Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Classic

# Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Classic

## Introduction
Did you know that according to a 2022 culinary survey by the National Restaurant Association, smash burgers have surged in popularity, with over 60% of Americans craving more Burger King-style thin, crispy patties in their diets? If you’re among them, the Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Classic is your ultimate answer. Imagine juicy ground beef smashed thin on a sizzling griddle, topped with caramelized onions that melt into sweetness, gooey cheese, tangy pickles, and a signature sauce drizzled over—toasted buns holding it all in perfect harmony. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that captures the essence of comfort food with bold flavors. In this post, we’ll dive into why this Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Classic deserves a spot in your weekly rotation, complete with step-by-step guidance, nutritional insights, and tips to elevate your cooking game. Get ready to master the art of the smash!

## Ingredients List
Crafting the perfect Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Classic requires fresh, high-quality ingredients that deliver both texture and flavor intensity. Here’s what you’ll need for four burgers, including substitutions and sensory notes:

– **Ground Beef**: 1.5 pounds of 80/20 fresh ground beef, divided into four portions. The fat content ensures juiciness; substitute with grass-fed beef for a leaner option that still retains that smoky, meaty aroma.
– **Yellow Onions**: 2 large, thinly sliced. Their sharp pungency turns sweet and golden when caramelized, adding a natural sweetness with a subtle bite; for heat lovers, swap in red onions for a sharper tang.
– **Cheddar Cheese**: 4 slices of sharp cheddar. Melts into creamy, stringy goodness with a tangy sharpness; try smoked gouda for a smoky enhancement.
– **Pickles**: 1 cup sliced dill pickles or pickle slices. The crunch and vinegary acidity cut through richness; bread-and-butter pickles offer a milder sweetness.
– **Signature Sauce**: 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, and a dash of hot sauce. This tangy, creamy blend coats the tongue with umami depth; use aioli for a garlic twist.
– **Burger Buns**: 4 soft, sesame seed buns. Toasted for crustiness and slight sweetness; gluten-free buns work for dietary needs.
– **Seasonings**: Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of onion powder per patty. These amplify the savory layers; adjust for sodium sensitivity with low-sodium alternatives.

Sourcing tip: Opt for butcher-fresh beef for the best results, as pre-packaged can sometimes lack that fresh-bloomed scent.

## Timing
Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 20 minutes. Total time: 35 minutes. This Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Classic whips up faster than many recipes—like twice as quick as traditional thick burger patties that require grilling for doubleness the time—making it ideal for weeknights or quick cravings.

Ingredients for Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Classic laid out on a wooden board, including ground beef, onions, cheese, and pickles

## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps with confidence, and you’ll nail that signature smashburger flair every time. Preheat your griddle or cast-iron skillet over high heat—this high temperature is key for the Maillard reaction that creates those coveted crispy edges and juicy centers.

### Forming the Patties
Shape your ground beef into four loose balls, about 6 ounces each, but don’t overwork them. Season each ball generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder on both sides. The aroma of fresh garlic will wake up your senses right away.

### Smashing and Cooking Beef
Place the seasoned balls on the hot griddle and, using a heavy spatula, smash them down firmly until they’re about 1/4-inch thin. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the bottoms are deeply browned and crispy. Flip, add a slice of cheese on each, and cook another 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts into gooey perfection. The sizzle and steakhouse scent will tell you it’s ready—Remove from heat.

### Caramelizing Onions
While the patties cook, in a separate skillet over medium-low heat, add sliced onions with a drizzle of oil. Stir occasionally for 10-15 minutes until they turn golden and soft, adding water if needed to prevent burning. Their sweetness will transform from sharp to irresistible, mimicking the hero onion rings in every bite.

### Assembling
Toast the buns lightly on the griddle. Layer with the smashed patty (cheese side up), a generous pile of caramelized onions, pickles, and a dollop of signature sauce. Close the bun and press gently. For an extra flourish, add sesame seeds from the bun edges if they sprinkle off—your Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Classic is now complete, bursting with layers of flavor in every handheld bite.

## Nutritional Information
This Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Classic yields four servings, each approximately:

– **Calories**: 650
– **Fat**: 35g (45% of daily value) – mostly from healthy beef fats
– **Protein**: 40g – essential for muscle repair
– **Carbohydrates**: 45g – from buns and onions
– **Sodium**: 950mg – watch for high-sodium swaps

Per serving breakdown in a simple table:

| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|———-|——–|—————|
| Calories | 650 | – |
| Total Fat | 35g | 45% |
| Saturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Protein | 40g | – |
| Carbohydrates | 45g | 16% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 8g | – |
| Sodium | 950mg | 41% |

Note: Values are approximate and depend on ingredient choices—use a tracker for precision.

