Oklahoma Onion Burger

Description

As the name suggests, the Oklahoma onion burger does in fact hail from the state of Oklahoma. The onion burger was created in the city of El Reno, Oklahoma, in 1922 by David Ross, the proprietor of an eating establishment named Hamburger Inn. As the story goes, the Great Railroad strike of 1922 created shortages which led Ross to stretch out his supply of beef by creating a burger that was 50% ground beef and 50% thinly-sliced onion. Although Hamburger Inn no longer exists, the Oklahoma onion burger is still very popular in state and in the surrounding region, and in recent times, has been gaining more prominence throughout the country at large.

(Source: Hamburger Britannia)

Ingredients

(Makes 1 burger)

• 3 oz (85 g) ground beef, 80/20 lean to fat

• 1 slice American cheese

• 1/2 medium onion, sliced thin

• 1 hamburger bun

• Salt & pepper

Preparation

Roll the beef into a ball and heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Add the beef and press down with the back of a spatula to create a flat, even patty. Season the top generously with salt & pepper, then top with the onion slices and press them into the meat. Don’t worry if some of the onion spills over the sides of the patty. Cook for 2 minutes, then flip the burger. Top with the cheese and cook for another minute. Warm up the buns, then top with the burger, and optionally with condiments such as mustard and pickles.

Notes

• This style of burger is often topped with yellow mustard and pickle slices.