Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers are juicy beef patties topped with crispy fried onions. They bring a fun crunch to every bite, making them extra special.
These burgers are simple to make, and trust me, the fried onions make a massive difference! I like to add a slice of cheese for a gooey finish—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: An 80/20 blend is ideal for juicy burgers. You can use lean beef or even ground turkey for a healthier option, but they won’t be as juicy. I personally love sticking to beef for the best flavor.
Onions: The sweetness of a large onion adds great flavor. Yellow onions work best, but you can substitute with white or even sweet onions if you prefer. Just be cautious with sweet onions as they can caramelize faster.
Vegetable Oil: This oil is great for frying, but feel free to swap it out for olive oil or canola oil. I often use a blend of oils for deeper flavor, especially if I have some leftover bacon grease!
American Cheese: While this cheese melts perfectly, you can substitute with cheddar or pepper jack for a kick. People have different cheese preferences, so pick what you love best!
How Do I Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions is a key step that needs your patience and attention. Here’s how to get those beautiful, golden-brown onions:
- Start cooking onions over medium heat with a bit of oil, allowing them to soften first.
- Keep stirring gently every few minutes for even cooking. This prevents burning and encourages sweetness from the onions.
- Let them cook for about 10-15 minutes, adjusting the heat if they start to brown too quickly. You’ll know they’re done when they are deeply browned and soft!
How to Make Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend for juiciness)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably soft and lightly toasted)
- 4 slices American cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Pickles and mustard (for serving, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping your ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking the burgers and assembling them. It’s a fun and quick way to enjoy a classic meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Skillet:
Start by setting your skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Once it’s warm, pour in 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil so it can heat up nice and ready for cooking.
2. Prepare the Burger Patties:
While your skillet is heating, take the ground beef and divide it into four equal portions. With your hands, gently shape each portion into a loose patty, about 1/2 inch thick. Don’t forget to sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides for flavor!
3. Sauté the Onions:
Once the skillet is hot, add the sliced onions and sauté them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they start to get soft and fragrant. This will make your burgers even more delicious!
4. Add the Beef Patties:
Push the onions to one side of the skillet. Now, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil to the empty side and place the beef patties into the skillet. It’s time to make them sizzle!
5. Smash the Patties:
Using a spatula, press down on each patty to flatten them. This helps them cook evenly and mix with the onion flavors. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes on one side until nicely browned.
6. Flip and Melt the Cheese:
After about 3-4 minutes, it’s time to flip the patties! Carefully turn them over, mixing in the sautéed onions. If you’re adding cheese, place a slice on each patty now, then cover the skillet for a minute to help the cheese melt.
7. Finish Cooking:
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the beef is cooked through and the onions are beautifully caramelized. Make sure everything smells fantastic!
8. Toast the Buns:
While your patties are finishing up, toast the hamburger buns lightly on the skillet or in another pan until they are golden brown. This adds a nice crunch!
9. Assemble the Burgers:
Time to put it all together! Take the bottom half of a bun and place a patty with those tasty sautéed onions on it. If you like, add some pickles and mustard, then finish with the other half of the bun.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers are ready! Serve them hot and enjoy every delicious bite. They pair perfectly with fries or a simple side salad!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Beef for This Recipe?
While you can use leaner ground beef, it’s best to stick with an 80/20 blend for optimal juiciness and flavor. If you do use lean beef, consider adding a bit of oil or butter to the mix to keep the burgers moist during cooking.
What If I Don’t Have American Cheese?
No worries! You can substitute American cheese with other types like cheddar, Swiss, or provolone. Just slice it thin so it melts easily over the hot patties. If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan cheese alternative for a similar melt!
Can I Make the Onions Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can sauté the onions a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply reheat them in the skillet before adding the beef patties.
How to Store Leftover Burgers?
To store leftovers, wrap the burgers tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture or use a microwave if you’re in a hurry.