## Healthier Alternatives
Don’t worry; you can tweak the Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Classic for healthier vibes while keeping that flavor punch. Swap ground beef for ground turkey (85% lean) to slash saturated fat by 40%, retaining juiciness with a hint of poultry freshness. For the sauce, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo, cutting calories while adding probiotic benefits and a tangy tang. Reduce sodium by opting for low-sodium cheese and pickles, preventing bloat. For buns, whole-grain options boost fiber without altering the chewy texture. These swaps maintain the cheesy, oniony delight while aligning with wellness goals.

## Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Classic experience! Serve with crispy sweet potato fries for a sweet-salty contrast, or pair with a fresh arugula salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette to balance richness. For a full meal, add mac and cheese or coleslaw on the side. It’s perfect for game days—arrange on a platter with mini versions for sliders. Don’t forget a cold root beer for that nostalgic fizz that ties the flavors together.

## Common Mistakes
Even seasoned cooks slip up on smashburgers. Avoid over-handling the beef balls, as this can make patties tough instead of tender. Don’t skip the high-heat smash; medium heat leads to under-seared results. Low-quality onions can stay raw—cook them low and slow. Lastly, sogginess from sauce overload—apply sparingly to keep bun integrity. Mastering these avoids disappointment in your Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Classic.

## Storing Tips
This classic keeps well for meal prep magic. Store assembled burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet over low heat to revive crispiness. Freeze uncooked patties for a month—thaw overnight and smash fresh. The sauce lasts a week, onions 5 days. For best flavor, eat promptly but refrigerate components separately to prevent mushiness.

Finished Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Classic on a plate with fries, steam rising for an inviting aroma

## Conclusion
In summary, the Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger Classic blends simplicity with explosive flavor—caramelized onions, gooey cheese, and that perfect smash delivering crisp edges and juicy interiors. It’s not just food; it’s an art form accessible to home cooks. Ready to try it? Head to your kitchen, smash those patties, and share your results in the comments below. Or, subscribe for more burger adventures that’ll keep your taste buds excited. What’s your go-to burger hack?

## FAQs
***What makes this Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger different from regular burgers?***
It’s all about the thin smash on a hot surface for maximum crispiness, paired with abundant caramelized onions unique to Oklahoma-style twists.

***Can I use pre-made patties?***
Absolutely, but fresh ground beef yields better flavor and texture—avoid pre-shaped for authentic results.

***How to make it gluten-free?***
Swap buns for gluten-free versions and ensure Worcestershire sauce is GF; the rest stays delicious.

***What sides pair best?***
Classic fries, onion rings, or a simple salad—think contrast in textures.

***How to custom spice?***
Add cayenne to beef for heat or Sriracha in sauce for a modern kick, tailoring to your palate.

***Storage life after cooking?***
Refrigerate for 3 days, reheat gently; freeze patties uncooked for longer prep.

Print

Oklahoma Onion SmashBurger

Smashed beef patties, golden onions, cheese, pickles, and signature sauce in every bite.

  • Author: Chef Sally

Ingredients

Scale
  • 680 grams ground beef, 80/20 blend
  • 2 large onions, finely sliced
  • Salt, to taste
  • 12 slices American cheese
  • Brioche burger buns
  • Pickles, sliced
  • 120 milliliters mayonnaise
  • 45 milliliters ketchup
  • 30 milliliters yellow mustard
  • 22 milliliters sweet relish
  • 22 milliliters hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Using a mandolin, slice the onions as thinly as possible. Toss with kosher salt and allow to sit for 20 minutes. Squeeze out excess moisture before using.
  2. While onions rest, divide ground beef into equal portions, approximately 110 grams (1/4 pound) each. Roll into balls and refrigerate for 15 minutes.
  3. Preheat the griddle on high for 10 minutes. Lightly oil the surface as needed.
  4. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet relish, hot sauce, black pepper, and kosher salt. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
  5. Place beef balls on hot griddle. Top each with a generous amount of prepared onions, then firmly smash down to achieve a thin patty. Season as desired.
  6. Cook the patties for 4 minutes, then flip. Season the opposite side and after 2 minutes, lay a slice of American cheese over each patty. Position the top bun over the cheese and the bottom bun on top to steam. Close the lid and steam for several minutes.
  7. Remove bottom buns from the top, spread with burger sauce, and layer with sliced pickles. Place a patty (or two) onto each bun and finish assembling. Serve immediately.

Notes

Slicing the onions extremely thin ensures they caramelize evenly and infuse the beef with robust flavor.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 720
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein: 42 g

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