Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients
2. Substitutions and Additions
3. How to Make Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger
4. How To Serve an Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger
5. Why You'll Love This Best Onion Burger Recipe
6. Recipe FAQ
7. Serving FAQ
8. Storage FAQ
9. More Recipes You'll Love
10. JUMP TO RECIPE

Bring diner magic home with this juicy oklahoma fried onion burgers recipe! Thin beef patties sear into sweet, golden onions. Gooey cheese melts perfectly over the crispy edges for the ultimate bite. Make this easy burger at home for a fast, mouthwatering dinner everyone will love.

This recipe is easy to make with step-by-step photos and clear directions. Follow our pro tips and tricks for perfect burgers. Check out the most frequently asked questions and answers to help you make them like a pro.

You can have these juicy Oklahoma hamburgers on the table in just forty minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Sweet caramelized onions, crispy beef edges, and melted cheese pack every bite with rich, mouthwatering flavor.

These burgers taste just like an old-school diner classic but even better when made fresh at home. Serve them at family dinners, backyard cookouts, or weekend parties for a crowd-pleasing meal everyone will love.

What you'll need to make this Oklahoma onion burger recipe::

For The Hamburger:

• ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil
• 1 yellow onion, sliced into thin-cut half-moon shapes
• 1 pound of lean ground beef
• Hamburger buns
• Sliced American cheese
• Salt and pepper
• Cooked bacon, optional
• Pickle chips, optional

For The Secret Burger Sauce:

• ¼ cup of mayonnaise
• ⅛ cup of ketchup
• ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder
• ⅛ teaspoon of ground red pepper 
• ⅛ teaspoon of kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon of yellow mustard
• ½ teaspoon of dill pickle juice
• ⅛ teaspoon of ground black pepper

• Ground beef: Swap ground beef for lamb or venison if you want a different twist on these onion burgers.
• Sliced American cheese: Skip American cheese and grab cheddar slices if you prefer a sharper, richer flavor.
• Bacon: Crispy fried bacon makes these Oklahoma burgers even more savory and satisfying.
• Dill pickles: Stack a few dill pickles on top for a bright, tangy crunch that cuts through the rich flavors.

Get ready to make the best onion burgers at home in just a few easy steps! Follow along with our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and handy tips and tricks listed below. Let’s get started and cook up something amazing!

FIRST STEP: Make the burger sauce by whisking together all the secret burger sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside.

SECOND STEP: Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the vegetable oil and sliced onion. Stir.

THIRD STEP: Divide the hamburger meat into four equal parts.

Roll each part into a ball and then use your hands to flatten it into a patty.

You could also use a burger press.

Season both sides of hamburger patties with salt and pepper.

FOURTH STEP: Place the hamburger patties directly on top of the onions in the hot nonstick skillet.

Apply pressure with your spatula to press the hamburgers and onions together.

FIFTH STEP: Cook the burgers until browned on one side, then flip and cook until brown on the second side. Remove from the skillet.

SIXTH STEP: Build the burgers with the bottom bun, burger, onions, slice of American cheese, secret sauce, and finally, the top bun.

SEVENTH STEP: Add the optional bacon and pickles, if using them.

EIGHTH STEP: Serve and enjoy! 

Here’s a fun way to serve up these juicy burgers with onions! Whether it’s a family dinner, backyard cookout, or weekend party, this easy recipe fits right in.

• Family Dinner Favorite: Serve an Oklahoma onion burger for a quick and hearty meal any night of the week. Kids love the crispy edges and gooey cheese! Pair them with crispy fried potatoes or baked hash brown casserole for a full plate.
• Perfect for Parties and Cookouts: Fire up the grill and stack these burgers high for summer barbecues, birthday parties, or casual get-togethers. Guests always come back for seconds! Add crowd-pleasers like apple pie baked beans or loaded scalloped potatoes on the side.
• Cozy Comfort for Fall and Winter: When the weather cools down, hamburgers with onions bring serious comfort to the table. Serve them with million dollar mac and cheese or sweet potato casserole for a cozy, satisfying meal everyone will love.

Oklahoma fried onion burgers have quickly become a favorite with our readers, and it’s easy to see why! This recipe brings bold flavors, easy prep, and that classic diner feel right to your kitchen without any fuss.

