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
Scale
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.
