A Houston favorite since Mama Ninfa Laurenzo was grilling her famous fajitas and handmade tortillas in 1973, The Original Ninfa’s on Navigation is one of the few local restaurants that has withstood the test of time. From infused margaritas to tasty ways to serve fajitas, the restaurant is always up for a reinvention, and Ninfa’s “Award-Winning” Fajita Burger is a prime example. Executive chef Patricia Delgado explains why it is one of the most popular dishes on the menu. ninfas.com
The Fajitas
The Original Ninfa's is known for its world-famous fajitas, and when the culinary team wanted to find new ways to serve them to customers, the all-American burger came to mind. "We wanted to find a way for fajitas to elevate an existing dish, and who doesn't love a good cheeseburger?" explains Executive Chef Patti Delgado.
Always made with high-quality ground chuck, the burger patties are topped with a healthy portion of diced fajita meat, prepared on a wood-burning grill. "We want to showcase the fajita and make it the crown on top of the burger patty," Delgado said. "We wanted to make sure there is fajita in every bite."
The Toppings
Toppings for the burger are meant to add a kick to the dish, offering that quintessential Ninfa's experience. While the grilled fajita meat is a topping in and of itself, the burger features additional toppings for flavor. "We add rajas, which includes grilled onions and poblano peppers, as well as a blend of white and yellow cheddar cheeses that are grated in-house," said Delgado.
The Sauce
An in-house Chipotle mayo, made with blended chipotle and adobo, with lime juice added for an extra kick, is also featured on the burger. According to Delgado, "the sauce adds a bit of smokiness to the burger."
The dish comes with spicy ketchup to accompany the roasted Idaho potato wedges. The wedges are crunchy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and pair perfectly with the ketchup. Finally, pickled zucchini is also served on the side for those looking to pack more into their burger bites.
The Bun
The bun is a brioche bun sourced locally from Slow Dough Bread Co. “The bun is buttery and served after being kissed on a plancha grill for a light toasting on the inside of each side,” said Delgado. “It's not too dense, yet light, airy, and perfectly toasted.”