Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers

History

The Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger is a quintessential American comfort food with roots dating back to the Great Depression. In the 1920s and 1930s, economic hardships led to inventive culinary practices, including the creation of this unique burger. Ross Davis, a diner cook in El Reno, Oklahoma, is credited with popularizing the onion burger. To stretch the meat supply, he began pressing thinly sliced onions into ground beef patties, creating a delicious and economical dish that quickly became a regional favorite. Today, this burger is celebrated for its rich history and distinctive taste.

Ingredients

For the Patties:

1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 blend)
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Burgers:

4 hamburger buns
4 slices of American cheese
Butter or margarine (for toasting buns)
Dill pickle chips (optional)
Mustard (optional)
Ketchup (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Onions: Thinly slice the onions using a mandoline or a sharp knife. Aim for very thin slices to ensure they cook quickly and integrate well with the beef.
Form the Patties: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten into a patty about 1/4 inch thick. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Cook the Patties:

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Place the patties on the skillet.
Immediately pile a generous amount of sliced onions on top of each patty, pressing them down into the meat with a spatula. The onions should adhere to the meat.
Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom of the patties are browned and crispy. Flip the patties, ensuring the onions are now directly in contact with the skillet.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the onions are caramelized and the patties are cooked through. Place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt.

Toast the Buns: While the patties are cooking, butter the inside of each bun and toast them on a separate skillet or griddle until golden brown.
Assemble the Burgers: Place the cooked patties (with onions and melted cheese) on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Add pickle chips, mustard, and ketchup as desired. Top with the other half of the bun.

Benefits

Flavorful and Economical: By incorporating onions directly into the patties, the burgers are packed with flavor without requiring additional expensive ingredients.
Rich in Nutrients: Onions are a good source of vitamins C and B6, manganese, and antioxidants, contributing to overall health.
High Protein Content: Ground beef provides a substantial amount of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
Customizable: This recipe allows for various toppings and condiments, making it versatile to suit different tastes.

Methods

Thinly Slicing Onions: The key to a perfect Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger is the thinly sliced onions. Using a mandoline ensures uniform thickness, which is essential for even cooking.
Pressing Onions into Beef: Pressing the onions into the beef patties allows the flavors to meld together, creating a unique texture and taste.
Flipping and Caramelizing: Ensuring the onions are directly in contact with the skillet during the second half of cooking caramelizes them, adding sweetness and depth of flavor.
Toasting Buns: Toasting the buns with butter enhances the overall flavor and provides a crunchy contrast to the juicy patties.

Conclusion

The Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger is a testament to culinary ingenuity during tough times. This simple yet flavorful burger continues to be a beloved staple, combining the savory goodness of ground beef with the sweet, caramelized onions. It’s not only economical but also rich in taste and history. Whether enjoyed at a local diner or made at home, the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger offers a delicious slice of American heritage that has stood the test of time. Give this recipe a try and experience a piece of culinary history that promises to delight your taste buds with every bite.