Cilantro Lime Burger
Ingredients
- 2 limes limes
- 1/2 cups mayonnaise
- 1 clove garlic – finely grated
- 1/2 cups cilantro – finely chopped
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoons black pepper – freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 4 buns brioche buns – split
- 1/2 medium red onion – thinly sliced
Instructions
1. Finely grate the zest of 1 lime and juice both limes. In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the lime juice, cilantro, and grated garlic until smooth; cover and refrigerate. Reserve the lime zest.
2. In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, kosher salt, black pepper, and the reserved lime zest. Form into 4 equal patties about 3/4 inch thick, making a shallow dimple in the center of each.
3. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat (or preheat a grill to medium-high). Add the neutral oil to the skillet (or brush the grill grates).
4. Cook the patties until well browned, 3–4 minutes per side, to 130–135°F for medium-rare or 140–145°F for medium. In the last minute, top each patty with pepper jack cheese and cover to melt.
5. Place the brioche buns cut-side down in the skillet or on the grill to toast until lightly golden, 30–60 seconds. Spread the cilantro-lime mayo on the cut sides, set a patty on each bottom bun, add red onion slices, and cap with the top buns. Serve immediately.
Cilantro Lime Burger brings bright, zesty citrus and fresh herbal notes to a juicy, savory beef patty. The creamy cilantro-lime mayo ties everything together, while a mild, melty cheese adds richness and gentle heat. A toasted bun and a bit of crisp red onion give satisfying texture and balance in every bite.
Rooted in the American love of burgers, this variation reflects the influence of Southwestern and border flavors—lime for brightness and cilantro for aroma. As burgers evolved beyond the classic lettuce-tomato-onion framework, cooks began pairing beef with lively sauces and garnishes drawn from Mexican and Californian cuisines. Today, cilantro-lime profiles show up on grills and menus across the U.S., celebrated for their fresh contrast to rich, seared beef.