An Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger is two beef patties smashed down onto piles of fried onions and topped with cheese, served between a toasted hamburger bun. It sounds so simple, yet it is so delicious, especially with homemade fry sauce generously spread on the bun. You can certainly top the burger with your favorite fixings, but I encourage you to take at least one bite before adding anything else! If you love perfect burger combinations, be sure to try my Rodeo Burger!
What Is An Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger?
An Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger is said to have originated during the Great Depression when the price of beef was high. To stretch the meat further and add flavor, some Oklahoma cooks had the idea to add onions to the beef. Since that time, the fried onion burger has been a staple in that region and beyond.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Onions: I prefer yellow onions for this burger. They are versatile onions that are not too sweet or too pungent. However, you could use your favorite type of onions to fry.
Ground Beef: Look for 80% lean, 20% fat (80/20) ground beef or ground chuck. You could also use leaner ground beef if preferred. Or, try the burgers with ground turkey, ground pork, or venison.
Seasonings: To season the ground beef, you will need hamburger seasoning, seasoned salt, and garlic powder. It’s the same combination I used for the patties in my Rodeo Burgers (which is another burger you have to try)!
Cheese: Although sharp cheddar cheese can elevate the taste of the burger, you have the flexibility to choose any cheese that you prefer. Or, skip adding cheese altogether.
Fry Sauce: Fry sauce is a versatile condiment that I use on french fries, chips, hamburgers, and most recently, my homemade onion rings. Once I tasted it with onion rings, I knew it would be delicious on fried onion burgers (and I was right)!
Hamburger Buns: Choose your favorite kind of hamburger buns to use. I prefer the buns toasted.
Can I Make These Burgers Ahead Of Time?
You can get a head start on these Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers. Once the beef patties have been formed, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Or, freeze the patties for up to 3 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap before storing them. You can also get the fry sauce made in advance; it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Finally, cut up the onion a day ahead and keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator so they are ready to go.
Ingredients
1 large onion, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
salt and pepper
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
4-8 slices American cheese
Mayo, mustard and pickles, for serving
4 hamburger buns, toasted
