Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers !!!

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Onions

Start by thinly slicing your onion. The onions will be mixed directly into the beef patty, so the thinner you slice them, the better they’ll cook and crisp up. Set the onions aside while you prepare the beef.

Step 2: Mix the Beef and Onions

In a large bowl, take the ground beef and season it with a pinch of salt and pepper. Then, add the sliced onions to the beef mixture. Gently mix the beef and onions together. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as it can become tough. The goal is to incorporate the onions evenly into the beef without compacting the mixture too much.

Step 3: Form the Patties

Divide the beef and onion mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties. Make sure the patties are slightly larger than your buns, as they will shrink while cooking. Press a small dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to help it cook evenly and prevent puffing up during grilling.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. If you’re grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil or butter to the skillet or griddle to prevent sticking. When hot, add the patties to the pan or grill.

Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare to medium burgers, or longer if you prefer them more well-done. As the patties cook, the onions inside will caramelize and crisp up, creating a savory, crunchy texture.

If you’re adding cheese, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty in the last minute of cooking and cover the pan to melt it. Alternatively, you can melt the cheese directly on the grill by placing the buns over the patties during the last minute of cooking.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

While the patties are cooking, slice your buns and lightly butter the cut sides. Place them on the grill or in a separate skillet to toast them until golden brown. This adds an extra layer of flavor and texture to your burgers.

Step 6: Assemble the Burgers

Once the patties are cooked and the buns are toasted, it’s time to assemble your Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers. Place each patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun. From here, you can add your favorite toppings. A classic combination might include pickles, a few slices of tomato, and a few leaves of lettuce. For extra flavor, you can also add some ketchup or mustard, or even barbecue sauce for a smoky touch.

Top with the other half of the bun, and you’re ready to enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers

• Choose the right beef: For juicy, flavorful burgers, choose beef that’s around 80% lean. Leaner beef can result in dry burgers, while fattier beef may lead to excessive grease. The 80/20 ratio is a good balance for moisture and flavor.
• Don’t overmix: When mixing the onions with the beef, be gentle. Overworking the mixture can result in tough burgers, so mix just enough to distribute the onions evenly.
• Grill or skillet?: You can cook the patties on a griddle, cast iron skillet, or grill. Each method works great, but a cast iron skillet or griddle will give you the crispy, caramelized edges that are signature to these burgers.
• Customize the toppings: While this burger is delicious as is, you can get creative with toppings. Try adding cheese (American, cheddar, or Swiss), avocado slices, or fried eggs for an extra layer of indulgence. You can also swap the lettuce and tomato for more adventurous toppings like jalapeños or grilled mushrooms.
• Serving suggestions: Serve your Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers with a side of crispy fries, onion rings, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
• Freezing patties: If you want to make these burgers ahead of time, you can freeze the patties. Place uncooked patties on a parchment-lined tray and freeze them for about 30 minutes before transferring them to a resealable bag or container. When you’re ready to cook, you can grill or fry them straight from the freezer—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.

Why You’ll Love Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers

• Incredible flavor: The sweet, savory onions mixed into the beef give these burgers a unique and irresistible flavor. Every bite has a perfect balance of juicy beef and crispy onion goodness.
• Easy to make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, these burgers are easy to whip up for a casual dinner or a weekend cookout.
• Texture contrast: The crispy onions inside the patty provide a wonderful contrast to the tender beef, creating a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Customizable: From the type of cheese to the sauce or toppings, you can tailor these burgers to your tastes, making them as simple or as gourmet as you like.

Conclusion

Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers are a delicious and creative twist on the classic burger. The fried onions that are cooked right into the patty bring a unique flavor and texture that elevates this dish above your average burger. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or making a quick dinner, this recipe is sure to impress with its savory, crispy onions and juicy, tender beef. Simple, flavorful, and always a hit—Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers are the burger experience you’ve been waiting for!

So next time you’re firing up the grill or making dinner at home, give these burgers a try. With just a few ingredients and a bit of frying magic, you’ll have a burger that’s juicy, flavorful, and absolutely unforgettable.