Smoked Cajun Burgers

If you’re a fan of bold flavors and smoky aromas, this Smoked Cajun Burgers recipe is sure to become a favorite. These burgers combine the rich, spicy taste of Cajun seasoning with the deep, smoky essence from hickory wood chunks. Each bite offers a perfect blend of heat, tanginess from the Cajun sauce, and creaminess from melted pepper jack cheese. Whether you’re hosting a barbecue or just want to enjoy a gourmet-style burger at home, this recipe will impress both your taste buds and your guests.

Mastering the Art of Smoking Burgers

A common question with smoked burgers is how to ensure they stay juicy while absorbing all that smoky goodness. The key is in the preparation and cooking process. By partially freezing the patties before smoking, you help them retain their shape and moisture. Additionally, the choice of ground chuck with a higher fat content ensures the burgers remain tender and flavorful. Smoking at a controlled temperature allows the flavors to develop slowly, creating a mouth-watering result without drying out the meat.

Creating the Perfect Cajun Burger Texture

Another tip is incorporating cheese directly into the patty, which not only infuses the burger with extra flavor but also adds a delightful texture. This technique ensures every bite is packed with gooey, melty cheese, taking the burger to the next level. Using the right seasoning blend and letting the patties rest after smoking allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, making these Smoked Cajun Burgers a culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients:

Cajun Sauce:

•1/2 cup mayo

•1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce

•1/2 lemon, juiced

•1 teaspoon black pepper

•1 teaspoon garlic powder

•1 teaspoon smoked paprika

•1 teaspoon Tony’s Lite Creole Seasoning

Cajun Burger Rub:

•1 tablespoon garlic powder

•1 tablespoon onion powder

•2 teaspoons smoked paprika

•2 teaspoons black pepper

•2 teaspoons Tony’s Lite Creole Seasoning

Burgers:

•3 pounds ground chuck

•10 ounces pepper jack cheese, cubed (1/4” cubes)

•1 bottle Tony’s Creole Style Burger Marinade

Caramelized Onions:

•2 sweet onions, chopped

•2 tablespoons unsalted butter

•1 tablespoon salt

For Assembly:

•Toasted buns

•Colby Jack 3 Pepper Cheese

Instructions:

Prepare the Cajun Sauce:

Start by making the Cajun sauce, which will add a rich, tangy flavor to your Smoked Cajun Burgers. In a medium-sized bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayo, 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, and the juice of half a lemon. Stir in 1 teaspoon each of black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, along with 1 teaspoon of Tony’s Lite Creole Seasoning. Mix everything well until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate the sauce to let the flavors meld together while you prepare the rest of the burger components.

Make the Cajun Burger Rub:

To infuse your burgers with a robust Cajun flavor, create the dry rub. In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of garlic powder and onion powder, 2 teaspoons of smoked paprika and black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Tony’s Lite Creole Seasoning. This spice blend will coat the outside of your burger patties, creating a flavorful crust that seals in the juices during smoking.

Prepare the Burgers:

In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 pounds of ground chuck with 10 ounces of pepper jack cheese cubes. The cheese cubes should be about 1/4 inch in size to ensure they melt evenly throughout the patty. Pour in a bottle of Tony’s Creole Style Burger Marinade, and sprinkle the Cajun Burger Rub evenly over the meat. Gently mix everything together using your hands, being careful not to overwork the meat, which can make the burgers tough. Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape into balls weighing around 1/3 to 1/2 pound each. Use a burger press to flatten them into 1/2-inch thick patties. Place the patties on a tray lined with parchment paper and put them in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This step helps the burgers hold their shape during the smoking process.

Caramelize the Onions:

While the burgers are in the freezer, it’s time to make the caramelized onions. Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted and started to foam, add the chopped sweet onions. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of salt over the onions to help them release their moisture and begin caramelizing. Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, for about 30-40 minutes until they turn a deep golden brown and develop a sweet, rich flavor. Patience is key here, as rushing this step will result in burnt onions instead of perfectly caramelized ones. Once done, set them aside.

Smoke the Burgers:

Fire up your smoker to a temperature of 250-275°F, using hickory wood chunks for that distinctive smoky flavor. Place the partially frozen patties directly on the grill grates. Smoke the burgers for 30-40 minutes, keeping an eye on the temperature to maintain a steady range. When the burgers are close to being done, about 5 minutes before reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, place a slice of Colby Jack 3 Pepper Cheese on each patty. Allow the cheese to melt over the burgers, creating a gooey, flavorful topping. Once the burgers reach 165°F, remove them from the smoker and let them rest on a plate for about 6 minutes. Resting is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy, flavorful burger.

Assemble the Burgers:

While the burgers are resting, toast the buns on the grill or in a toaster for a crispy texture. To assemble the Smoked Cajun Burgers, start by spreading a generous layer of the Cajun sauce on the bottom bun. Place a smoked burger patty on top, followed by a heaping spoonful of the caramelized onions. If you like, you can add more Cajun sauce on the top bun for an extra kick. Top it off with the upper half of the bun and press gently to secure everything in place.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve these delicious Smoked Cajun Burgers hot, with your favorite side dishes. The combination of smoky, spicy, and creamy flavors is sure to make this burger a hit at any gathering.

Below is a printable recipe card!

These Smoked Cajun Burgers are a flavorful fusion of smoky goodness and Cajun spice that will elevate any cookout or family dinner. The combination of the rich Cajun sauce, juicy smoked patties, and caramelized onions creates an unforgettable burger experience. Whether you’re an experienced griller or trying out smoking for the first time, this recipe will guide you to achieve perfect results every time.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out all my other delicious recipes in the link for more mouthwatering ideas. Happy grilling!

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Items Used In This Recipe

Hasty-Bake Grill

Knitted Gloves

Food Processor

Cast Iron Skillet 

Meater +

Charcoal Chimney

Charcoal Starters

Firestarter Guard