Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers (Depression-Era Classic)
A crispy, beefy smash burger loaded with thin-sliced onions pressed right into the patty.
Yields: 4 burgers
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
1 pound ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
2 large yellow onions, very thinly sliced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 soft hamburger buns
4 slices American cheese (optional but traditional)
2 tablespoons butter (for toasting buns)
Optional toppings: mustard, pickles
👩🍳 Instructions
Prep the onions:
Slice onions paper-thin (a mandoline works great). Lightly season with a pinch of salt and toss.
Divide the beef:
Form the ground beef into 4 loose balls (do not overwork the meat).
Heat the skillet:
Use a cast iron skillet or flat griddle over medium-high heat until very hot.
Smash & press:
Place a beef ball on the hot surface. Immediately pile a generous handful of sliced onions on top.
Using a sturdy spatula, firmly smash the beef and onions together into a thin patty.
Season & cook:
Season with salt and pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until edges are crispy and onions begin to caramelize.
Flip:
Carefully flip so onions are now on the bottom. Cook another 2–3 minutes until fully cooked.
Add cheese (optional):
Place cheese on top during the last minute to melt.
Toast buns:
Butter and toast buns in the same skillet until golden.
Assemble:
Place burger on bun and top simply with mustard and pickles — traditional Oklahoma style keeps it simple!
Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers
