Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers (Printer-Friendly Version)
Juicy beef, golden onions, melty cheddar, and crisp pickles make this American favorite irresistible.
# Ingredients Needed:
→ Burger Patties
01 -
1.5 pounds ground beef, 80% lean
02 -
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
03 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
04 -
0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
→ Fried Onions
05 -
2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
06 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
→ Assembly
07 -
5 hamburger buns
08 -
5 slices cheddar cheese
09 -
Zesty pickles, optional
10 -
Additional toppings of choice, optional
# Step-by-Step Directions:
01 -
Place ground beef in a mixing bowl. Add garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix with hands until seasonings are evenly incorporated.
02 -
Thinly slice onions and set aside.
03 -
Melt unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 5 small piles of sliced onion to the pan, spacing them evenly.
04 -
Form meat mixture into 5 equal balls. Place one ball of beef directly atop each onion pile. Using a spatula, press each ball firmly to flatten into a patty, ensuring the onions are pressed into the meat.
05 -
Cook patties onion-side down until onions are golden and beginning to crisp, about 6 minutes. Flip and continue cooking to preferred doneness, 2–4 minutes longer.
06 -
Arrange a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each hamburger bun. Place finished burger patty with onions atop the cheese.
07 -
Top with pickles and preferred condiments, then cap with top bun and serve immediately.
# Helpful Hints:
01 -
For maximum onion flavor, use sweet yellow or Vidalia onions. Chilling the patties briefly before frying helps retain juiciness.