Classic Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger
Savor the iconic Classic Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger: thin beef patties smashed with sweet onions, topped with melty American cheese, and served on toasted buns. A simple yet incredibly flavorful burger experience.
Equipment
- Mandoline slicer
- Large, heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle
- Sturdy spatula or burger press
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs 80/20 ground beef
- 2 large yellow onions very thinly sliced (mandoline recommended)
- 8 slices American cheese
- 4 soft potato or brioche hamburger buns
For Serving
- Dill pickle slices for serving (optional)
- Yellow mustard for serving (optional)
Other
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil or grapeseed oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Thinly slice both yellow onions using a mandoline slicer.
- Divide ground beef into four equal portions and loosely form into balls; season with salt and pepper.
Cooking
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat with oil until shimmering.
- Place two beef balls on the griddle, pile onions on top, and smash firmly with a spatula until very thin.
- Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to develop a dark brown crust.
- Scrape and flip the patties, then immediately place two slices of American cheese on each.
- Toast hamburger buns on the griddle for about 30 seconds to a minute until lightly golden, then remove.
- Continue cooking cheeseburgers for 1-2 minutes until cheese melts and patties are cooked through.
- Transfer patties to toasted buns, adding pickles and mustard if desired. Repeat for remaining burgers and serve immediately.
Notes
For the best fried onion adhesion, ensure your griddle is very hot and you smash the patties firmly to integrate the onions into the beef. Don't overcrowd the griddle; cook in batches if necessary to maintain heat and ensure proper crust development.