Smoky BBQ Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger
Savor the unique flavor of a Smoky BBQ Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger. This recipe features thinly sliced onions pressed directly into the beef patties, creating a caramelized crust and an explosion of savory flavor, enhanced with a hint of smoky BBQ sauce.
Equipment
- large cast-iron griddle or heavy-bottomed skillet
- sturdy spatula or burger press
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 2-3 yellow onions large, very thinly sliced
- 8 potato buns
- 8 slices Monterey Jack cheese
Seasoning & Sauce
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
- 1/2 cup favorite BBQ sauce
Cooking Fat
- Vegetable oil or butter for griddle
Instructions
Preparation
- Thinly slice your yellow onions and divide the ground beef into 8 equal portions.
- Mix smoked paprika and optional liquid smoke into the ground beef, then form each portion into a loose ball and gently flatten into a ½-inch thick patty.
Cooking Burgers
- Heat a large cast-iron griddle or heavy-bottomed skillet with vegetable oil or butter over medium-high heat.
- Place a patty on the hot griddle, pile a generous amount of sliced onions on top, and firmly press the onions into the patty until it’s about ¼-inch thick, then season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes until deeply caramelized and nicely browned, then carefully flip the burger, ensuring the onions remain attached, and immediately place a slice of Monterey Jack cheese on top.
Finishing Touches
- While burgers cook, butter the buns and toast them cut-side down on a cooler part of the griddle for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and burgers are done.
- Remove toasted buns and burgers, assemble by placing the patty on the bun, drizzle with BBQ sauce, and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra flavor, choose a high-quality 80/20 ground beef. Adjust the amount of BBQ sauce to your preference. Don't overcrowd the griddle when cooking; cook in batches if necessary for best results.