Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe
If you love juicy, flavorful burgers with a crispy, caramelized twist, you’re absolutely going to adore this Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe. It’s a simple yet brilliant way of cooking ground beef combined with ultra-thin onions that melt into the patty, creating layers of sweetness and savory goodness. Each bite brings the perfect balance of textures and tastes, making this burger a true standout for any meal or casual get-together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving in, let’s look at the straightforward but essential ingredients that make all the difference in crafting the perfect Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe. Each element contributes to that signature crispy-onion flavor and juicy patty you’ll crave.
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend): The ideal fat ratio to keep your burgers juicy and flavorful without too much grease.
- 1 large yellow onion, very thinly sliced: Thin slices help the onions caramelize quickly and meld into the meat beautifully.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the beef and onions.
- 4 slices American cheese (or cheese of choice): Melts perfectly on the patty, adding a creamy texture and mild flavor.
- 4 burger buns: Soft yet sturdy buns that hold everything together without overpowering the burger.
- Butter or oil for the griddle: Ensures a nice sear on your patties and helps the onions caramelize.
- Optional toppings (pickles, mustard, ketchup, lettuce): Customize your burger with classic favorites to suit your taste.
How to Make Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prep Those Onions
The magic starts with the onions. Slice that large yellow onion as thin as you possibly can — a mandoline slicer is your best friend here. You want paper-thin slices that cook quickly and convert to a deliciously sweet caramelized layer right beneath the patty.
Step 2: Form the Meatballs
Instead of immediately flattening the beef, divide your ground beef into four loose balls. This technique keeps the meat tender inside as it will get smashed down on the griddle later. Hold off on seasoning for now so the salt hits the meat at the right moment.
Step 3: Heat Up Your Cooking Surface
Get your cast iron skillet or griddle hot over medium-high heat. Add a little butter or oil to prevent sticking and give you that perfect crispy crust every burger deserves.
Step 4: Smash the Burgers with Onions
Here’s the signature move for the Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe. First, pile those thin onions directly onto the hot griddle, then immediately press one ground beef ball on top and smash it down with a spatula until it’s paper-thin. Press the onions into the beef so they cling during cooking. Season generously with salt and pepper right now to enhance flavor.
Step 5: Cook Until Edges Are Crispy
Leave your smashed patties alone for 2 to 3 minutes — no poking or shifting! You want the edges to brown nicely and turn crispy. Flip them carefully so the onions face down, and let cook another 1 to 2 minutes so those onions caramelize against the griddle and stick to your burger.
Step 6: Melt the Cheese
Just before the burgers finish cooking, add a slice of your favorite cheese on top of each patty. Cover them with a lid or a metal bowl for a minute to help the cheese melt into gooey perfection.
Step 7: Toast the Buns
Don’t underestimate a good bun toast! Lay your burger buns face-down on the griddle until they turn golden and a bit crunchy — this step adds texture and helps keep your burger from getting soggy.
Step 8: Assemble Your Smash Burgers
Place the onion-smashed patties on the bottom bun, top with your preferred pickles, mustard, or ketchup, and then cap it off with the top bun. Serve these beauties immediately while everything’s warm and melty.
How to Serve Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
Pickles bring a refreshing crunch, while mustard adds a tangy zing that cuts through the richness of the beef and caramelized onions. Feel free to add lettuce for extra freshness or ketchup for that nostalgic touch—each garnish personalizes your burger and complements the savory layers perfectly.
Side Dishes
Classic fries or crispy onion rings are obvious winners alongside these burgers, but don’t be afraid to mix it up. A simple side salad or tangy coleslaw can brighten the plate and offer a contrasting texture. The Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe shines when paired with sides that balance indulgence and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking outside the bun? Try serving your smashed patties on toasted English muffins or even atop a bed of crispy fries for a loaded burger bowl. For a fun twist, stack them with multiple patties and onions for a towering delight that’s sure to impress friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers—though that’s unlikely—wrap your cooked patties tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. Consume within 2 to 3 days for best taste and texture. The caramelized onions hold up well and keep the burger flavorful even after chilling.
Freezing
To freeze these burgers, cool the patties completely before wrapping each separately with plastic wrap and foil. Store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to preserve the juicy texture and onion flavor.
Reheating
Reheat your onion smash burgers gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven wrapped with foil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crispy edges intact. Toss a slice of fresh cheese on top to restore that melty goodness.
FAQs
What makes the Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe special?
It’s all about smashing the beef onto thinly sliced onions on a hot griddle. This method creates a uniquely crispy and caramelized onion crust fused with the juicy burger, which you simply won’t get with traditional burger cooking.
Can I use a different type of onion for this recipe?
Yellow onions work best because they caramelize nicely and have a balanced sweetness, but white or red onions can be used if that’s what you have on hand. Just slice them as thin as possible for even cooking.
Is it necessary to use an 80/20 beef blend?
While you can use leaner beef, the 80/20 blend offers the best fat content to create juicy, tender burgers with a crispy edge without drying out during cooking.
How thin should the onions be sliced?
The thinner, the better. Using a mandoline is ideal to get those paper-thin slices that cook quickly and meld perfectly with the beef in the Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe.
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
You can prepare the patties ahead, but for best flavor and texture, assemble and cook them just before serving. If you must make them early, keep the patties wrapped and refrigerated, then reheat gently before assembling your burgers.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe, it will become your go-to burger for quick weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts. The combination of sweet caramelized onions with crispy-edged patties and melty cheese is pure comfort food bliss. Grab your ingredients, get smashin’, and enjoy a burger experience that’s both nostalgic and completely addictive!
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Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers are a deliciously crispy and flavorful burger variation featuring thinly sliced sweet onions caramelized directly on the griddle under smashed beef patties. This quick 20-minute recipe yields juicy, crispy-edged burgers topped with melted cheese and served on toasted buns, perfect for an easy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend for best flavor)
- 1 large yellow onion, very thinly sliced (use a mandoline if possible)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices American cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 4 burger buns
- Butter or oil for the griddle
Optional Toppings
- Pickles
- Mustard
- Ketchup
- Lettuce
Instructions
- Prep the Onions: Slice the onion as thin as possible to create a pile of paper-thin onion slices. These thin onions will cook quickly and caramelize nicely to add sweetness to the burger.
- Form the Meat Balls: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion loosely into a ball shape, being careful not to overwork the meat or season it yet.
- Heat the Griddle or Skillet: Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the cooking surface with butter or oil to prevent sticking and promote browning.
- Smash the Burgers: Place a pile of the sliced onions directly onto the hot griddle. Immediately place one beef ball on top and use a spatula or burger press to smash it down hard until it is thin and flat, pressing the onions into the meat. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Cook Until Crispy: Cook the patties without moving them for 2–3 minutes until the edges become brown and crispy. Flip the patty so the onions are on the bottom side and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, allowing the onions to caramelize and stick to the meat.
- Add Cheese: During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Cover the burgers with a lid or metal bowl to help the cheese melt evenly and thoroughly.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the burger buns face-down on the griddle or in a separate skillet until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Assemble: Place the onion-smashed patties on the bottom buns, add your preferred toppings such as pickles and mustard, then crown with the top bun. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use a mandoline or a very sharp knife for thin, even onion slices.
- Do not overwork or tightly pack the beef balls to keep burgers juicy.
- A cast iron skillet or griddle provides the best heat for crisping and caramelizing.
- Pressing the onions into the meat during smashing ensures they stick and flavor every bite.
- Covering the cheese helps it melt faster and more evenly.
- Toast the buns just before serving to keep them fresh and crunchy.
- Optional toppings like pickles and mustard complement the sweet, caramelized onions well.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
