Crispy and Juicy Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers: A Classic American Delight

Delight your taste buds with the irresistible flavors of Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers. This classic American dish originated in the 1920s in Oklahoma, where onions were added to the ground beef patties to create a flavorful and juicy burger. Today, it remains a beloved comfort food enjoyed by burger enthusiasts everywhere. In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make these delicious burgers at home, complete with crispy caramelized onions and gooey American cheese. Get ready to elevate your burger game to a whole new level!

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4-8 slices American cheese
• Mayo, mustard, and pickles, for serving
• 4 hamburger buns, toasted

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Onions: Place the thinly sliced onions in a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Form the Patties: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties. Season both sides of the patties with salt and pepper.
3. Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, heat the butter and vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned onions to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and caramelized, about 15-20 minutes. Remove the onions from the skillet and set aside.
4. Cook the Patties: In the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the beef patties to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness.
5. Add Cheese: Place 1-2 slices of American cheese on each burger patty during the last minute of cooking, allowing the cheese to melt and become gooey.
6. Assemble the Burgers: Spread mayo and mustard on the bottom half of each toasted hamburger bun. Place a cheesy beef patty on top, followed by a generous helping of caramelized onions. Add pickles if desired, then cover with the top half of the bun.
7. Serve: Serve the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers immediately, accompanied by your favorite sides such as fries or coleslaw.

Cook Notes and Variations:

• Onion Thickness: For the best texture and flavor, thinly slice the onions. They will caramelize evenly and add a sweet and savory element to the burgers.
• Cheese Options: While American cheese is the traditional choice for Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties such as cheddar, Swiss, or pepper jack.
• Bun Variations: You can use any type of bun you prefer for this recipe, including sesame seed buns, brioche buns, or whole wheat buns.

Keto and Low-Carb Version:

For a keto-friendly or low-carb version of this recipe, you can make the following adjustments:

• Bun Substitute: Serve the burger patties and caramelized onions over a bed of lettuce or wrapped in large lettuce leaves instead of using hamburger buns.
• Condiment Choices: Opt for sugar-free mayo and mustard to reduce the carb content of the burgers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I use pre-sliced onions instead of slicing them myself? A: Yes, pre-sliced onions can be used to save time. Look for them in the produce section of your grocery store.

Q: Can I cook the burgers on a grill instead of a skillet? A: Absolutely! Grilling the burgers will impart a delicious smoky flavor. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired level of doneness.

Q: Are there any vegetarian options for this recipe? A: While the traditional Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers are made with ground beef, you can create a vegetarian version using plant-based ground meat substitutes available in most grocery stores.

Experience the nostalgia of classic American diner fare with our mouthwatering Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers recipe. These juicy beef patties, smothered in caramelized onions and melted cheese, are sure to satisfy your burger cravings and leave you longing for more. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or simply craving a hearty meal, these burgers are a crowd-pleaser that will never disappoint. Give them a try and prepare to be transported to burger bliss!