If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food burger, look no further than the legendary Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger. This regional treasure transforms humble ingredients into a masterpiece of caramelized flavors and juicy beef perfection.
Born in Depression-era diners across Oklahoma, these burgers feature paper-thin onions smashed directly into the beef patty while cooking, creating an incredible fusion of sweet, savory, and crispy textures that will revolutionize your burger game.
Why You’ll Love This
- Simple 5-ingredient recipe anyone can master
- Creates restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen
- Perfect mix of crispy, caramelized onions and juicy beef
- Ready in under 45 minutes
- No special equipment needed – just a good flat griddle or skillet
Ingredients
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced paper-thin
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 potato burger buns
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Divide ground beef into 4 loose balls, about 4 ounces each
- Slice onions as thinly as possible using a sharp knife or mandoline
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat
- Place a beef ball on the hot surface and top with a generous portion of sliced onions
- Using a spatula, smash the beef and onions firmly into a thin patty
- Season with salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy
- Flip the burger, add cheese, and cook 1-2 minutes more
- Serve on toasted buns
Tips & Variations
- Use the sharpest knife possible for slicing onions, or a mandoline for best results
- Don’t overwork the meat – keep it loosely formed until smashing
- Yellow onions work best, but white onions can substitute
- For extra flavor, butter and toast the buns on the same griddle
- Press the patties as thin as possible – they should have lacey edges
Serving Suggestions
Serve these burgers piping hot with classic sides like crispy french fries or onion rings. While traditionally topped with just cheese, you can add pickles, mustard, or mayo if desired – though purists might insist the oniony perfection needs no embellishment.
Notes
- Store uncooked patties separated by wax paper for up to 24 hours
- The edges should be crispy and brown, while the onions are deeply caramelized
- Use a metal spatula for the best smashing results
FAQs
- Can I make these burgers ahead of time? These are best served immediately while the edges are crispy.
- Why use American cheese? It melts perfectly and provides the authentic diner taste, though cheddar can substitute.
- Can I use lean ground beef? 80/20 beef is recommended for the best flavor and juiciness.
- Do I need a press or special tool? No, a sturdy metal spatula works perfectly for smashing.
Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers
Recipe by Full Recipe
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food burger, look no further than the legendary Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger. This regional treasure transforms humble ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
- 2 large yellow onions, sliced paper-thin
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 potato burger buns
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
- Divide ground beef into 4 loose balls, about 4 ounces each
- Slice onions as thinly as possible using a sharp knife or mandoline
- Heat a large cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat
- Place a beef ball on the hot surface and top with a generous portion of sliced onions
- Using a spatula, smash the beef and onions firmly into a thin patty
- Season with salt and pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until edges are crispy
- Flip the burger, add cheese, and cook 1-2 minutes more
- Serve on toasted buns
Notes
- Store uncooked patties separated by wax paper for up to 24 hours
- The edges should be crispy and brown, while the onions are deeply caramelized
- Use a metal spatula for the best smashing results
