Sooner State Onion-Flavored Burgers

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion, peeled, halved, and thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4–8 slices of American cheese
• Mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles for serving
• 4 hamburger buns, toasted

How to Prepare Sooner State Onion-Flavored Burgers  :

1. In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced onion with 1 teaspoon of salt, and toss to mix. Transfer the onions to a colander and let them sit for 30 minutes, tossing occasionally. Afterward, transfer the onions to a clean dish towel, gather the edges together, and squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the onions. Perform this step over the sink or a large bowl, as the onions will release a significant amount of liquid.
2. Divide the squeezed onions into 4 separate portions on a rimmed baking sheet. Shape the ground beef into 4 lightly packed balls. Place each beef ball on top of one of the onion mounds and firmly press the beef down (using your palm) to ensure the onions adhere to the beef. The resulting patties should measure approximately 4 inches in diameter.
3. Generously season the beef patties with salt and pepper.
4. In a skillet, heat the butter and vegetable oil over medium-high heat until the butter is foamy.
5. Carefully transfer the beef and onion patties into the skillet. Cook them for about 4–5 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked to your preferred level of oneness.
6. During the last minute of cooking, top each patty with slices of American cheese, allowing it to melt and become gooey.
7. Toast the hamburger buns until they are lightly browned.
8. Assemble the burgers by placing each patty with melted cheese on a toasted bun. Add mayonnaise, mustard, and pickles to your liking. You can also add any additional toppings you prefer.
9. Serve your delicious Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers immediately. Enjoy!

Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium heat and melt the butter with the oil. Carefully place the patties into the skillet, onion side down, using a large spatula. Cook for 6–8 minutes, or until the onions achieve a rich golden brown color and start to crisp around the edges. Flip the burgers, then turn up the heat to high and continue cooking until the second side is well browned, which should take about 2 minutes.

Place 1 or 2 slices of cheese on each burger and allow them to melt. Spread mayo, mustard, and add pickles to the top halves of the buns. Then, set each burger on the bottom buns. Serve immediately.