These Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers are juicy beef patties topped with crispy fried onions. The combination of flavors will make your taste buds sing! They’re fun and packed with a crunch.
Who doesn’t love biting into a burger and getting that awesome onion crunch? I often whip these up for a weekend treat. Pair them with some fries, and you’ve got a meal to enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using an 80/20 blend gives a juicy burger perfect for frying. If you’re looking for a leaner option, try a 90/10 blend, but expect some loss of juiciness. For a healthier choice, ground turkey or chicken works well too but adjust cooking time accordingly.
Onions: Large yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing since they have the right balance of sweetness. If you’ve got red onions on hand, those can add a different flavor profile. Sweet onions like Vidalia are also great for their natural sweetness.
Cheese: American cheese melts beautifully and is traditional for these burgers. For a twist, try Pepper Jack for some heat, or Swiss if you prefer something milder. You can also skip the cheese entirely for a lighter burger.
Buns: While classic hamburger buns are perfect, you can switch things up with brioche or whole grain buns for added flavor. Gluten-free buns are great if you’re avoiding gluten.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is a key technique to building flavors in these burgers. The goal is to enhance their sweetness with slow cooking. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with medium heat to allow the onions to cook without burning. Add oil or butter for flavor.
- Stir occasionally, about every 5 minutes, until they become soft and golden brown, which takes around 10-15 minutes.
- Don’t rush it! Cooking them slowly is essential for coaxing out that delicious sweetness.
Once done, set them aside to keep warm while you cook the burgers for maximum flavor infusion in each bite!
How to Make Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices of American cheese (optional)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil or butter
For Serving:
- Pickles
- Ketchup
- Mustard
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 10-15 minutes cooking the onions and then around 15 minutes cooking the burgers and assembling the sandwiches. It’s a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Onions:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook them until they’re soft and nicely caramelized, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Remember to stir them occasionally so they cook evenly. When they’re golden and sweet, set them aside in a bowl.
2. Form the Patties:
While your onions are cooking, grab the ground beef and divide it into four equal portions. Gently shape each portion into a patty. It’s a good idea to make a small indentation in the center of each patty; this helps the burgers cook evenly and not puff up. Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper. You’re doing great!
3. Cook the Burgers:
Using the same skillet where you cooked the onions (this adds extra flavor!), pour in another tablespoon of vegetable oil or butter and turn the heat up to medium-high. Place your beef patties in the skillet and immediately pile the caramelized onions on top, pressing them down slightly. Cook the burgers for about 3-4 minutes on one side until you see a nice crust forming.
4. Flip the Burgers:
After they’ve got that lovely crust, carefully flip each burger over, making sure the onions stay on top. Cook for another 3 minutes. If you’re using cheese, place a slice on each burger during the last minute of cooking and cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt beautifully.
5. Toast the Buns:
While your burgers are cooking to perfection, take the hamburger buns and toast them in the same skillet cut side down. Just a minute or two should be enough to make them golden and slightly crispy—yum!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Once the burgers are nicely cooked through, assemble your masterpiece! Place each patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Add any fixings you love, such as pickles, ketchup, and mustard. Top it with the other half of the bun.
7. Serve:
And there you have it—delicious Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers! Enjoy them hot and feel free to serve with sides like fries or a salad. Dig in and savor every bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! If you’re not keen on American cheese, consider using cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack for extra flavor. Just make sure to add it during the last minute of cooking to allow it to melt perfectly!
How Can I Adjust the Onion Amount?
If you’re not a big fan of onions, you can reduce the amount to one or even omit them entirely. However, keep in mind that the signature flavor of Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers comes from the caramelized onions, so consider adding a small amount to still capture that essence.
Can I Prepare the Patties Ahead of Time?
Definitely! You can shape the patties a day in advance and store them in the fridge, separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. Just remember to bring them to room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking for more even cooking results.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. If you want to keep the buns toasty, try reheating them in the toaster or on the stove for that fresh-out-of-the-skillet feeling!
