Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers

Burgers… do you have a favorite way to top or dress them up? I personally prefer my burgers with cheese. It adds to the richness and well, cheese makes everything better in my book. Apparently in Oklahoma, burgers with onions is very popular. I’ve never been to Oklahoma but to get a taste of their burgers, I found this recipe for Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers. These burgers have caramelized onions formed right into the patty, making it especially delicious, flavorful and juicy. Of course, with a slice of cheese, it’s fully complete and a great way to enjoy a burger…

If you’re a caramelized onion fan, these are the burgers for you. There is a technique to these burgers. For the onions, it’s key to thinly slice them, salt them and let the excess water from the onions draw out. The result is dry onions that will adhere to the patty well and they’ll caramelize perfectly too. It’s definitely worth the time to take that step so don’t skip it! Also, these are burgers made on the stovetop – grilling these may not do so well.

1 large onion, halved and sliced 1/8 inch thick
all purpose steak seasoning (or salt & pepper to taste)
1 pound 80 percent lean ground beef  
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 tsp vegetable oil
4 slices of cheddar cheese
4 hamburger or pretzel buns, buttered and toasted

Combine onion and 1 teaspoon salt in a bowl and toss to combine; transfer to a colander and let sit for 30 minutes, tossing occasionally.  Using tongs, transfer onions to clean dish towel, gather edges and squeeze onion dry.  Season with 1/2 tsp pepper.

Divide onion mixture into 4 separate mounds on a rimmed baking sheet.  Portion beef into 4 lightly packed balls and season with steak seasoning (or salt and pepper). Place beef balls on top of onion mounds and flatten beef firmly so that the onion adheres and patties measure 4 inches in diameter.

Melt butter with oil in a  12-inch skillet over medium heat. Using spatula, transfer patties to skillet, onion side down, and cook until onion is deep golden brown and beginning to crisp around the edges,  6-8 minutes. Flip burgers, increase their heat to high and cook until well browned on the 2nd side, about 2 minutes.  Place 1 slice of cheese on each bottom bun.  Place burgers on buns, add desired toppings and serve.