 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 4 cups peanut oil

For bbq fry sauce:

• 1/4 cup bbq sauce
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

Instructions

For burger:

1. Mix ground beef, chorizo, diced onion and shredded cheese. Form into 8 burger patties.
2. Grill or fry the patties until they reach your desired doneness. Top each burger with 1 slice of Deli American cheese and allow it to melt slightly.
3. Spread BBQ fry sauce generously on the top and bottom halves of your pretzel buns. Assemble your burger in the following order: bottom bun, burger patty, crispy onion straws, pickled jalapeños, a second burger patty (optional), more onion straws, and more pickled jalapeños, then the top bun.

For onion straws:

1. Place the thinly sliced onions in an 8×8 inch dish. Pour buttermilk and hot sauce over them, stir to combine, and let them marinate for at least an hour.
2. In a separate shallow dish, mix together flour, black pepper, paprika, and kosher salt. Set this mixture aside.
3. In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, add peanut oil and heat it to 375°F (190°C). Monitor the oil temperature carefully to keep it as steady as possible. A slight drop in temperature when adding onions is normal, but it should quickly rebound.
4. Working in several batches, remove a small amount of onions from the buttermilk mixture and toss them in the seasoned flour until they are fully coated.
5. Carefully drop the coated onions into the hot oil and fry until they turn golden brown and are deliciously crispy. Remove the fried onions with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Continue this process until all the onions have been fried.

For BBQ fry sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce and mayonnaise until the mixture is completely smooth and well combined.

Nutrition

Serving:

1g

Calories:

2939kcal

Carbohydrates:

74g

Protein:

44g

Fat:

277g

Saturated Fat:

64g

Polyunsaturated Fat:

77g

Monounsaturated Fat:

115g

Trans Fat:

2g

Cholesterol:

193mg

Sodium:

3213mg

Potassium:

786mg

Fiber:

4g

Sugar:

19g

Vitamin A:

2068IU

Vitamin C:

24mg

Calcium:

787mg

Iron:

7mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course:
Sandwiches

Cuisine:
American

More Irresistible Burger Creations

If you’ve enjoyed the bold flavors of these Chorizo Beef Burgers, you’re in for a treat! Our kitchen is always buzzing with exciting burger recipes that push the boundaries of flavor and creativity. Whether you’re in the mood for something Mediterranean-inspired, a comforting classic with a twist, or a vibrant chicken option, we have a burger for every palate.

Explore these other fantastic burger recipes that are sure to become new favorites:

• Try my Chicken Souvlaki Burger for a taste of Greece, featuring tender chicken and fresh, zesty toppings.
• Indulge in the rich and savory Smoked Blue Cheese Patty Melt, a gourmet twist on a diner classic.
• Experience the vibrant flavors of my Open-Faced BBQ Chicken Burger with Peach Corn Salsa, perfect for a lighter yet equally satisfying meal.

Each recipe offers a unique journey of flavors and textures, promising to keep your burger cravings satisfied and your grilling adventures exciting!