The Jalapeno Crunch Steakburger from Steak 'n Shake features a juicy beef patty topped with spicy jalapenos, melted cheese, and crispy fried onions, all nestled in a soft, toasted bun for a bold and crunchy flavor experience.
Equipments
- Grill or griddle
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Deep fryer or frying pan
- Tongs
- Cheese slicer or cheese grater (if needed)
- Bun toaster or toaster
- Mixing bowls (for onions)
- Plate or tray
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup pickled jalapeno slices
- 1 large onion
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Butter (for toasting buns)
Ground beef should be fresh and ideally 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio to ensure a juicy patty without being too greasy. Pickled jalapeno slices add the signature spicy tang, so choose slices with balanced heat that suit your preference. Use buttermilk and a seasoned flour mixture with paprika and garlic powder to create the crispy fried onion coating. Butter the hamburger buns before toasting them to achieve a golden, flavorful crunch. Your Jalapeno Crunch Steakburger from Steak 'n Shake copycat menu will capture the bold and crunchy textures that make the original so popular.
Instructions
- Preheat grill or griddle to medium-high heat.
- Form ground beef into 4 equal patties; season with salt and black pepper.
- Slice onion into thin rings.
- Soak onion rings in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Dredge soaked onion rings in flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer or frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry onion rings until golden and crispy; drain on paper towels.
- Grill beef patties to desired doneness, flipping with spatula.
- Place a slice of pepper jack cheese on each patty; let cheese melt.
- Butter and toast hamburger buns on a bun toaster or skillet.
- Assemble burgers: bottom bun, beef patty with melted cheese, pickled jalapeno slices, crispy fried onions, top bun.
- Serve immediately on a plate or tray.
Substitution
The Jalapeno Crunch Steakburger from Steak 'n Shake copycat menu replicates the bold, spicy flavor profile using fresh jalapeno slices, crispy fried onions, and melted pepper jack cheese on a toasted bun. If fresh jalapenos are unavailable, pickled jalapenos or a mild green chili can serve as effective substitutes without compromising the heat level much. When making the crispy fried onions, soaking them in buttermilk ensures a tender crunch before coating with seasoned flour for frying. You can use a grill, griddle, or frying pan to cook the beef patties to your preferred doneness. Toast the buns with butter on a skillet or toaster to achieve a golden, slightly crispy texture that complements the juicy patty and spicy toppings.
Tips
When shaping your ground beef patties, avoid overworking the meat to maintain juiciness and tenderness in the Jalapeno Crunch Steakburger. Keep the oil temperature steady at 350degF (175degC) when frying onion rings to ensure they turn golden and crispy without absorbing excess oil. Toast buns with butter right before serving to add flavor and prevent sogginess from the juicy beef and pickled jalapenos. When assembling your burger, balance the spicy jalapenos and crispy onions evenly to maximize the bold, crunchy flavor in every bite.
Nutritions
The Jalapeno Crunch Steakburger provides a rich source of protein from the 1 lb ground beef, essential for muscle repair and growth. Spicy jalapenos add capsaicin, which may support metabolism and offer antioxidant benefits. Crispy fried onions contribute extra calories and fats, so moderation is key for maintaining your nutritional balance. Butter-toasted buns provide carbohydrates, fueling your energy needs while adding a satisfying texture to the burger.
Storage
Store your Jalapeno Crunch Steakburger components separately to maintain freshness. Wrap cooked patties and fried onion rings tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep buns in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days to avoid sogginess.
Variation or Alternatives
You can swap the pepper jack cheese with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a milder, creamier taste. Instead of pickled jalapeno slices, try fresh jalapenos or banana peppers to adjust the heat and tanginess. For a lighter crunch, bake the onion rings coated in panko breadcrumbs instead of deep frying. Consider mixing Worcestershire sauce or smoked paprika into the beef patties to enhance the flavor profile before grilling.
Allergies
The Jalapeno Crunch Steakburger contains several common allergens including dairy from the pepper jack cheese and buttermilk, gluten from the hamburger buns and all-purpose flour, and potential cross-contamination from cooking oil used for frying. The presence of spicy jalapenos may also cause reactions in people sensitive to nightshades or capsaicin. You should check ingredient labels and consult with the restaurant to ensure your safety if you have food allergies.
Why this recipe?
The Jalapeno Crunch Steakburger from Steak 'n Shake features a flavorful blend of spicy jalapenos and crispy fried onions that creates a bold, satisfying crunch with every bite. Its juicy, seasoned beef patty complements the zesty toppings, delivering a perfect balance of heat and texture that appeals to spice lovers. You'll find the combination of fresh ingredients and signature Steak 'n Shake quality makes this burger a standout choice for adventurous eaters. Recreating this copycat recipe lets you enjoy the same mouthwatering flavors at home while customizing the spice level to your preference.