Different states in the US have adopted the classic hamburger in their unique styles. The avocado burger is hugely popular in California, while a Texas barbeque is incomplete without Spicy Texas-style burgers. Michigan boasts the classic olive burger, while onion burgers are loved in Oklahoma. Let’s discuss Oklahoma’s classic and much-loved onion burgers in this blog.
Oklahomans have enjoyed succulent onion burgers for almost one century. Onion burgers were created to deal with the high price of beef during the twenties. People were finding ways to feed their families while keeping costs less. The burger costs less by piling onions onto the burger patty but fills you up the same. It also tastes delicious as it’s packed with flavor.
Let’s look at some great onion burger recipes that are quick and easy to make at home.
Oklahoma Style Onion Burgers
These classic burgers require a total time of 10 minutes and serve two. Each burger contains 473 calories.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil – one-fourth teaspoon
- Fresh ground beef – Five ounces
- Salt and black pepper
- I cup sliced onions (thinly slice one medium-sized onion)
- American Cheese – two slices
- burger buns -2
- Pickles, mustard, and fresh veggies, if desired
Steps
- Start by forming the patties. Take the beef and make two round balls gently with your palms.
- Take a large cast-iron skillet and pour some vegetable oil. Let the oil heat up. Once heated, place the round beef balls on the skillet. Take a spatula and flatten the balls into a patty shape.
- Sprinkle the top of the patty with salt and pepper generously.
- Next, take your sliced onions and place them on the beef patties. Press the onions down on the patties to embed the onions onto the meat.
- Cook the burgers until they are well browned. This will take about two minutes.
- Flip the burgers over with the spatula, scraping any excess meat stuck on the pan. Keep cooking the patties while the onions also start to soften.
- Place a slice of cheese on each patty and allow it to melt.
- As your patty cooks and the onions cook, slice the buns in half and place them on the skillet. Let the buns absorb the onion vapors and get warmed thoroughly.
- Once the buns are soft, place them on a plate. Apply mustard on the base bun. Add condiments of choice, such as pickles or fresh vegetables. Lift the onion and patty mixture and place it on the bun. Cover the burger with a top bun and serve immediately.
Fried Onion Burger
This recipe requires one hour of prep and cook time and makes four servings.
Ingredients
- French onion dip – half cup
- Yellow mustard – one to two teaspoons
- Worcestershire sauce – two teaspoons
- large white or yellow onions – sliced thinly
- Salt
- Ground beef – one pound
- Butter – four tablespoons
- Ground Pepper
- Burger Buns – four
- Cheddar cheese slices -four
- Pickles
Steps
- Start by making the sauce. Put the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and onion dip in a bowl and whisk together. Place in the fridge until ready to use.
- Take a large bowl and place a colander over it. Put the onions over the colander and sprinkle with salt. Leave the onions for thirty to forty-five minutes until the moisture drains.
- Place the onions over a dry cloth and press to absorb any remaining moisture. Put aside.
- Place the ground beef on a tray and form four balls with your palms.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet on the stove. Put some butter and let it melt. Place the meat balls on the skillet and flatten them into a patty shape with a spatula.
- Heap the sliced raw onions over each patty and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- When the underside of the patty turns brown, carefully flip the patties over so the onions are on the underside of the patty. Cook for three more minutes with the onions on the underside of the patty.
- As the onions and patty cook, place the sliced buns over the patty. The steam will flavor the buns.
- Remove the buns and place a cheese slice on top of every patty. Keep cooking until the cheese melts.
- Place the bottom bin on the patty and carefully (with the help of a spatula) flip the patty on the bun. Place on a plate. Do the same with all the burgers. The caramelized onions should be piled on each patty.
- Spread the dip prepared earlier on the top bun and form the burger.
- Serve immediately.
Useful Tips
- Wondering which onions are best to make onion burgers? You can use any variety except purple onions. Vidalia onions are a great option, and so are sweet onions.
- Adding salt to the onions draws out the onions’ moisture. This lets the onions crisp quicker when they are cooked.
- When you top the patty with onions, smother the patty completely. Put so many onions that you cant see the patty. Also, slice your onions as thinly as you can.
- Before you flip the onions, sprinkle them with seasoning. You can add any mild seasoning you like. This will boost the onions’ flavor.
- First, you must smash the burger patty on the cast-iron skillet to make onion burgers. Place a ball of ground beef on the pan and then smash it into a flat patty shape. Once you smash the burgers, you need to quickly add the onions and smash them onto the meat. This needs to be done in less than 10 seconds of placing the patty.
- Remember to add at least half an onion to each patty. Don’t worry; it’s not too much; the onions shrink as they cook.
Our Final Thoughts
Onion burgers are classic and hugely popular in Oklahoma. Created during the great depression, these burgers were meant to fill you up while keeping costs low. As onions were cheap and the meat was expensive, the combination of onion burgers worked. Want to taste Oklahoma’s classic burger while sitting at home? Try out the onion burger recipe discussed above. These burgers are quick and easy to prepare and make a delicious, wholesome meal for the whole family to enjoy.
