Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers are juicy beef patties topped with crispy fried onions and served on a soft bun. This dish is all about big flavor and easy comfort!
Honestly, who can resist that crunch of onions with every bite? They might just steal the spotlight from the burger! 😂 I love making these for my friends—everyone agrees they’re a hit!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using an 80/20 blend for the right balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer a leaner choice, you can go for 90/10, but keep in mind the burgers may be less juicy.
Onions: You need a large onion, preferably yellow, as it’s sweet and caramelizes well. If you have shallots or red onions, they can work too, but adjust cooking times since their flavor differs slightly.
Hamburger Buns: Brioche or potato buns are great choices for their softness. If you want a healthier option, whole wheat or a gluten-free version can be used as well.
American Cheese: It melts beautifully, but you can swap it with cheddar or pepper jack for a different flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, try a vegan cheese instead.
Vegetable Oil: This helps with cooking the onions and burgers. You can also use olive oil for a healthier option, or even butter for extra flavor.
How Do You Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions takes patience but is well worth it for the flavor. The goal is to slowly cook them until they turn golden brown and sweet.
- Heat the skillet or griddle on medium heat.
- Add one tablespoon of vegetable oil and the sliced onions, then sprinkle a pinch of salt to help them soften.
- Cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re tender and caramelized.
- Remove them when they reach a deep golden color and set aside for the burgers.
Remember, don’t rush this step; it makes a big difference in the taste!
How to Make Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably brioche or potato)
- 4 slices of American cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Pickles
- Lettuce
- Tomato
- Ketchup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heating the Griddle:
Start by preheating a griddle or a large skillet over medium heat. This will ensure your patties cook evenly and your onions caramelize nicely.
2. Forming the Patties:
While the griddle heats up, divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a loose patty. Remember, don’t press them down too hard—keeping them loose will make them more tender!
3. Preparing the Onions:
In a bowl, toss the sliced onions with a pinch of salt. This little step helps draw out moisture, making them nice and soft when you cook them.
4. Cooking the Onions:
Once your griddle is hot, add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Next, toss in the sliced onions. Stir them often and cook for about 8-10 minutes until they’re soft and caramelized. When they’re done, remove them from the griddle and set them aside.
5. Cooking the Patties:
Add the remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil to the griddle. Place each beef patty onto the heated surface and generously season them with salt and pepper. Let them cook without touching them for about 2 minutes.
6. Flattens the Patties:
After 2 minutes, take a spatula and gently smash each patty down to flatten them. This helps create that delicious crispy edge! Cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re well-browned on one side.
7. Adding Onions and Cheese:
Now it’s time to flip the patties! Once flipped, immediately pile some of the cooked onions on top of each patty. If you’re using cheese, place a slice on top of the onions so it can melt beautifully.
8. Finishing the Burgers:
Cook the patties for another 2-3 minutes until they reach your preferred level of doneness and the cheese is all gooey and melted.
9. Toasting the Buns:
While the burgers are finishing up, take some time to toast your hamburger buns on the griddle until they’re warm and golden brown. This adds a nice crunch!
10. Assembling the Burgers:
Now it’s time to build your burgers! Place the patty with all its toppings on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Feel free to add any extra toppings you love, like pickles, lettuce, tomato, or ketchup before capping it with the top bun.
11. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers are ready to enjoy! Serve them up hot and tasty. Get ready for a delicious meal that everyone will love!
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can use ground turkey or chicken! Just note that the cooking time may vary slightly, and these meats generally have a milder flavor. It’s a good idea to add some additional seasoning to keep the burgers flavorful, like garlic powder or your favorite spices.
How Can I Adjust the Onion Amount?
If you’re not a big fan of onions, you can decrease the quantity to half a large onion or even skip them altogether. Alternatively, you could use caramelized shallots for a milder flavor or try adding onion powder to the beef patties instead!
What Is the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, it’s best to use the oven or skillet to keep them juicy, rather than the microwave, which can dry them out. You can also freeze the cooked patties for up to 3 months; just thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make These Burgers Without a Griddle?
Absolutely! You can cook these burgers in a regular frying pan or on a grill. Just make sure the heat is medium so that the burgers cook thoroughly without burning. Adjust the cooking times accordingly based on the cooking method you choose.