• Big, Bold Flavor: Searing the onions right into the beef brings out sweet, savory flavor that no one can resist.
• Quick Cooking Time: These Oklahoma fried onion burgers cook up in just twenty minutes, making them perfect for busy nights.
• Family Friendly: Kids and adults both love the crispy edges, melty cheese, and juicy beef packed into every bite.
• Perfect for Any Season: Whether it’s summer grilling or cozy winter dinners, these burgers always hit the spot.

With so many reasons to love them, it’s easy to see why Oklahoma fried onion burgers stay a top pick in our kitchen!

How thin should I smash the patties for oklahoma fried onion burgers?
Smash the beef patties very thin, about ¼ inch thick, so they cook quickly and get crispy around the edges.

Do I need to cook the onions before adding them to the burgers?
No, you do not need to cook the onions first because they caramelize perfectly while smashing into the beef.

What kind of beef works best for oklahoma fried onion burgers?
Use 80/20 ground beef for oklahoma fried onion burgers because the extra fat keeps the patties juicy and flavorful.

Can I use a regular spatula to smash the burgers?
Yes, you can use a sturdy metal spatula to smash the burgers, but make sure to press down firmly and evenly.

How long do I cook the burgers on each side?
Cook the smashed burgers for about two minutes per side to get crispy edges and fully caramelized onions underneath.

Should I butter the buns for oklahoma fried onion burgers?
Yes, butter the buns lightly and toast them in the pan to add extra flavor and help hold the burger together.

When do I add the cheese to oklahoma fried onion burgers?
Place the cheese on top right after flipping the burgers so it melts while the second side finishes cooking.

What type of skillet should I use for making oklahoma fried onion burgers?
Use a heavy cast-iron skillet because it holds heat evenly and creates the best crispy crust on the burgers.

Do I need to season the beef before smashing it?
Yes, season the beef patties lightly with salt and pepper before smashing to bring out the best flavor while cooking.

Can I make multiple oklahoma fried onion burgers at once?
Yes, you can cook two or three burgers at a time if your skillet is big enough and stays hot between batches.

What’s the best way to serve oklahoma fried onion burgers for a family dinner?
Stack the burgers hot off the skillet onto toasted buns, and serve them right away with your favorite toppings.

Can I serve oklahoma fried onion burgers at a backyard party?
Yes, these burgers make a great backyard party food because they stay juicy and flavorful even after a short rest.

Should I slice the burgers in half before serving?
No, serve oklahoma fried onion burgers whole so the melted cheese and caramelized onions stay packed inside every bite.

Can kids enjoy oklahoma fried onion burgers too?
Yes, kids love these burgers because the onions turn sweet while cooking and the patties stay thin and crispy.

What’s the best bun to use when serving oklahoma fried onion burgers?
Soft, sturdy hamburger buns work best because they hold the juicy burger and toppings without falling apart.

Do I need to add toppings before serving oklahoma fried onion burgers?
Yes, add toppings like pickles and extra cheese right before serving to keep everything fresh and full of flavor.

Follow the directions, tips, and tricks below to store your oklahoma fried onion burgers properly. These easy steps help keep your burgers fresh, juicy, and ready to enjoy later without losing flavor.

Can I prepare oklahoma fried onion burgers ahead of time?
Yes, cook the burgers fully, then cool them before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one day.

What’s the best way to store leftover oklahoma fried onion burgers?
Place the burgers in a single layer inside an airtight container and keep them in the fridge for up to two days.

Is it possible to freeze oklahoma fried onion burgers?
Yes, freeze cooked burgers by wrapping them tightly in foil and placing them inside a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.

How do I thaw and reheat frozen oklahoma fried onion burgers?
Thaw the burgers overnight in the fridge, then reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until hot and crispy.

How should I reheat oklahoma fried onion burgers when ready to serve?
Reheat the burgers in a hot skillet for a few minutes on each side until the onions and beef sizzle again.

Can I reheat oklahoma fried onion burgers in the microwave?
Yes, microwave them in thirty-second bursts until hot, but the skillet gives better flavor and texture if you have time.