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Mexican Meat Patties with Fresh Corn Salsa

4.7

(14)

Picture of Plated Mexican Beef Patty with salsa topping
Plated Mexican Beef Patty with salsa toppingPhoto by Caleb Adams, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell

Inspired by Mexican pacholas, these extra-thin beef and pork patties are spiced with cilantro, chili powder, and garlic. Topped off with a simple raw corn and tomato salsa, they are a crowd-pleasing and low-maintenance summer dinner.

Recipe information

  • Total Time

    45 minutes

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

1/2 lb. ground beef
1/2 lb. ground pork
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves and tender stems, divided
2 1/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided
3/4 tsp. chili powder, preferably chipotle, divided
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil, plus more for greasing
2 ears corn on the cob
1 large tomato, chopped into 1/2" pieces
1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
1 avocado, halved, cut into 1/2" pieces
1 serrano chile, seeded, finely chopped
3 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Process beef, pork, garlic powder, 1/4 cup cilantro, 1 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/2 tsp. chili powder in a food processor until evenly distributed and well combined, about 2 minutes. Roll mixture into 4 balls.

    Step 2

    Rub one 16x12" piece of parchment with a little bit of oil. Place 1 ball of meat on one half of oiled paper, then fold other half over. Using a rolling pin or wine bottle, gently roll meat into a very thin oval between parchment (it should be about 9x6"). Transfer, with parchment, to a rimmed baking sheet. Repeat with 3 more sheets of paper and remaining meat. Chill until ready to use.

    Step 3

    Slice kernels off ears of corn and transfer to a large bowl. Add tomato, onion, avocado, chile, lime juice, and remaining 1/4 cup cilantro, 1 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. chili powder and stir to combine. Let sit while you cook the patties.

    Step 4

    Heat 1 Tbsp. oil in a large heavy (preferably cast-iron) skillet until smoking. Working one at a time, peel patty off greased parchment and sear until browned and crisped on the bottom, about 2 minutes. Turn and cook just until cooked through, about 1 minute more. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining patties.

    Step 5

    Top patties with corn salsa.

    Step 6

    Do Ahead: Patties can be formed 2 days ahead. Chill in parchment on a covered rimmed baking sheet.

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