Season 09 - Lunch / S09L15
Alcapurria Burgers with Guava Ketchup
Story
It all started on a sunny Sunday in the backyard, with music playing, the scent of sizzling onions in the air, and a hungry family waiting for something *different*. Don Luis, wearing his signature jean-and-leather apron, leaned against the counter and looked at the pile of green bananas and yautía. “Let’s take alcapurrias to the next level,” he whispered with a grin. And just like that, the Alcapurria Burger was born! 🌴🍔 A crispy golden patty made from the traditional masa, seasoned with love, hugging a juicy burger in the center. But the star? A glossy, sweet, and tangy guava ketchup that makes your taste buds dance bomba y plena. ¡Vamos a cocinar! Time, Nutrition & Cost
Ingredients
- For the Alcapurria Burger Patties:
- 2 green bananas 🍌 (peeled and grated)
- 1 cup yautía (malanga, peeled and grated)
- 1 tsp adobo seasoning 🧂
- 1 tsp sazón with achiote ✨
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (to help bind)
- 1 lb ground beef 🥩 (seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder)
- 1 tsp olive oil (for shaping the patties)
- For the Guava Ketchup:
- 0.5 cup guava paste 🍬
- 0.25 cup ketchup 🍅
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 🍎
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- Pinch of salt 🧂
- Toppings & Extras:
- Lettuce 🥬
- Sliced tomato 🍅
- Red onion rings 🧅
- Burger buns (or go bun-less for double alcapurria action!)
Instructions
- 1Make the masa: In a large bowl, mix grated green banana and yautía. Add adobo, sazón, and cornstarch. Mix until sticky and well combined.
- 2Form the patties: Lightly grease your hands with olive oil. Take about ¼ cup of masa and flatten it into a disc. Place a seasoned mini beef patty in the center, then mold more masa over it to fully encase the meat. Shape into thick discs (like a pupusa meets burger).
- 3Fry the patties: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry each alcapurria patty until golden and crispy on both sides—about 4–5 minutes per side. Set on paper towels to drain.
- 4Make the guava ketchup: In a small saucepan, melt guava paste with a splash of water over low heat. Stir in ketchup, vinegar, mustard, and salt. Cook until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly.
- 5Assemble: Place your alcapurria patty on a bun or lettuce wrap. Top with tomato, onion, and a generous drizzle of guava ketchup. Add more toppings if you’re feeling extra! 😋

About the narrator
Don Luis · A character for three generations
Don Luis is the brand character and narrator for this catalog: a warm voice for Puerto Rican family recipes tested by the real creator behind the brand. The project carries three generations of flavor and writes each recipe step by step so any kid can follow it.
Read our mission →