These smash-style burgers are infused with caramelized onions and cooked in a skillet to crispy perfection. You'll want to try this Oklahoma onion burger "sooner" than later.
Instructions
1
Slice the onions
2
Using a mandoline, slice the onion into paper-thin slices. Editor's Tip: Set the mandoline to its thinnest setting to get the finest onions. And keep your fingers clear of the very sharp blade!
3
Shape the beef
4
Divide beef into four portions. Gently shape each one into a ball. Editor's Tip: Try your best to avoid overhandling the meat, a common burger mistake that can make the burgers crumbly or tough.
5
Mound the onions onto the beef
6
In a large cast-iron skillet or electric griddle over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Place the ground beef balls in the skillet. Season them with salt and pepper. Top each beef ball with a generous mound of onions.
7
Smash the burgers
8
Using a cast-iron grill press or large metal spatula, flatten the beef to a thickness of about a quarter of an inch, pressing the onion into the beef. Cook the burgers until they are lightly browned and the edges are crisp, four to six minutes. Editor's Tip: Wait to flip the burger until the first side has a nice crust and the edges start to crisp.
9
Flip the burgers
10
Carefully turn the patties so the onion is on the bottom. Cook until the onion is golden brown, four to six minutes. If desired, top each patty with cheese and continue to cook them until the cheese has melted, one to two minutes longer. Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the burgers on buns with mustard, pickles and other toppings of your choice. Editor's Tip: Another way to melt the cheese is to cover the skillet and remove it from the heat. Let it stand until the cheese is melted, two to three minutes. Feel free to steam the buns while the cheese melts. The bun will become soft, and each bite will be infused with a beefy, oniony flavor. Or, toast the buns in a buttered skillet. Toasted bread provides stability to these mega-juicy cheeseburgers.
