The Savory Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Recipe is an absolute celebration of bold flavors and satisfying textures all packed between those soft, buttery brioche buns. Imagine juicy smashed beef patties seared to crispy perfection, topped generously with sweet, slow-salted onions that melt into each bite, and luscious American cheese that adds a creamy touch. This recipe brings together the right balance of tangy, savory, and slightly spicy elements through a homemade burger sauce and crunchy pickles, making it impossible to resist. Whether you’re a burger aficionado or someone looking to elevate weeknight dinners, this Oklahoma-style smashburger is guaranteed to steal the show at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this burger unforgettable. From the juicy, well-marbled ground beef to the perfectly caramelized onions and that tangy, spicy sauce, every component is essential and worth sourcing with care.
- 1.5 lb ground beef (80/20 blend): The perfect fat ratio to keep your patties juicy and flavorful without too much grease.
- 2 large onions (finely sliced): Sweetness and texture powerhouses that transform when salted and cooked right.
- Salt (to taste): Simple seasoning that enhances every other ingredient.
- 12 slices American cheese: Melts beautifully with a mild, creamy character that pairs perfectly with beef.
- 6 brioche buns (soft, sturdy): A slightly sweet, pillowy canvas that holds everything together without falling apart.
- Sliced pickles (to taste): For a crunchy, tangy counterpoint that cuts through the richness.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the tangy burger sauce.
- 3 tbsp ketchup: Adds sweet tomato undertones to the sauce.
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard: Brings its classic sharpness and color to the mix.
- 1.5 tbsp sweet relish: For bits of sweetness and texture that make every bite interesting.
- 1.5 tbsp hot sauce: Injects a balanced kick of heat to the sauce without overwhelming.
- 1 tsp ground black pepper: Provides a subtle warmth and peppery bite.
- 1 tsp kosher salt: Ensures optimal seasoning throughout the burger experience.
How to Make Savory Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Onions
Using a mandolin or a sharp knife, thinly slice your onions to maximize even cooking. Sprinkle them generously with kosher salt and let them sit for 20 minutes. This simple resting period draws out excess moisture and concentrates their natural sugars, turning raw sliced onions into sweet, tender burger companions that are much more than just a topping.
Step 2: Shape the Beef Balls
Divide your ground beef into six equal portions—about a quarter pound each—and gently roll them into loose balls. Avoid compacting the meat too tightly; this will keep your patties tender after smashing. Pop the balls into the fridge for 15 minutes to chill. This step helps them hold their shape better when smashed on the griddle, so you get those irresistibly crispy edges without losing form.
Step 3: Get that Griddle Searing Hot
Heat your griddle or cast-iron skillet over high heat for at least 10 minutes until it’s smoking hot. Lightly oil the cooking surface to prevent sticking and help form a beautiful crust. This intense heat is key to delivering the signature “smash” burger texture—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—a critical part of the Savory Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Recipe.
Step 4: Whisk Together the Tangy Burger Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet relish, hot sauce, ground black pepper, and kosher salt. Whisk these together until perfectly smooth. This sauce is like the glue holding all your toppings together, injecting extra layers of flavor with a tangy, slightly spicy zip that brings the entire burger experience home.
Step 5: Smash the Patties With Onions
Place a beef ball on the griddle, pile on a generous handful of the salted onions on top, and use a sturdy spatula or burger press to firmly smash everything down into a thin patty. Sprinkle the patties with salt and pepper immediately after smashing. This technique crisps the edges and intensifies the flavors—the onions will cook alongside the meat, infusing each bite with amazing sweetness.
Step 6: Cook Until Crispy and Add Cheese
Cook the patties for around four minutes without disturbing them to develop a deeply browned crust. Flip carefully, season the newly exposed side, and after two minutes, top each patty with a slice of American cheese. Cover to help the cheese melt beautifully into the meat, adding a gooey, creamy texture that’s nothing short of dreamy.
Step 7: Steam the Burger for Next-Level Juiciness
After cheese melting, turn the buns upside down—place the bottom bun on top of the patty, then cover with the top bun. Closing the griddle lid or placing a cover on your pan will steam everything together for a few minutes. This gently warms the buns and melds flavors, making your burger a unified, juicy delight.
Step 8: Assemble and Dress Your SmashBurger
Remove the top bun and spread a generous layer of your tangy burger sauce, then add pickles for brightness and crunch. Stack your cheesy patties (feel free to double up!) on the bun base, then crown the masterpiece with the top bun. Each bite delivers a perfect marriage of crisp, juicy, creamy, sweet, and tangy components that define the Savory Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Recipe.
How to Serve Savory Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Recipe
Garnishes
Keeping it simple with crisp, crunchy pickles is classic, but don’t be afraid to throw in some fresh lettuce or tomato slices if you like a bit of freshness amid all the rich flavors. Pickles bring a necessary sharp contrast that balances the burger’s indulgence perfectly.
