Cheeseburgers with Corn-Pepper Salsa

If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to maintain a temperature of 450-500°F. Oil the grill grates. Place an oven rack in the center of the oven, then preheat to 450°F. Wash and dry the fresh produce. Peel the onion. Slice ¾ of the onion into ½-inch-thick rings; separate the layers. Finely chop the remaining onion. Remove and discard the husks and silks of the corn; cut the kernels off the cobs, then discard the cobs. Cut off and discard the stems of the peppers; remove and discard the cores, then medium dice. Halve the lime crosswise; squeeze the juice into a large bowl. Thinly slice the cheese. Halve the buns.

Line a sheet pan with foil. Crack the egg into a large bowl; season with salt and pepper and beat until smooth. Place the spice blend and half the breadcrumbs in 2 separate large bowls. Season the breadcrumbs with salt and pepper. Working a few pieces at a time, thoroughly coat the onion rings in the spice blend (tapping off any excess), then in the beaten egg (letting any excess drip off), then in the breadcrumbs (pressing to adhere). Transfer to the prepared sheet pan and drizzle with olive oil. Bake 14 to 16 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and immediately season with salt.

While the onion rings bake, in a large pan (nonstick, if you have one), heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the corn in an even layer. Cook, without stirring, 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly browned. Add the chopped onion and diced peppers; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, 1 to 2 minutes, or until slightly softened. Transfer to the bowl of lime juice. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Set aside to marinate, stirring occasionally, at least 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a bowl, combine the beef and remaining breadcrumbs; season with salt and pepper. Gently mix to combine. Using your hands, form the mixture into four 1/2-inch-thick patties. 

STOVE: Wipe out the pan used to cook the vegetables. In the same pan, heat a drizzle of olive oil on medium-high until hot. Add the patties; cook 4 to 5 minutes on the first side, or until browned. Flip the patties (carefully, as the oil may splatter). Top with the sliced cheese. Loosely cover with foil; cook 4 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through. Transfer to a plate. Rinse and wipe out the pan.
GRILL: Oil the patties. Grill 6 to 7 minutes on the first side, or until browned. Flip and grill 4 minutes. Evenly top with the sliced cheese. Grill 2 to 3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the patties are cooked through. Transfer to a plate. 

STOVE: Heat the same, dry pan on medium-high until hot. Add the buns, cut side down; toast 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until lightly browned. Transfer to a work surface.
GRILL: Grill the buns, cut side down, 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until lightly browned. Transfer to a work surface. 

Assemble the burgers using the toasted buns, mayonnaise, cooked patties, and some of the salsa. Serve the crispy onion rings and remaining salsa on the side. Enjoy!