Oklahoma fried onion burgers are packed with so much flavor, thanks to each patty being stamped with heaps of sweet and savory caramelized onions! With how easy to make and delicious they are, you won’t want burgers any other way.
Skip the local burger joint and try making your own gourmet burgers at home! Not only do they taste better, but you can load ’em up with all of your favorite fixings. A few more great burger recipes to try: smash burgers, black bean burgers, or tuna burgers if you’re looking to switch things up!
Oklahoma Onion Burger Recipe
Get ready to sink your teeth into a mouthwatering creation that hails from the heartland of America: the legendary Oklahoma onion burger! This bad boy starts with seasoned ground beef, shaped into balls and chilled. Thinly sliced onions join the party as the sizzling griddle works its magic. Smash those patties down, letting the onions sear into the beef for a heavenly crust. Then flip, melt some cheese on top, and toast those buns to perfection. Stack it all up with your favorite toppings, and boom! You’ve got yourself a legendary Oklahoma fried onion burger. Get messy and enjoy every juicy, flavorful bite. It’s a burger experience you won’t forget!
The onions really bring these burgers together, so don’t be intimidated! They cook down to sweet, caramelized perfection and add the best flavor to each burger. With the juicy patty and American cheese, it’s an amazing flavor combination! You’ll love them. Tasty, gourmet flavor in less than 30 minutes!
Everything You’ll Need to Make Them
Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that pack the biggest punch. This Oklahoma fried onion burger is a prime example. With just a few basic ingredients like ground beef, seasoning, onions, and butter, you’ll be blown away by the incredible flavor explosion that awaits you.
- Ground Beef (80/20): The main event! This is where the magic happens. Juicy ground beef forms the foundation of your burger, giving it that delicious meaty goodness. If you prefer, you can also try using ground turkey or plant-based alternatives for a different twist.
- Kosher Salt: This stuff brings out the flavor, making the beef taste even better.
- Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a little kick and a whole lot of flavor.
- White Onion: Bring a satisfying crunch and also a touch of sweetness to your burger. They cook up nice and golden, infusing the meat with their awesome flavor.
- Butter: Oh, butter, you beautiful thing. It adds richness and helps create that mouthwatering crust on your patty. Plus, it makes those buns extra scrumptious when toasted.
- American Cheese: American cheese brings that creamy, melty factor that we all love. You can also try swapping it out with some cheddar, pepper jack, or even swiss cheese.
- Buns: The trusty vessel that holds it all together. Soft and slightly toasted, the buns add the perfect base for your burger masterpiece. You can use classic hamburger buns, brioche buns, or even try a lettuce wrap for a low-carb option. No matter what you choose, your burgers will be so delicious!
How to Make Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers
Fire up your griddle, because it’s time to make the best burgers around! In just 25 minutes, you’ll have these juicy, flavorful burgers ready to be devoured.
- Season Beef: Season the meat with salt and pepper and then mix to combine.
- Shape: Divide the ground beef evenly into 3-ounce portions and form into balls. Keep the meat chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to smash the burgers.
- Slice Onion: Peel and slice the onion very thin. A mandolin works great!
- Heat Griddle: Heat your griddle or a cast iron skillet over the stove to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the hot skillet. Place two balls of beef on the hot griddle or skillet. Then quickly pile on a handful of sliced onions on top of each burger. Smash them using a burger press or a flat spatula. Flatten the patty as thin as you can while pressing the onions into the meat.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes then flip both patties with a metal spatula. Make sure to scrape up the golden crusty layer that has formed on the burger underneath.
- Add Cheese: Place a slice of cheese on top of one of the patties. Then allow the burgers to cook an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Toast Buns: Butter both sides of each bun. Toast the inside of each bun on a griddle or skillet for about 20 seconds or until golden brown.
- Add Toppings: Assemble the hamburger by adding your favorite condiments then layer on the two patties.
- Enjoy: Top it with the other half of your toasted bun. Then repeat this process for all of the burgers and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Burger
The Oklahoma onion burger uses the famous smash method. There is a reason why the smash burger is popular in the restaurant biz! Fast, easy, and bursting with juicy flavor. Follow my tips to guarantee you end up with a restaurant-quality burger made at home.
- 80/20 Ground Beef: 20% fat in your beef is key! Trust me on this one, it results in a JUICY burger.
- Use a Griddle, Not a Grill! Don’t use the BBQ grill for this burger. A hot flat griddle is ideal. A large cast iron skillet also works.
- Chilled Beef: Cold beef traps in the fat before it hits the hot griddle.
- Prevent Sticking: Use parchment paper between the patty and the spatula. It helps prevent the meat from sticking to the spatula.
- Use a Burger Press: I highly recommend this burger press! It makes smashing the burger so easy!
- Caramelized Crusty Layer: Flattening the burger helps the fat create a caramelized crusty layer on the burger.
- It Cooks up FAST: Smash burgers are meant to cook fast, so work quickly! The thinner they are the faster they cook.
- Double it Up: The burgers are so thin, that doubling them up is a must. Plus, the cheese melts nicely when it’s nestled between two patties.
How Long Do Oklahoma Onion Burgers Last?
I recommend you serve these tasty burgers fresh off the griddle, but if you have leftovers, you can also keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for later.
- In the Refrigerator: Your Oklahoma fried onion burgers will stay good for up to 3 days. To reheat them, pop them in the oven for about 10 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or cook on the stove at medium high heat until warmed through. This usually takes about 5 minutes.
Can The Patties Be Frozen?
Yes! Separate each patty with parchment paper so they don’t stick together, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They will keep for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight before you reheat them using your method of choice!
What to Serve Your Burger With
Side Dishes
Amazing Air Fryer French Fries
Appetizers
Crispy Onion Rings (Baked or Fried!)
Appetizers
Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
Side Dishes
Perfect Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries
Oklahoma Onion Burger
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20 is best)
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 white onion, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 buns
Instructions
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Season the meat with salt and pepper and mix to combine.
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Divide the ground beef evenly into 3-ounce portions and form into balls. Keep the meat chilled in the refrigerator until you’re ready to smash the burgers.
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Peel and slice the onion very thin. A mandolin works great!
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Heat your griddle or a cast iron skillet over the stove to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the hot skillet. Place two balls of beef on the hot griddle or skillet. Quickly pile on a handful of sliced onions on top of each burger. Smash them using a burger press or a flat spatula. Flatten the patty as thin as you can while pressing the onions into the meat.
-
Cook for about 3-4 minutes then flip both patties with a metal spatula. Make sure to scrape up the golden crusty layer that has formed on the burger underneath.
-
Place a slice of cheese on top of one of the patties. Allow the burgers to cook an additional 2-3 minutes.
-
Butter both sides of each bun. Toast the inside of each bun on a griddle or skillet for about 20 seconds or until golden brown.
-
Assemble the hamburger by adding your favorite condiments then layer on the two patties.
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Top it with the other half of your toasted bun. Repeat this process for all of the burgers and enjoy!
