Cajun Burger with Spicy Remoulade
This fiery and flavorful Cajun Burger is inspired by the bold, smoky, and spice-forward cuisine of Louisiana. With roots in French-Acadian cooking traditions, this burger takes the comfort of American street food and infuses it with the flair of Cajun seasoning – think paprika, garlic, onion, and cayenne. Topped with a creamy, zesty remoulade, it's a sensory experience where comforting char meets vibrant heat. Perfect for spicing up any lunch or dinner with Southern soul!
Ingredients
For the Cajun Burger Patties:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20) look for freshly ground chuck for juicier patties
- 1 tsp paprika preferably smoked
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper adjust to your heat preference
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper freshly ground for the best aroma
For the Spicy Remoulade Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise use a high quality or homemade version if possible
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tsp hot sauce Louisiana-style like Crystal or Frank’s
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp capers minced
For the Assembly:
- 4 pieces brioche burger buns toasted
- 4 leaves romaine or butter lettuce
- 1 medium tomato sliced into 4 thick rounds
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese optional, for extra spice and creaminess
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, gently combine the ground beef with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Mix just until combined—overmixing leads to tough burgers.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about 1 inch thick. Press a slight dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent doming during cooking.
- Heat a cast iron skillet or grill over medium-high heat (about 400°F / 205°C). Cook patties for 4 minutes on the first side until a dark, flavorful crust forms. Flip and cook another 3–4 minutes, placing a cheese slice on each patty in the final minute to melt.
- Meanwhile, whisk the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, paprika, and minced capers together in a small bowl to create the remoulade.
- Lightly toast the buns on the grill or skillet until golden, about 1 minute.
- To assemble, spread a generous spoonful of the spicy remoulade on each bun base. Layer with lettuce, tomato slice, burger patty, and the top bun. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a healthier version, use ground turkey or a plant-based patty; just adjust the cook time for doneness.
- Use a meat thermometer if needed—160°F (71°C) internal temp ensures doneness.
- The remoulade can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. Its flavor intensifies overnight.
- Serve with oven-roasted Cajun fries or pickled okra for a true Southern vibe.
Nutrition
Calories: 579kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 26gFat: 51gSaturated Fat: 16gPolyunsaturated Fat: 13gMonounsaturated Fat: 17gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 113mgSodium: 811mgPotassium: 511mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 3432IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 199mgIron: 3mg
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