When it comes to classic American cuisine, the burger holds a revered spot in our culinary hearts. Among the many regional variations, the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger stands out for its unique preparation and exceptional flavor. This burger, characterized by its thinly sliced onions pressed into the beef patty as it cooks, offers a perfect blend of savory beef and sweet caramelized onions. Let’s delve into the history, preparation, and serving suggestions for this iconic dish.
The Origins of the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger
The Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger traces its roots back to the Great Depression. During this challenging economic period, cooks in Oklahoma found a creative way to stretch their beef supply by adding a generous amount of onions to their burgers. This not only helped to bulk up the patties but also added a delicious sweetness and moisture that enhanced the overall flavor. The technique quickly became popular, and the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger was born.
Ingredients and Equipment
Before we get into the step-by-step instructions, let’s gather the necessary ingredients and equipment for making Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. 80/20 ground beef
- 1 medium onion, very thinly sliced
- Salt and black pepper
- 4 slices American cheese (optional, but recommended)
- 2 hamburger buns (or 4 buns for single patty burgers)
- Yellow mustard and dill pickles (optional)
Equipment:
- Burger smasher or stiff spatula
- Griddle or large skillet
Instructions
Preparing the Onions and Beef
- Preheat the Cooking Surface: Preheat your griddle or large skillet on medium-high until the cooking surface reaches about 400-425℉. This high heat is crucial for achieving a good sear on the burger and caramelizing the onions.
- Slice the Onions: Using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, slice a medium onion very thinly. The thin slices will cook quickly and integrate well into the burger patty.
- Portion the Beef: Separate the ground beef into four equally-sized portions and roll each into a ball. Each beef ball should weigh approximately 4 ounces. This ensures that the burgers cook evenly and maintain a consistent size.
Cooking the Burgers
- Place the Beef on the Grill: Place the ground beef balls on the preheated flat top grill or in the cast iron skillet. Immediately top each beef ball with a large handful of the thinly sliced onions. Sprinkle each pile with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Smash the Burgers: Using a stiff spatula or a burger press, smash the ground beef balls down on the cooking surface until they are about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick. Pressing the onions into the beef helps them caramelize and infuse their flavor into the patty.
- Cook the First Side: Allow the onion burgers to cook untouched for about 3 minutes, or until the outside edges of the onions are lightly browned. This step is essential for developing a crispy exterior and a deep, rich flavor.
- Flip the Burgers: Carefully flip the onion burgers so that the onions are now in contact with the cooking surface. Immediately after flipping, top each patty with a slice of American cheese if desired. The heat from the patty will melt the cheese, creating a deliciously gooey topping.
- Steam the Buns: Stack the top and bottom bun, cut side down, on top of each patty as they cook. This allows the buns to steam in the burger fat and moisture from the onions, making them soft and flavorful.
- Finish Cooking: Continue to cook the fried onion burgers until they are cooked through, about another 2-3 minutes. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your patties and the heat of your grill or skillet.
Serving the Burgers
- Assemble the Burgers: Build your Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger with one or two patties, depending on your preference. Top with yellow mustard and dill pickles or your favorite burger toppings. The traditional choice is mustard and pickles, which complement the sweet onions and savory beef perfectly.
Tips for Perfect Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers
- Use the Right Beef: Opt for 80/20 ground beef, which has the ideal fat content for juicy, flavorful burgers. Leaner beef will result in a drier patty.
- Thinly Slice the Onions: Ensure that your onions are sliced very thinly. This allows them to cook quickly and meld seamlessly with the beef.
- High Heat: Preheat your cooking surface to medium-high. The high heat is essential for achieving a good sear on the beef and caramelizing the onions.
- Press Firmly: When smashing the burgers, press firmly to ensure the onions are well integrated into the beef. This step is crucial for the distinctive texture and flavor of the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the cooking surface. This ensures that the burgers cook evenly and develop a proper sear.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
Variations:
- Cheese Options: While American cheese is the classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack.
- Additional Toppings: Add a variety of toppings to suit your taste. Consider lettuce, tomato, pickled jalapenos, or avocado slices for added flavor and texture.
- Sauces: Enhance your burger with different sauces like barbecue sauce, sriracha mayo, or aioli.
Serving Suggestions:
- Fries: Serve your Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers with a side of crispy French fries or sweet potato fries.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the rich, savory flavors of the burger.
- Pickles: Offer a variety of pickles, such as dill spears, bread and butter chips, or spicy pickles, to complement the burger.
- Beverages: Pair your burger with a cold beer, a classic soda, or a homemade lemonade for a perfect meal.
The Appeal of the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger
The Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger is beloved for its simplicity and rich, satisfying flavor. The technique of pressing onions into the beef patty creates a unique texture and taste that sets it apart from other burgers. The caramelized onions add a sweet, savory element that pairs beautifully with the juicy beef and melted cheese.
This burger is also incredibly versatile, allowing for endless customization. Whether you prefer a single or double patty, cheese or no cheese, or a variety of toppings, the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger can be tailored to your liking.
Conclusion
The Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger is a delicious and historic American classic that continues to win hearts with its flavorful and straightforward preparation. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a weekend barbecue, or a game day treat, this burger offers a delightful blend of savory beef and sweet onions that is sure to please any crowd.
By following the steps outlined above and paying attention to a few key details, you can recreate this iconic dish in your own kitchen. So fire up your griddle or skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy one of the tastiest burgers around. Bon appétit!
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Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers: A Delicious Tribute to Classic American Burgers
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Description
Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers are a regional specialty known for their unique preparation method. Thinly sliced onions are pressed into the beef patties while cooking, creating a flavorful, caramelized crust. These burgers are juicy, savory, and full of oniony goodness, typically served on soft buns with simple toppings.
Ingredients
Equipment
burger smasher or stiff spatula
Ingredients
1 lb. 80/20 ground beef
1 medium onion very thinly sliced
salt and black pepper
4 slices American cheese optional, but recommended
2 hamburger buns or 4 buns for single patty burgers
yellow mustard and dill pickles optional
Instructions
Preheat your griddle or a large skillet on medium-high, until the cooking surface reaches about 400-425℉.
Separate the ground beef into 4 equally-sized portions, and roll into balls. Each ground beef ball should be about 4 oz in weight.
Place the ground beef balls on the preheated flat top grill or in the cast iron skillet. Top each beef ball with a large handful of sliced onions. Sprinkle salt and black pepper on each pile.
Use a stiff spatula or a burger press to smash the ground beef balls down on the cooking surface, until about 1/4 – 1/3″ thick. Allow the onion burgers to cook untouched until the outside edges of the sliced onions are lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
Flip the onion burgers to the second side, so that the sliced onions are now in contact with the cooking surface. Immediately after flipping, top each burger patty with a slice of American cheese (if using).
Stack the top and bottom bun, cut side down, on top of each patty as they cook. This allows the buns to steam in the burger fat and moisture from the onions.
Continue to cook the fried onion burgers until cooked through, about another 2-3 minutes.
Build your Oklahoma Onion Burger with one or two patties. Top with yellow mustard and pickle or your favorite burger toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg