If you’ve never experienced the magic of a perfectly cooked smash burger combined with sweet, caramelized onions, then you are in for a real treat with this Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe. This is not just any burger—it brings together juicy, crispy-edged patties pressed right onto a bed of thinly sliced onions, locking in flavor and texture that’s downright addictive. Whether you’re craving something simple for a weeknight dinner or a show-stopping dish for your next cookout, this recipe delivers a classic yet unforgettable burger experience that will leave you reaching for seconds every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe just right is all about using a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the savory ground beef to the sweet onions, every element contributes to the ultimate flavor and texture that make this dish so special.
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend): The perfect fat ratio ensures juicy, flavorful burgers with a great sear.
- 1 large yellow onion: Thinly sliced for a sweet, caramelized crunch that’s key to the smash technique.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance and bring out the meat and onion flavors beautifully.
- 4 slices American cheese: Classic melty topping, but feel free to swap for your favorite cheese.
- 4 burger buns: Soft yet sturdy enough to hold up to all that deliciousness.
- Butter or oil for the griddle: Adds flavor and helps achieve that irresistible crust on the patties.
- Optional toppings (pickles, mustard, ketchup, lettuce): Customize to your liking for that perfect bite every time.
How to Make Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Onions
Start by slicing your large yellow onion super thin—think paper-thin. Using a mandoline here can be a game changer. These delicate slices not only cook quickly but also develop into a sweet, caramelized base that sets this recipe apart from ordinary burgers.
Step 2: Form the Meat Balls
Divide your ground beef into 4 equal portions, rolling each into a loose ball without seasoning yet. This approach lets you get that perfect smashing action on the griddle to maximize crispy edges.
Step 3: Heat the Griddle or Skillet
Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat for that ideal cooking surface. Add a little butter or oil to prevent sticking and enhance flavor, ensuring your patties come out with a golden brown crust.
Step 4: Smash the Burgers
Drop a generous pile of those thinly sliced onions directly onto the hot griddle. Quickly place one beef ball on top and smash down hard with your spatula or burger press until thin and wide. Pressing the onions into the beef helps them cook right alongside the meat, infusing every bite with sweetness.
Step 5: Cook Until Crispy
Let your burger cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges develop a deep brown crust. Then flip the patty so that the onions are now in contact with the griddle; cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes caramelizes the onions perfectly and helps them stick beautifully to the patty.
Step 6: Add Cheese
During the last minute of cooking, layer on a slice of American cheese. Cover the patty with a lid or metal bowl to trap heat and melt the cheese to gooey perfection—this step truly ties together all the flavors.
Step 7: Toast the Buns
Lightly toast your burger buns face-down on the griddle or in a separate skillet until golden and slightly crisp. This adds texture and helps prevent soggy buns when you assemble your masterpiece.
Step 8: Assemble
Place your onion-smashed burger patties carefully onto the bottom buns. Add any optional toppings like tangy pickles or a smear of mustard, then crown with the top bun. Serve immediately for an unforgettable burger experience.
How to Serve Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe
Garnishes
The charm of this Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe lies in its simplicity, but classic garnishes elevate it further. Crisp pickles add a tangy crunch, while a slather of mustard introduces just the right zing that complements the sweetness of the onions perfectly.
Side Dishes
This burger pairs wonderfully with crispy fries, onion rings, or even a fresh coleslaw. The contrast of textures and flavors on the side makes each bite of your burger even more satisfying and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these burgers open-faced on a rustic wooden board with all the toppings and sides arranged beautifully around them. Or, stack multiple patties with layers of onions and cheese for an indulgent double-decker feast everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe, wrap the patties and buns separately in airtight containers and refrigerate. The patties can stay fresh for up to 3 days, maintaining most of their juicy flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked patties individually by wrapping each tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge to enjoy that beloved onion-infused flavor any time you crave.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the patties in a skillet over low heat to preserve their crisp edges while warming through. Toast your buns fresh to restore their perfect texture before assembling your burger again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in the Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe?
Absolutely! While American cheese melts beautifully and has that classic burger vibe, feel free to experiment with cheddar, pepper jack, or even Swiss for unique flavor profiles.
Why do the onions need to be so thinly sliced?
Thinly slicing ensures the onions cook quickly and caramelize without burning, creating a sweet, tender layer that enhances the burger’s overall flavor and texture.
Is it necessary to smash the burger on top of the onions?
Yes, smashing the beef onto the onions presses their flavors together, helping the onions stick to the patty and caramelize perfectly alongside the meat.
Can I make these burgers without a griddle or cast iron skillet?
You can use any heavy-bottomed skillet that retains heat well. Just make sure it’s hot enough to create that crispy crust while cooking the onions simultaneously.
How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy?
Toasting the buns on the griddle or skillet before assembling helps create a barrier against moisture, keeping your burger perfectly handheld and deliciously satisfying.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe, it might just become your new favorite way to enjoy burgers. Its irresistible blend of crispy, juicy patties and caramelized onions feels like a love letter to classic comfort food. So, fire up your skillet and give it a go—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Oklahoma Onion Smash Burgers feature a unique technique of smashing thinly sliced onions and ground beef together on a hot griddle, creating a flavorful, crispy-edged patty layered with sweet caramelized onions. This quick and easy recipe yields juicy, cheesy burgers with a perfectly toasted bun, ideal for a satisfying homemade meal.
Ingredients
For the Burgers
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 large yellow onion, very thinly sliced (preferably using a mandoline)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices American cheese or cheese of choice
- Butter or oil for the griddle
For Serving
- 4 burger buns
- Optional toppings: pickles, mustard, ketchup, lettuce
Instructions
- Prep the Onions: Slice the large yellow onion as thin as possible, ideally using a mandoline for paper-thin slices. This ensures quick cooking and helps create that sweet caramelized onion layer under the burger.
- Form the Meat Balls: Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a loose ball shape without seasoning; this helps in achieving a thin, crispy patty once smashed.
- Heat the Griddle or Skillet: Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly grease the surface with butter or oil to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Smash the Burgers: Place a small pile of the thinly sliced onions directly onto the hot griddle. Immediately place one beef ball on top of the onions and smash it down firmly with a spatula or burger press until very thin and flat. Press the onions into the meat. Season generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook Until Crispy: Allow the patties to cook undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges turn brown and crispy. Flip the patty carefully so the onions are now on the bottom and cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes. This step caramelizes the onions and ensures they stick beautifully to the patty.
- Add Cheese: Place a slice of cheese on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking. Cover the skillet with a lid or metal bowl to help the cheese melt evenly without drying out the burger.
- Toast the Buns: While the burgers finish cooking, toast the burger buns face-down on the griddle or in a separate skillet until golden brown for added texture and flavor.
- Assemble: Place the onion-smash patties on the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Add your preferred optional toppings such as pickles, mustard, ketchup, or lettuce. Top with the other bun halves and serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- Using a mandoline for slicing onions ensures they are thin enough to cook quickly and caramelize properly.
- Pressing the onions into the meat helps to lock in flavor and texture, creating a signature crispy edge.
- Use an 80/20 ground beef blend for optimal juiciness and flavor balance.
- Covering the burger with a lid during cheese melting helps achieve a smooth, melty topping.
- Feel free to customize toppings based on personal preference including lettuce, pickles, or various condiments.
