The Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger
The Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger is a unique and flavorful regional specialty that originated in Oklahoma, United States. It’s a delicious and simple burger variation known for its caramelized and crispy fried onion topping that’s cooked directly into the patty. The concept behind this burger was born during the Great Depression when meat was scarce, and cooks found creative ways to stretch ground beef. Here’s a basic recipe for making Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers:
Ingredients: For the burger patties: 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is recommended) Salt and pepper to taste For the onion topping: 1 large onion, thinly sliced Salt and pepper to taste Vegetable oil or butter for cooking To assemble: Hamburger buns Cheese slices (optional) Condiments of your choice (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, etc.) Lettuce, tomato, and other toppings (optional) Instructions: Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. While the skillet is heating, divide the ground beef into equal portions and shape them into thin patties. Season each patty with salt and pepper. Place the patties on the hot skillet and press them down gently using a spatula.
Allow them to cook for a couple of minutes until they develop a crust on the bottom. While the patties are cooking, in a separate skillet, heat a small amount of vegetable oil or butter over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and caramelized. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This process may take about 10-15 minutes. Once the onions are caramelized, push them together on the skillet to form onion piles that match the size of your burger patties. Carefully flip the burger patties, cooked side up, onto the onion piles. Press the patties down with the spatula to embed the onions into the meat.
If using cheese, place a cheese slice on each patty. Cover the skillet with a lid or a heatproof bowl to allow the cheese to melt and the burgers to finish cooking to your desired level of doneness. Toast the hamburger buns on the skillet or griddle until they are lightly browned. Assemble the burgers by placing the onion-topped patties on the bottom buns. Add your desired condiments, lettuce, tomato, and any other toppings you like. Place the top buns on the burgers and serve immediately. The Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger is a delightful twist on the classic hamburger, offering a rich and savory flavor with the addition of caramelized onions cooked into the patty. Enjoy this regional favorite as a tasty and satisfying meal!