Jalapeño Burger Bites and Pickled Eggs Recipe
Jalapeño Burger Bites
Ingredients:
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef (80/20 fat ratio works best)
- 1 medium jalapeño, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat or keep them for a spicier kick)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for richness)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (or butter) for frying
- Toothpicks or skewers for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef with the finely chopped jalapeño, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you’re adding shredded cheese or cream cheese for extra richness, incorporate it into the mixture at this stage.
- Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the seasonings are well distributed, but try not to overwork the meat, as it can become tough.
- Form the Bites:
- Using your hands, form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs or patties (about 1-inch in diameter). You can also form these into small slider-sized patties if preferred.
- Cook the Burger Bites:
- Heat the olive oil (or butter) in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the pan is hot, add the burger bites and cook them for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they’re browned and fully cooked through. You may want to reduce the heat slightly if they’re browning too quickly to ensure they cook evenly inside.
- Remove from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes.
- Serve:
- Skewer the burger bites with toothpicks for easy serving. You can also serve them on a platter alongside some dipping sauces, such as ranch or a spicy mayo, if desired.
Pickled Eggs
Ingredients:
- 12 large eggs
- 2 cups white vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder taste)
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- 1 tbsp mustard seeds
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1-2 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2-3 dried chili peppers (optional, for heat)
- 1 small onion, sliced (optional, for added flavor)
- 1-2 sprigs fresh dill (optional, for a fresh, herby note)
Instructions:
- Boil the Eggs:
- Place the eggs in a large saucepan and cover them with cold water. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 9-10 minutes for hard-boiled eggs.
- After the eggs are done, transfer them immediately into a bowl of ice water to cool down and stop the cooking process. Once cooled, peel the eggs and set aside.
- Prepare the Pickling Brine:
- In a saucepan, combine the vinegar, water, salt, sugar (if using), mustard seeds, peppercorns, garlic, chili peppers, and onion (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the salt and sugar.
- Once the brine is boiling and the flavors have melded, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool to room temperature.
- Pickle the Eggs:
- Once the brine has cooled, place the peeled eggs into a large jar or container that can hold all 12 eggs.
- Pour the cooled brine over the eggs, making sure they are fully submerged. Add the fresh dill sprigs on top if you’re using them.
- Seal the jar and refrigerate for at least 24-48 hours for the flavors to fully develop. The longer they sit, the more flavorful they become!
- Serve:
- When ready to serve, remove the pickled eggs from the brine (they can stay in the brine in the fridge for up to two weeks). Cut them in half or serve whole with your Jalapeño Burger Bites.
Enjoy:
These Jalapeño Burger Bites with the spicy kick from the jalapeños and the tangy, savory Pickled Eggs are a match made in carnivore heaven. The burger bites are juicy and flavorful, while the eggs bring a zesty, acidic contrast to balance everything out. Perfect for a filling snack, appetizer, or even a quick meal. Enjoy the flavor-packed bite of each!