The Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger is more than just a burger—it’s an experience. With tender, thinly sliced onions grilled into juicy beef patties, topped with melting American cheese, and stuffed into a fluffy brioche bun, every bite is a flavorful delight that’s bound to make your taste buds dance with joy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor Combination: The marriage of sweet onions and savory beef creates a taste sensation.
- Quick to Prepare: Despite its gourmet flavor, this burger is ready in almost no time at all.
- Perfectly Customizable: Whether you want to tweak the heat level or layer on additional toppings, customization is a breeze.
- Great for Gatherings: This crowd-pleaser is sure to win over your friends at any BBQ or gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simple, yet essential, ingredients in The Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger contribute to its unique taste and texture. Each element plays an integral role in making this burger unforgettable.
- 1.5 pounds of ground beef 80/20: This ratio provides the perfect balance of juiciness and flavor.
- 2 large onions, sliced thin: Opt for a mandolin to achieve the ultra-thin slices that caramelize to perfection.
- Pickles: Add a tangy crunch that complements the savory burger.
- 12 slices of American cheese: Absolute meltability that adds creamy goodness.
- Brioche buns: The soft and slightly sweet bun balances the savory burger flavors.
- Burger Sauce Ingredients: A perfect blend of mayo, ketchup, mustard, relish, and hot sauce, all working in harmony to round out the taste.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to adapt it to your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas to get you started!
- Spicy Variation: Up the hot sauce or add jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap the beef for a plant-based patty and enjoy the same delicious flavor with a veggie twist.
How to Make The Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Begin by thinly slicing the onions using a mandolin. Toss them with kosher salt and let them rest for 20 minutes to draw out excess moisture. This step intensifies their flavor and ensures they cook thoroughly.
Step 2: Form the Patties
During the onion’s rest, shape your ground beef into quarter-pound balls. Chill them in the fridge for 15 minutes to help them hold their shape on the grill.
Step 3: Heat the Griddle
Preheat your griddle by setting it to high for about 10 minutes. Add a bit of oil to the surface if necessary—this is the secret to achieving that irresistible crispy crust.
Step 4: Smash & Cook
Place the beef balls onto the hot surface, gently pressing a handful of onions onto each. Smash down with a sturdy spatula until the patty is thin. Season immediately for an extra burst of flavor.
Step 5: Flip and Finish
After about four minutes, flip the patties. Top each one with cheese, letting it melt perfectly over two minutes. Then place the bun tops over the patties while covering the grill to steam slightly and meld all the delicious flavors together.
Step 6: Assemble and Serve
Add your homemade burger sauce and pickles to the buns. Assemble with your preferred number of patties and dive into your incredible smashburger sensation!
Pro Tips for Making The Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger
- The Onion Secret: Squeeze onions well to avoid sogginess and boost crispness.
- Patty Perfect: Remember, thinner is better for creating those crunchy edges everyone loves.
- Cheese Melt Timing: Add cheese a minute before finishing to ensure perfect meltiness.
- Steam Advantage: Steaming ensures that all flavors get into the bun, making it extra special.
How to Serve The Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger
Garnishes
Add a playful touch with garnishes like fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, or a signature pickle spear to elevate your burger experience.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a basket of crispy fries or a vibrant coleslaw for a classic pairing that’s as enjoyable as it is iconic.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the burgers on a wooden board for a rustic touch, or stack them up high on a tiered platter to add a dramatic flair to your gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your burger delicious for later, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within a couple of days for best results.
Freezing
For freezing, tightly wrap individual patties in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag. This method locks in the flavor and makes reheating a breeze.
Reheating
Reheat patties on a medium skillet for a few minutes on each side. For thawed burgers, a microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes also works well.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well. Just remember, a higher fat content helps keep the patties juicy.
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What’s the best way to slice onions thinly?
Using a mandolin slicer is your best bet for achieving ultra-thin, evenly sliced onions effortlessly.
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Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to a week in advance and store it in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
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How do I prevent the patties from sticking to the griddle?
Make sure your griddle is thoroughly preheated and lightly oiled before cooking. This ensures a non-stick surface and a lovely crust on the patties.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fun and easy way to elevate your burger game, give The Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger a try. It’s a warm invite to a new taste adventure, perfect for feeding family and friends with its rich, satisfying flavors.
Print
The Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
The Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger is a mouthwatering, juicy smash-style burger topped with caramelized onions, crispy edges, and melty American cheese, served on freshly baked brioche buns with a tangy homemade burger sauce and pickles. Perfect for a hearty, flavor-packed meal that combines crispy, tender, and savory elements in one satisfying bite.
Ingredients
For the Burger
- 1.5 pounds ground beef 80/20
- Salt (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- Oil (for griddling)
- 12 slices American cheese
- 4 brioche buns
- Pickles (sliced)
For the Onions
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Burger Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1.5 tablespoons sweet relish
- 1.5 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare Onions: Slice all the onions using a mandoline to ensure thin, even slices. Toss the sliced onions in a bowl with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and let sit for 20 minutes. Afterward, squeeze out excess water to caramelize better on the griddle.
- Form Patties: During the 20-minute onion resting period, divide the ground beef into four equal balls, approximately 1/4 pound each. Place the meat balls in the fridge for 15 minutes to help keep their shape.
- Heat the Griddle: Turn your griddle or flat-top skillet to high heat. Let it heat for about 10 minutes. Add a small amount of oil if necessary to prevent sticking. This ensures a hot surface for smashing.
- Make Burger Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet relish, hot sauce, pepper, and salt until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook Patties and Onions: Place the beef balls on the hot griddle. Immediately smash each ball down as thin as possible using a spatula or burger press. Top the patties with a handful of onions. Season each patty with salt and pepper. Cook for about 4 minutes until edges are crispy and browned.
- Flip and Add Cheese: Flip the patties carefully, season the other side, and cook for another 2 minutes. During the last minute, place a slice of American cheese on each patty, allowing it to melt.
- Assemble Burgers: Remove the patties and onions from the griddle. Toast the brioche buns slightly if desired. Spread burger sauce on the bottom buns, add pickles, then place one or two cheese-topped patties. Cover with the top buns and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a heavy-duty spatula or burger press to smash the meat as thin as possible for crispy edges.
- Ensure the griddle is very hot to achieve the characteristic seared, crispy edges of a smash burger.
- Caramelize the onions properly for a sweet, savory flavor that complements the burger.
- For extra flavor, toast the buns lightly before assembling.
- The burger sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 1100 mg
- Fat: 45 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg
