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Detailed shot of a single Oklahoma Onion Smash Burger showing the glistening juicy meat and thick melted yellow cheese.

Oklahoma Onion Smash Burger: The Ultimate Crispy, Lacy-Edge Guide

The ultimate Oklahoma Onion Smash Burger featuring paper-thin caramelized onions smashed into juicy beef with crispy, lacy edges and melted American cheese on a toasted brioche bun.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Burger Ingredients
  • 1 lb 80/20 Ground Beef 454g, divided into 4 balls
  • 2 large Yellow Onions 500g, sliced paper-thin
  • 4 slices Yellow American Cheese Thick cut
  • 4 Brioche Buns Yellow-tinged crumb
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter 28g, for toasting
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt 6g
  • 0.5 tsp Black Pepper 1g
  • 1 tbsp Neutral Oil 15ml, Canola or Grapeseed

Equipment

  • 1 Cast-Iron Skillet Essential for heat retention.
  • 1 Metal Spatula Must be heavy-duty for smashing.
  • 1 Mandoline slicer For paper-thin onions.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Use a mandoline to slice onions into paper-thin, translucent ribbons.
  2. Butter the buns and toast in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown.
The Smash
  1. Heat oil in cast iron on high. Place beef balls in pan and pile a large handful of onions on each.
  2. Press down hard with a metal spatula until the patty is 1/4 inch thick. Season with salt/pepper.
  3. Scrape and flip after 2 minutes. Add cheese and place buns on top to steam.

Notes

Use cold meat for better lacy edges.
Do not skip the American cheese; it provides the classic melt.