Oklahoma Onion Burger

The Oklahoma onion burger is a mouthwatering classic that originated during the Great Depression. By using larger amounts of onions they were able to decrease the amount of ground beef used per patty and save their resources for other meals. This burger combines savory beef and caramelized onions to create a deliciously simple yet satisfying meal. We toasted our buns and added a slice of pepper jack cheese to our burgers. Add the toppings of your choice and you have a delicious easy meal.

 

Follow this simple but delicious recipe to prepare the perfect Oklahoma onion burger at home.

 

Ingredients

  • 1 pound of ground beef (80/20 blend is ideal)
  • 1 large onion (yellow or sweet), thinly sliced
  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 1 Tablespoon of oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices of cheese (optional)
  • Condiments: ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise (optional)
  • Toppings: pickles, lettuce, tomato (optional)

 

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Onions and the Beef Patties

    • Thinly slice the onions using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer. Aim for very thin slices to ensure they cook evenly.
    • Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape them into balls. We used a kitchen scale to weigh our balls to ensure they were the same size. Season the beef with salt and pepper.

  2. Cook the Onions and Patties

    • Heat a large cast-iron skillet, griddle or Blackstone to medium-high heat and add the oil. We placed each ball on the Blackstone and used a burger press to flatten the patties. If you are cooking them in a skillet you can flatten them before you put them in the skillet. You will want your patties to be slightly larger than your hamburger buns because they will shrink a little during cooking.
    • Place 1/4 of the sliced onions on top of each patty. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the beef is well-browned on one side.
    • Flip each patty, so the onions are on bottom, this allows the onions to caramelize. Add your slice of cheese to the top of the burger. Cover the your burgers with a lid to help the cheese melt and finish cooking the beef. This should take about 3-5 minutes or until they reach the temperature of 160 degrees for well done burgers or your desired level of doneness.

  3. Toast the Buns

    • While the patties are finishing, lightly toast the hamburger buns on the Blackstone, a separate skillet or in the oven until lightly toasted.

  4. Assemble the Burgers, Serve and Enjoy

    • Spread your choice of condiments on the bottom half of each bun. Place the cooked patty with onions on top, followed by any additional toppings like pickles, lettuce, or tomato. Finish with the top bun.
    • Serve the Oklahoma onion burgers hot with your favorite side dishes, such as fries or a simple salad.

 

Enjoy your homemade Oklahoma onion burgers, a taste of culinary history that continues to delight with its simplicity and flavor!