The Oklahoma Burger is an old-fashioned culinary tradition that’s starting to gain more notoriety nationwide. It began as a Depression-era meal that has turned into a delectable delight as time goes on! Each burger is cooked smash-style: the meat is smooshed flat on the griddle so it cooks quickly and forms a lovely, crispy exterior. Then it’s grilled with savory onions and a slice of cheese melted on top! Served with mustard and pickles for the welcomed contrast of some sour tang, the Oklahoma Burger does the Sooner State proud!
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow or white onion, sliced very thin
- salt, to taste
- 1 pound beef or venison, finely ground
- 1 tablespoon canola oil, plus more, to taste
- black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices American cheese or cheddar cheese
- butter, optional, to taste
- 4 potato burger buns, split, can substitute with burger buns of your choice
- pickles, optional, to taste, for serving
- mustard, optional, to taste, for serving
Directions
Step 1 –In a bowl, toss the onion slices wit the salt and let them sit.
Step 2 –Divide the meat into four patties, handling the meat gently as you form the patties.
Step 3 –Heat a large frying pan or flat top over medium-high heat.
Step 4 –Add 1 tablespoon of the canola oil.
Step 5 –Place one of the patties in the hot oil and immediately smash it flat with a spatula or bacon press, holding it for 30 seconds.
Step 6 –Sprinkle the pepper on the patty.
Step 7 –Cover the patty with 1/4 of the onions and allow the beef to cook until a brown jacket forms on the bottom, about 2 minutes.
Step 8 –Carefully flip the burger and press it down again. You may need to use your other hand or another spatula to hold the onions on the patty as you flip.
Step 9 –Add the salt and the pepper to the patty, being somewhat conservative because of the thinness of the patty.
Step 10 –Lay 1 slice of the cheese on the patty and cook until the cheese is melted and the beef is at your level of desired doneness, about 2-4 minutes.
Step 11 –In a separate pan, melt the butter.
Step 12 –Toast the buns in the melted butter until crisp and golden, about 2-4 minutes.
Step 13 –Place the top of one of the burger buns on the cheese and use the spatula to lift the burger from the pan, pressing down on the burger bun with your hand to ensure the burger stays in place as you move it.
Step 14 –Place the burger on the bottom bun.
Step 15 –Repeat this process with each of the remaining burgers and the remaining ingredients, using more of the extra canola oil as needed before cooking each patty.
Step 16 –Serve with the pickles and the mustard.
