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Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers

  • Author: Chef Emy

Description

Here’s a detailed recipe for making Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers, a classic American dish that combines juicy beef with sweet, caramelized onions, all sandwiched in a soft bun. Enjoy recreating this beloved recipe!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Burgers:

  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 beef to fat ratio recommended)
  • 2 large onions, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Butter or oil, for frying

For Serving:

  • 4 hamburger buns, toasted
  • Slices of American cheese (optional)
  • Mustard, ketchup, and pickles (or other desired burger condiments)

Instructions

Prepare the Onions:

  1. Thinly Slice Onions: For an authentic Oklahoma-style burger, slice the onions very thin, almost shaved. This allows them to caramelize and meld perfectly with the beef.

Form the Patties:

  1. Divide the Beef: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions, rolling each into a ball. Season each ball with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors.

Cook the Burgers:

  1. Preheat the Skillet: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a bit of butter or oil to coat the bottom.
  2. Form Patties with Onions: Place a ball of beef on the skillet and top it with a generous amount of thinly sliced onions. Use a spatula to press the beef and onions flat, forming a thin patty. Ensure the onions are in contact with the beef to stick and caramelize together.
  3. Cook: Allow to cook for about 3-4 minutes, then carefully flip the burger. The onions should now be on the bottom, turning golden and caramelizing further. (Optionally, add a slice of cheese on the flipped side to melt.)
  4. Finish Cooking: Continue cooking until the beef is cooked to your liking and the onions are fully caramelized.

Assemble the Burgers:

  1. Build Your Burger: Place the cooked onion and beef patty on a toasted bun. Add your preferred condiments, such as mustard, ketchup, and pickles, on top of or alongside the patty.
  2. Serve Hot: Enjoy the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers immediately while they’re still hot and juicy.

Notes

Tips for Perfect Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers:

  • Onion Thickness: Achieving almost paper-thin slices of onion is key to getting the right texture and flavor profile for these burgers.
  • Beef Selection: Opting for ground beef with a higher fat content (80/20) ensures the burgers will be juicy and flavorful.
  • Bun Choice: Soft, classic hamburger buns complement the texture of the thin patties and caramelized onions well, making for a balanced bite.
  • Customization: Feel free to customize your burger with additional toppings or condiments as desired.

Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers are a delicious homage to the simplicity and richness of American cooking, proving that great flavors don’t require complicated ingredients. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, these burgers are sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process and the delightful meal!