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A delectable Oklahoma fried onion burger with melted cheese and pickles on a bun

Classic Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger

This classic Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger features thin patties smashed with onions, cooked on a hot griddle, and served on toasted buns with your favorite toppings. A simple yet incredibly flavorful burger experience.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound 80/20 ground beef
  • 1-2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 4 standard hamburger buns (potato buns recommended)
  • 4 slices American cheese optional
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
Optional Toppings
  • Pickles
  • mustard
  • ketchup

Equipment

  • Mandoline Slicer (optional)
  • Large cast-iron skillet or griddle
  • Sturdy spatula
  • Second spatula or heavy object (for smashing)

Method
 

Burger Preparation
  1. Thinly slice the peeled onions using a mandoline or sharp knife.
  2. Divide the ground beef into four 4-ounce balls and season generously with salt and pepper.
Cooking the Burgers
  1. Heat cooking oil in a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Place two beef balls on the griddle, pile a quarter of the onions on each, and smash them firmly together into thin patties.
  3. Cook for 2-3 minutes until a deep brown crust forms, then flip the burgers, add cheese (if using), and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  4. While burgers cook, lightly butter or oil buns and toast them until golden brown.
Assembly and Serving
  1. Place the cooked burgers on toasted buns and repeat the process for remaining patties.
  2. Add desired toppings like pickles, mustard, or ketchup and serve immediately.

Notes

For the best results, use a heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle to achieve a good sear on the burger. Don't overcrowd the pan; cook the burgers in batches if necessary. The key to a great fried onion burger is getting those onions beautifully caramelized and integrated into the patty.