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An onion smash burger with a special bun.

Oklahoma Onion Smash Burger with Special Sauce

A yummy recipe for a smashed onion burger and tasty sauce.
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Course dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • For the Burgers:
  • 8 oz ground beef 80/20 preferred, divided into 2 loose 4 oz balls
  • 1 medium yellow onion very thinly sliced (use a mandoline if possible)
  • Salt & pepper
  • 2 slices cheddar cheese or Pepper Jack
  • 2 hamburger buns toasted in butter *I make a special bun without carbs.
  • Optional: Pickles
  • For the Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup mayo
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon finely chopped dill pickles or relish
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Dash of smoked paprika optional
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 tsp hot sauce optional

Instructions
 

  • Make the Sauce
  • Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust salt to taste. Refrigerate while preparing burgers (it gets better as it sits).
  • Prep the Onions
  • Slice and salt the onion as thinly as possible (think paper-thin).
  • Pat slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  • Cook the Burgers
  • Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high to high heat until blazing hot.
  • Place the beef balls on the skillet — no oil needed.
  • Immediately pile a small handful of onions directly on top of each beef ball.
  • Smash down hard using a firm spatula or burger press. Smash until the patty is very thin, and onions are pressed into the meat.
  • Season with salt and pepper. Cook without touching for about 2–3 minutes until edges are crispy and onions are golden.
  • Flip the patty (onions now face down). Press slightly. Cook 1–2 more minutes.
  • Add cheese and cover with a lid (or use steam) to melt.
  • Toast buns lightly in butter while burgers finish cooking.
  • Assemble
  • Spread sauce on both buns.
  • Add the cheesy onion patty.
  • Optional: Add pickles.
  • Top with the bun.

Notes

The secret is smashing hard and cooking fast—don’t be shy!
Don’t overcrowd the skillet; do one or two burgers at a time for best sear.
Use fresh ground beef for better texture and flavor.
Keyword bacon, hamburger bun, hamburger meat, keto, low carboyhydrate, Oklahoma, onions, smash burger