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Oklahoma Onion Burgers Recipe

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3.9 from 26 reviews

Oklahoma Onion Burgers are a classic American burger featuring a thinly smashed beef patty topped with a generous amount of caramelized onions. This recipe delivers juicy, flavorful burgers with a crispy crust, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for onions)
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • Smoked sea salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking patties)
  • 4 slices American cheese, optional

Buns and Toppings

  • Butter, for toasting buns
  • 4 soft hamburger buns
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato slices
  • Pickles
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Your favorite burger toppings

Instructions

  1. Heat oil and cook onions: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced yellow onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened. Season lightly with smoked sea salt and black pepper. Transfer onions to a plate and set aside.
  2. Prepare beef patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and gently form into balls. Lightly flatten the balls with a burger press or spatula to prepare for smashing.
  3. Heat oil for patties: Heat the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil on a large griddle or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Smash and cook patties: Place one beef ball onto the hot surface and immediately smash it into a thin patty about ¼-inch thick using a sturdy spatula or burger press. Hold the pressure for 20 to 30 seconds to form a crust.
  5. Add onions to patties: Top the smashed patty with a generous handful of the cooked onions, gently pressing them into the meat.
  6. Cook first side: Let the burger cook for 4 to 5 minutes without moving it to develop a deep brown crust.
  7. Flip and season: Carefully flip the burger, gathering any fallen onions and placing the patty back on top. Season with smoked sea salt and black pepper.
  8. Cook second side: Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the burger is cooked to your desired doneness. If using cheese, add a slice during the last minute and allow it to melt.
  9. Toast buns: While burgers cook, butter the cut sides of the hamburger buns and toast them on a griddle or skillet until golden brown.
  10. Assemble burgers: Place each cooked burger patty on a toasted bun. Spoon any remaining onions over the top and add your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, ketchup, and mustard.
  11. Serve: Serve the burgers immediately while hot and juicy.

Notes

  • Using 80/20 ground beef ensures juicy and flavorful patties due to the right fat content.
  • Smashing the patties thinly helps create a crispy crust for texture contrast.
  • Cook onions just until softened to maintain some texture and sweetness.
  • Feel free to customize with your favorite burger toppings beyond those listed.
  • The recipe is best enjoyed immediately for optimal crispness and juiciness.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American