Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers are juicy and packed with flavor! They feature a delicious beef patty topped with crispy, golden onions that add a great crunch. Yum!
These burgers are perfect for a fun cookout. I love how the onions get all caramelized and sweet while grilling. It’s like a tasty party for your mouth! 🍔😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer leaner meat, go for 90/10, but it may be drier. For a fun twist, you could use ground turkey or chicken, just watch the cooking time!
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for caramelizing because they bring out sweetness. If you have red onions, those work too, but they’ll give a slightly different flavor. You could also try shallots for a mild taste!
Buns: Any type of hamburger bun can work, but I like using brioche for its buttery richness. If you need a lower-carb option, consider lettuce wraps instead of buns.
Cheese: American cheese melts beautifully, but cheddar offers a sharper flavor. You could substitute with Swiss or pepper jack for a kick!
How Can I Properly Caramelize Onions?
Carmelizing onions takes patience, but the result is worth it! Start with medium heat to prevent burning. Here’s how to nail it:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet.
- Add the sliced onions and stir frequently.
- Season with a little salt; this helps draw out moisture.
- Cook for about 15-20 minutes until golden brown. Lower heat if they start to burn.
Keep an eye on them; the longer you cook, the sweeter they become. I sometimes add a touch of sugar or vinegar to enhance the sweetness!
How to Make Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices of cheese (American or cheddar)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Pickles
- Mustard
- Ketchup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 15-20 minutes caramelizing the onions and the rest on making the patties and cooking everything together. It’s quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Onions:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook them for about 15-20 minutes, stirring often until they are golden brown and caramelized. Don’t forget to sprinkle a little salt and pepper while they cook. Once caramelized, remove the onions from the skillet and set them aside.
2. Forming the Patties:
While your onions are cooking, it’s time to prepare the burger patties! Take the ground beef and divide it into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a thin patty, making them a bit larger than your hamburger buns to account for shrinkage while cooking.
3. Cooking the Burgers:
Now, let’s cook those burgers! Using the same skillet where you cooked the onions, add the remaining tablespoon of oil and turn the heat up to medium-high. Once the oil is hot, place the beef patties into the skillet. Season your patties with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until you see a nice crust forming on the bottom.
4. Adding the Onions:
Quickly flip the patties over and top each one with the caramelized onions. Press the onions down gently with a spatula so they stick to the burgers. Cook them for another 2-3 minutes, or until they reach your desired doneness.
5. Adding Cheese:
If you love cheese on your burgers, now’s the time! Place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking to let it melt beautifully.
6. Toasting the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, you can toast your hamburger buns in another skillet until they’re golden brown. This adds extra flavor and crunch to your burgers!
7. Assembling the Burgers:
It’s assembly time! Place each burger with the melted cheese and onions on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Add any extra toppings you like, such as pickles, mustard, or ketchup. Then, top it off with the other half of the bun.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately with your favorite sides like fries or a fresh salad. Delicious!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative! Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner than beef, so you might want to add a little oil or moisture to prevent the patties from drying out while cooking. Adjust the seasoning to your taste as well.
What If I Don’t Have Vegetable Oil?
No worries! You can use any neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil. If you prefer a little more flavor, olive oil will also work well, especially for cooking the onions. Just make sure to keep an eye on the heat, as olive oil has a lower smoke point.
Can I Make the Patties in Advance?
Absolutely! You can form the patties ahead of time and keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. For longer storage, wrap them tightly and freeze them for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Burgers?
To store leftovers, wrap the cooked burgers in foil or place them in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days. For reheating, you can warm them in a skillet or microwave until heated through. If you have any left over caramelized onions, they’ll keep well in the fridge too!
