YESSS—one of the greatest burgers ever invented 🧅🍔
Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers are crispy-edged, ultra-juicy, and ridiculously flavorful for something so simple.
Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers
Ingredients (serves 4)
- 1½ lbs ground beef (80/20 is non-negotiable)
- 2 large yellow onions, very thinly sliced
- Salt & freshly cracked black pepper
- 4–8 slices American cheese
- 4 hamburger buns (soft, preferably potato buns)
- Butter or oil for the griddle
How to Make It
1. Prep the Onions
Slice onions paper-thin (mandoline = ideal).
Lightly salt and let sit 10 minutes, then squeeze out excess moisture.
2. Form Patties
Divide beef into 4 loose balls (don’t overwork).
Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the Burgers
Heat a cast-iron skillet or flat-top over high heat with a little oil or butter.
- Place beef balls on the hot surface.
- Immediately pile a generous handful of onions on top.
- Smash hard with a spatula until thin.
- Season the onion side with salt and pepper.
Cook 2–3 minutes until the bottom is deeply browned and crispy.
4. Flip & Cheese
Flip so onions are now on the bottom.
Add American cheese to the beef side.
Cook another 1–2 minutes until cheese melts and onions caramelize.
5. Toast the Buns
Butter and toast buns until golden.
Assemble
Classic = bun + burger + maybe mustard and pickles.
No need to overdo it—the onions are the star.
Pro Tips
- Thinner onions = better caramelization
- Smash once and leave it alone
- American cheese melts best (this is not the time to be fancy)
Optional Upgrades (still Oklahoma-approved)
- Add mustard before the flip
- Double-stack for extra chaos
- Serve with crinkle fries or onion rings
If you want the original El Reno style, double smash version, or home griddle timing tips, I’ve got you 👌
