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Oklahoma Onion Burgers

These iconic Oklahoma burgers combine simple ingredients with a classic smashing technique. Thin beef patties are topped with loads of caramelized onions and American cheese for maximum flavor.

Featured in Family Dinner Ideas.

Fatiha
Updated on Sun, 05 Jan 2025 01:27:42 GMT
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A close-up of a hamburger topped with sautéed onions, served with a side of French fries. Pin it
A close-up of a hamburger topped with sautéed onions, served with a side of French fries. | zestplate.com
    Let me share these amazing Oklahoma onion burgers that'll change how you think about hamburgers! These aren't your regular burgers these beauties have paper-thin onions smashed right into the patty where they get all caramelized and crispy. I learned this recipe from an old diner cook and now my family won't eat burgers any other way!

Why You'll Love These

    First off these burgers tell a story they came from the Great Depression when folks needed to stretch their beef further. But that's not why you'll love them it's those crispy sweet onions melting into juicy beef topped with gooey cheese. Plus they're ready in 30 minutes perfect for busy nights!

Round Up These Ingredients

  • Good Ground Beef: Get that 85% lean perfect for flavor.
  • Sweet Onions: Slice them paper thin they're the star here.
  • American Cheese: Nothing melts better on a burger.
  • Potato Buns: Soft and slightly sweet just right.
  • The Classics: Yellow mustard dill pickles keep it traditional.

Let's Start Cooking

Prep Your Station
Get your griddle nice and hot slice those onions super thin a mandolin works great here.
Form Your Patties
Roll beef into loose balls don't pack them too tight we want them juicy!
The Smash
Drop those meat balls on the hot griddle smash them thin with your spatula pile those onions right on top.
Let The Magic Happen
Don't touch them! Let those onions get all caramelized about 3 minutes.
The Big Flip
Scrape under good with your spatula flip the whole thing onions and all.
Steam Those Buns
Pop your buns on top while the second side cooks add cheese let it get melty.
Build Your Burger
Stack them up add mustard pickles whatever you love dig in while they're hot!

Make Them Perfect

    Get yourself a good flat spatula for smashing. Don't mess with the meat too much keeps it tender. Those onions need to be super thin that's the secret. And always steam your buns it makes such a difference!
A close-up of a juicy burger with grilled onions on a toasted bun, set on a wooden board. Pin it
A close-up of a juicy burger with grilled onions on a toasted bun, set on a wooden board. | zestplate.com

What Goes Great With These

    Make some crispy fries maybe add some parmesan and truffle oil if you're feeling fancy. Onion rings are perfect here more onions more better! Want something fresh? Coleslaw cuts through all that richness. And hey treat yourself to a milkshake on the side!

A Taste Of History

    These burgers came from tough times when people had to make their beef go further by adding cheap onions. But sometimes the best food comes from making do with what you've got. Now they're famous all over Oklahoma and beyond guess good food is just good food no matter where it comes from!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why slice onions very thin?
Allows onions to caramelize quickly and become one with the patty.
→ Why use American cheese?
Melts perfectly and provides classic burger flavor.
→ Can I make these ahead?
Patties can be made ahead and frozen up to 3 months.
→ Why steam the buns?
Creates soft, warm buns that complement the crispy patty.
→ What's the best onion to use?
White or yellow onions work best for caramelizing.

Onion Burger Recipe

Traditional Oklahoma-style burgers featuring smashed patties topped with caramelized onions and American cheese.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
5 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Fatiha

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 2 medium onions, thinly sliced.
02 1 pound ground beef.
03 1 tablespoon canola oil.
04 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
05 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
07 4 slices American cheese.
08 4 potato buns.

Instructions

Step 01

Slice onions extremely thin using sharp knife or mandolin, aiming for uniform thickness for even cooking.

Step 02

Divide ground beef into exactly four equal 4-ounce portions and gently form into loose balls.

Step 03

Heat large cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot, about 2 minutes.

Step 04

Add canola oil to heated surface, ensuring even coating across cooking area.

Step 05

Place beef balls onto hot surface and immediately press firmly with spatula to create very thin patties.

Step 06

Season flattened patties with salt, pepper, and garlic powder mixture immediately after smashing.

Step 07

Top each patty generously with about 1/2 cup sliced onions, allowing some to fall onto cooking surface.

Step 08

Cook undisturbed for approximately 2 minutes until meat develops dark brown crust.

Step 09

Flip patties carefully, scraping up any crispy bits and incorporating back onto burgers.

Step 10

Place buns face-down on top of patties to steam for about one minute.

Step 11

Remove steamed buns and place cheese slices on patties while finishing cooking.

Step 12

Transfer patties to buns once cheese melts and meat reaches desired doneness.

Step 13

Scrape any remaining caramelized onions onto burgers before serving.

Step 14

Serve immediately while patties are hot and cheese is melted.

Step 15

Optional: add condiments of choice, though traditionally served plain to highlight onion flavor.

Notes

  1. Regional specialty.
  2. Simple ingredients.
  3. Quick preparation.
  4. Classic technique.

Tools You'll Need

  • Cast iron skillet/griddle.
  • Sturdy spatula.
  • Sharp knife/mandolin.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese).
  • Wheat (buns).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 549
  • Total Fat: 34 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
  • Protein: 32 g