Name: Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: US & CanadaAmerican
Ingredients: 1 large onion , halved and sliced 1/8 inch thick; 1 teaspoon plus ⅛ teaspoon table salt , divided; ½ teaspoon plus ⅛ teaspoon pepper , divided; 12 ounces 85 percent lean ground beef; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 teaspoon vegetable oil; 4 slices American cheese (4 ounces); 4 hamburger buns , buttered and toasted

Why This Recipe Works

In Oklahoma, a burger isn’t a burger without a mound of thinly sliced onion pressed into a thin, crispy patty as it sizzles on the fast-food griddle. To make them at home, we sliced and salted the onions and then squeezed the moisture out of them so that they’d easily stick onto the burger. Starting the burger over a moderate heat enabled us to brown the exterior of the onions while the interior softened. Add a slice of American cheese, and these burgers will taste like they’re straight from the griddle.

Before You Begin

A mandoline makes quick work of slicing the onion thinly. Squeeze the salted onion slices until they’re as dry as possible, or they won’t adhere to the patties. These burgers are traditionally served with yellow mustard and slices of dill pickle. It’s unnecessary to temp the burgers because they will reach a food-safe temperature if cooked according to the recipe instructions. (But for more information on food safety, check out this guide.)

Instructions

Combine 1 large onion, halved and sliced ⅛ inch thick, and 1 teaspoon salt in bowl and toss to combine. Transfer to colander and let sit for 30 minutes, tossing occasionally. Using tongs, transfer onion to clean dish towel, gather edges, and squeeze onion dry. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon pepper.

Divide onion mixture into 4 separate mounds on rimmed baking sheet. Form 12 ounces 85 percent lean ground beef into 4 lightly packed balls and sprinkle with remaining ⅛ teaspoon salt and remaining ⅛ teaspoon pepper. Place beef balls on top of onion mounds and flatten beef firmly so onion adheres and patties measure 4 inches in diameter.

Melt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter with oil in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium heat. Using spatula, transfer patties to skillet, onion side down, and cook until onion is deep golden brown and beginning to crisp around edges, 6 to 8 minutes. Flip burgers, increase heat to high, and cook until well browned on second side, about 2 minutes. Place 1 slice American cheese on each bottom bun. Place each burger on 1 hamburger bun, add desired toppings, and serve.