OKLAHOMA FRIED ONION BURGERS

### Directions

#### Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Start by slicing your **onion** into thin rings. The thinner, the better, as they will crisp up more easily when fried. The signature aspect of an Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger is the crispy, caramelized onions, so make sure you have enough to layer generously on your burger.

#### Step 2: Fry the Onions
In a large skillet, heat **vegetable oil** over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions to the pan, spreading them out in an even layer. Fry the onions for about **3-5 minutes**, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy. You can add a pinch of salt to the onions as they cook for extra flavor. Once crispy, remove the onions from the pan and set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

#### Step 3: Prepare the Beef Patties
While the onions are frying, it’s time to prepare your **ground beef**. Divide the beef into **4 equal portions** and shape them into burger patties. You want the patties to be slightly larger than the buns since they’ll shrink a little as they cook. Season the patties with **salt** and **pepper** on both sides to enhance the beef’s natural flavor.

#### Step 4: Cook the Burgers
In the same skillet you used for the onions (with a little leftover oil), cook the burger patties over medium-high heat. **Place the patties directly on top of the fried onions** in the pan, pressing them down gently to help the onions stick to the meat. Cook the burgers for **3-4 minutes on each side**, or until they reach your desired level of doneness. For a classic, juicy burger, cook them to medium or medium-well.

#### Step 5: Toast the Buns
While the burgers are cooking, you can toast your **hamburger buns**. You can do this in a separate skillet or on the grill. Toast the buns for about **1-2 minutes** until they are lightly golden and crispy on the edges. This helps them hold up better against the juicy burger and sauce.

#### Step 6: Assemble the Burgers
Once the burgers and buns are ready, it’s time to assemble your Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers. Spread a thin layer of **mayonnaise** and **mustard** on the bottom of each toasted bun (optional, but it adds great flavor). Then, place your cooked burger patties on the buns. Top each patty with a generous amount of the crispy, golden **fried onions**. You can also add **pickles** or **lettuce** if desired, but the real star of this burger is the onions.

Top with the other half of the bun, press gently, and your Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger is ready to serve!

#### Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers hot with a side of crispy fries, potato chips, or a refreshing salad. Every bite is a combination of juicy beef, crispy onions, and soft, toasted buns, making this burger an unforgettable treat.

### Why You’ll Love Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers

These burgers are a flavorful twist on the classic American burger. Here’s why they’re so beloved:

– **Crispy Onions**: The key to the **Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger** is the crispy onions. They add a satisfying crunch and a slightly sweet, caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with the savory beef patty.
– **Juicy Beef Patties**: The beef patties are seasoned simply with salt and pepper, allowing the natural flavor of the beef to shine through. The onions add so much flavor to the burger that there’s no need for heavy condiments.
– **Perfect Texture Combination**: The contrast of the juicy, tender beef patty with the crispy fried onions and soft toasted bun creates a burger with the perfect balance of textures.
– **Easy to Make**: While it may sound like a gourmet burger, the Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger is actually very easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that feels special without being too complicated.
– **Customizable**: While the fried onions are the star of the show, you can customize your Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger with any additional toppings you like. Pickles, lettuce, tomato, or even cheese can all make great additions.

### Tips for the Best Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers

– **Don’t Overcrowd the Pan**: When frying the onions or cooking the burgers, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will help the onions crisp up evenly and allow the burgers to cook properly.
– **Use Fresh, High-Quality Beef**: For the juiciest burger, use **fresh ground beef** with a good amount of fat (about **80/20** ratio of meat to fat). This ensures the burgers are flavorful and juicy.
– **Make it Spicy**: For a bit of heat, add some **hot sauce** or **jalapeños** to the burger. You can also spice up the fried onions with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a smoky kick.
– **Grill the Onions**: If you prefer a lighter version, you can grill the onions instead of frying them, though they won’t have the same crispy texture.

### Conclusion

The **Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger** is a delicious and satisfying burger that takes a classic American favorite to the next level. The combination of juicy beef patties, crispy fried onions, and toasted buns creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a burger enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, this burger is sure to be a hit.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why the **Oklahoma Fried Onion Burger** has become a regional icon and a must-try dish for burger lovers. Get ready to sink your teeth into this incredible creation—you won’t be disappointed!