Indulge in the delectable simplicity of an Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger – a culinary delight that combines two beef patties, smashed onto piles of fried onions, and crowned with cheese, all nestled between a toasted hamburger bun. This seemingly straightforward creation is an explosion of flavor, especially when generously adorned with homemade fry sauce. While you’re welcome to personalize your burger with favorite toppings, I urge you to experience the first bite unadorned for the true essence of this culinary masterpiece.
Unveiling the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger
The roots of the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger trace back to the Great Depression, a time when beef prices soared. To stretch the meat supply and infuse rich flavor, ingenious Oklahoma cooks introduced the concept of incorporating onions into the beef. Since then, the fried onion burger has become a culinary staple in the region and beyond.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Embark on this gastronomic journey with the following ingredients:
Onions: Opt for versatile yellow onions, balancing sweetness and pungency. Feel free to experiment with your favorite onion variety.
Ground Beef: Choose 80% lean, 20% fat (80/20) ground beef or ground chuck. Alternatively, explore leaner options like ground turkey, ground pork, or venison.
Seasonings: Elevate the ground beef’s taste with hamburger seasoning, seasoned salt, and garlic powder.
Cheese: While sharp cheddar cheese enhances the burger’s flavor, you have the flexibility to choose your preferred cheese or omit it altogether.
Fry Sauce: A versatile condiment that adds a delightful touch. Perfect not only for burgers but also for fries, chips, and homemade onion rings.
Hamburger Buns: Select your favorite toasted hamburger buns to complement the savory ensemble.
Can I Make These Burgers Ahead Of Time?
Prepare ahead by forming the beef patties, storing them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, or freezing for up to 3 months. The fry sauce can also be made in advance and refrigerated for 3-5 days. Cut the onions a day ahead and refrigerate them in a sealed container for convenience.
How To Store Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers
Once cooked, store these flavorful burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will maintain their deliciousness for 2-3 days.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion, halved, very thinly sliced
- 1 pound (454 g) ground beef
- 1 tablespoon hamburger seasoning
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 hamburger buns
- 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 recipe fry sauce
- Optional Toppings
- Tomato
- Lettuce
- Pickles
- Ketchup
- Mustard
Instructions
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook for about 5 minutes while preparing the hamburger patties.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, hamburger seasoning, seasoned salt, and garlic powder. Shape into four patties, about 5 inches in diameter.
- Arrange cooked onions into four piles and top each with a ground beef patty. Press and flatten the patties into the onions.
- Cook patties for 4-5 minutes per side until desired doneness is reached, placing a slice of cheddar cheese on each patty just before removing from heat.
- While burgers are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a separate pan or oven.
- Spread fry sauce on the bottom halves of the hamburger buns and top with two cheeseburger patties.
- Serve with lettuce, tomato, hamburger pickles, ketchup, and mustard for garnish.
Experience the symphony of flavors in each bite of these homemade Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers – a culinary journey that brings together simplicity and gastronomic delight.
