Griddled Onion Burgers

Oklahoma-style fried-onion burgers smashed into a bed of caramelizing onions on a buttery cast-iron griddle.

Ingredients

• 4 tbsp butter
• 2 burger buns
• 1 onion, halved and thinly sliced

Salt

• 2/3 lb ground beef
• Tomato, cheese and lettuce, or other toppings of choice

Directions

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Melt 2 tbsp butter and griddle-toast the buns, then set aside.
2. Add the remaining 2 tbsp butter and the sliced onions to the skillet, season with salt, and cook until slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes.
3. Form the beef into two loose patties without overworking it and season generously with salt.
4. Divide the onions into two piles in the pan, set a patty on top of each, and press down firmly with a spatula. Cook 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Flip the burgers, adding cheese now if using, and cook another couple of minutes.
6. Set the burgers on the toasted buns, sprinkle with salt, add toppings and serve.

Notes

Andrew Zimmern’s homage to the smashed onion burgers at Sid’s Diner in El Reno, Oklahoma.