Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger

This savory burger is a true delight for the taste buds, featuring a juicy beef patty topped with a generous amount of crispy fried onions. The onions are not just any ordinary topping – they are pressed right into the patty as it cooks, creating a flavorful and perfectly caramelized crust.

Ingredients

1 pound 450g ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal for flavor and juiciness)
2 large onions thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slices of American cheese optional
4 hamburger buns
Butter for toasting the buns
Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions

Prep the Ingredients: Begin by thinly slicing the onions. The thinner they are, the better they will caramelize and meld with the burger. Season the ground beef with salt and pepper, and divide it into four equal portions, forming them into loose balls.
Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of vegetable oil to coat the bottom. Allow it to get hot, which will help in creating a nice sear on the burgers.
Cook the Onions: Place the thinly sliced onions in the skillet first, spreading them out into four separate piles. Then, place a ball of ground beef on top of each onion pile. Using a spatula, press down on each ball, flattening it into a patty and ensuring the onions are pressed into the ground beef. The idea is for the onions to cook and caramelize as the burger cooks, embedding into the patty itself.
Flip the Burgers: After about 3-4 minutes, or once the bottom of the burgers has developed a nice crust, carefully flip each burger. The onions should now be on the bottom, frying and sticking to the patty. Season the cooked side with a little more salt and pepper.
Add Cheese (Optional): If you’re using cheese, place a slice on each burger shortly after flipping. This allows the cheese to melt as the other side of the burger finishes cooking.
Toast the Buns: While the burgers are cooking, butter the insides of your hamburger buns and place them on the skillet or griddle to toast. This should only take a minute or two, so keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
Assemble the Burgers: Once the burgers are cooked to your liking and the cheese is melted, remove them from the skillet. Place each burger on a toasted bun and top with any additional toppings you might like, though traditionally, the focus is on the meat and onions.
Serve: Serve your Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers immediately while hot and juicy. Enjoy the melding of flavors between the savory beef, sweet and slightly charred onions, melted cheese, and the crisp buttered buns.