Ingredients for Oklahoma Fried Onion Burgers:

• 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4-8 slices American cheese
• Mayo, mustard, and pickles for serving
• 4 hamburger buns, toasted

Instructions:

Preparing the Onions: Start by combining the thinly sliced onions with 1 teaspoon of salt in a bowl, mixing them thoroughly. Transfer the seasoned onions to a colander, allowing them to sit for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then, transfer the onions to a clean dish towel, gathering the edges, and squeezing out as much liquid as possible over a sink or a large bowl.

Forming the Patties: Divide the drained onions into 4 piles on a rimmed baking sheet. Shape the ground beef into 4 gently packed balls and place them on top of the onion mounds. Press down firmly with your palm so that the onions adhere to the beef, forming patties measuring 4 inches in diameter. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper.

Cooking the Patties: In a 12-inch skillet, melt the butter with the vegetable oil over medium heat. Carefully transfer the patties, onion side down, using a large spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes until the onions become deep golden brown and crisp around the edges. Flip the burgers, increase the heat to high, and cook for about 2 more minutes, until well browned on the second side.

Adding Cheese and Serving: Add 1 or 2 slices of American cheese to each burger, allowing it to melt. Meanwhile, spread mayo, mustard, and pickles on the top buns. Once the cheese has melted, place each burger on the bottom buns and serve immediately.