Here’s a detailed recipe for the iconic Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger, a regional specialty hailing from El Reno, Oklahoma. This burger was created during the Great Depression as a way to stretch ground beef by incorporating thinly sliced onions, making it both flavorful and economical.
🍔 Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger Recipe
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)
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For the Burger Patties:
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1 lb (450g) ground beef (80% lean)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 large onion, thinly sliced
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4 hamburger buns
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Butter or oil, for toasting buns
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Optional Toppings:
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American cheese slices
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Yellow mustard
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Dill pickle slices
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Mayonnaise
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👩🍳 Instructions
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Prepare the Onions:
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Place the thinly sliced onions in a bowl, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and toss to combine. Let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
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After 30 minutes, transfer the onions to a clean dish towel or paper towels and gently squeeze to remove as much liquid as possible.
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Form the Patties:
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Divide the ground beef into 4 equal portions and shape each into a loose ball.
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Place each beef ball on a piece of parchment paper or a tray.
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Pile a generous amount of the prepared onions on top of each beef ball.
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Using your hands or a spatula, gently press down on the beef and onions to form a patty, ensuring the onions adhere to the meat.
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Cook the Burgers:
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Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat and add a small amount of butter or oil.
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Once hot, place the patties onion-side down onto the skillet.
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Cook for about 6–8 minutes until the onions are deeply golden brown and crispy.
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Flip the patties and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the beef is cooked through.
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Toast the Buns:
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While the burgers are cooking, lightly butter the hamburger buns and toast them in a separate pan or on the grill until golden brown.
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Assemble the Burgers:
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Place the cooked patties on the bottom halves of the toasted buns.
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Add optional toppings such as a slice of American cheese, a dollop of yellow mustard, a few dill pickle slices, and a spread of mayonnaise.
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Top with the other half of the bun.
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Serve:
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Serve the burgers immediately with your favorite side dishes.
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🔍 Additional Tips
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Onion Preparation: Slicing the onions thinly and allowing them to rest helps release their moisture, which caramelizes during cooking, enhancing the burger’s flavor.
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Cooking Surface: Using a cast-iron skillet or griddle provides even heat distribution, ensuring a crispy crust on the onions and a juicy interior for the beef.
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Serving Suggestion: Pair the burger with classic sides like French fries or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Enjoy crafting this delicious piece of Oklahoma history in your own kitchen!