Side Dishes
This burger shines alongside crispy fries—think hand-cut or shoestring for maximum crunch. Onion rings echo the onion theme beautifully, while a simple coleslaw can add a refreshing, creamy crunch that complements the tangy sauce. For those looking to lighten things up, a crisp garden salad pairs surprisingly well.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving mini slider versions of this Savory Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Recipe at your next party for a fun twist. You can also experiment with topping variations like adding a fried egg, swapping American cheese for sharp cheddar, or even incorporating a smoky BBQ sauce instead of the classic burger sauce to personalize this already spectacular creation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover burgers, wrap them tightly in foil or an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They remain delicious when reheated carefully, though best enjoyed within two days for maximum freshness and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked patties wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. For best results, freeze onions and the sauce separately to preserve their texture and flavor, then reassemble when ready to enjoy.
Reheating
Reheat your burgers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Avoid the microwave to prevent soggy buns and uneven heating. If you froze your ingredients separately, toast the buns fresh, warm the patties and onions, then build your smashing burger masterpiece all over again.
FAQs
What makes the Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger different from other burgers?
The defining feature is the thin smashed patties cooked with a generous amount of salted onions on top, which caramelize perfectly to add a sweet and savory component that is unique to this style. The homemade tangy sauce and choice of brioche buns also add to its distinctive character.
Can I substitute the beef with another type of meat?
While traditionalists stick with an 80/20 beef blend for juiciness and flavor, you can experiment with ground turkey or chicken. Keep in mind these alternatives may require added fat or moisture to avoid dryness and may affect the classic taste of the Savory Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Recipe.
Is it necessary to use American cheese?
American cheese melts smoothly and has a mild taste that complements the savory beef perfectly. However, feel free to try other melting cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack if you want to add a different flavor profile while maintaining that creamy texture.
How do I get the perfect crispy edges on the patties?
The key is high heat on the griddle and smashing the beef balls firmly and thinly onto the surface. Avoid moving the patties too early—let them cook undisturbed for several minutes to form that golden crust essential to this burger’s appeal.
Can I make the burger sauce in advance?
Absolutely! The sauce actually benefits from resting as the flavors meld perfectly after a few hours or overnight in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before spreading it on your burger to enjoy the full taste.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about crafting your own Savory Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Recipe at home. The combination of crispy, caramelized onions with juicy, smashed beef and that zingy sauce is pure comfort food magic. Don’t hesitate to dive in and try this recipe – it will quickly become a beloved staple in your cooking repertoire that friends and family will rave about.
Print
Savory Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Recipe
- Prep Time: 15m
- Cook Time: 30m
- Total Time: 45m
- Yield: 6 burgers
- Category: Entree
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Savory Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger recipe delivers juicy, crispy-edged burger patties layered with sweet, caramelized onions and melted American cheese, nestled in soft brioche buns. Enhanced with a tangy homemade sauce and pickles, this burger perfectly balances bold flavors and textures, making it a standout meal for any burger lover.
Ingredients
Meat and Toppings
- 1.5 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
- 12 slices American cheese
- 6 brioche burger buns (soft, sturdy)
- Sliced pickles (to taste)
- 2 large onions (finely sliced)
Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1.5 tbsp sweet relish
- 1.5 tbsp hot sauce
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- Salt (to taste for onions and patties)
Instructions
- Prepare the Onions: Thinly cut the onions using a mandolin for the best results. Sprinkle with kosher salt and let them sit for 20 minutes to draw out moisture, enhancing their sweetness.
- Form Burger Balls: Divide the ground beef into 6 equal portions (about ¼ pound each). Gently roll them into balls and place them in the fridge for 15 minutes — this helps them hold their shape when cooking.
- Heat the Griddle: Heat your griddle on high for 10 minutes until it’s sizzling hot. Lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking and achieve a crispy sear.
- Make the Burger Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet relish, hot sauce, black pepper, and kosher salt. Set aside this tangy burger sauce for later.
- Cook the Patties with Onions: Place the beef balls on the hot griddle, top each with a handful of onions, and firmly press down to create thin patties. Season them with salt and pepper.
- Sear the Patties: Let the patties cook for about 4 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Flip them, season the other side, and after 2 minutes, place a slice of American cheese on each patty to melt.
- Steam the Burger: Cover the melted cheese with the top bun and place the bottom bun on top to steam the ingredients together. Close the lid and let it work its magic for a few minutes.
- Assemble the Burgers: Remove the top bun, spread on the burger sauce, and layer with pickles. Stack your patties (one or two!) on the bottom bun, then complete your masterpiece with the top bun.
Notes
- Using a mandolin to slice onions ensures they are uniformly thin, which helps draw out the moisture evenly for sweetness.
- Chilling the beef balls before smashing keeps the patties from shrinking or falling apart during cooking.
- Pressing the onions into the beef while cooking infuses the patties with their sweet flavor and adds texture.
- Steaming the burger with buns inverted locks in the melted cheese and juices, making the burger extra tender and flavorful.
- Feel free to adjust the hot sauce amount in the burger sauce to tailor the spice level to your preference.
