Oklahoma Onion
Smash Burger Comfort in a Classic
by Ryan Donahue for the California Cattlemen's Association
This depression-era creation was born more from necessity than culinary curiosity. At the time beef was relatively expensive, onions were cheap and people were poor. The onions are used to fortify the beef patty in an effort to stretch the meat further. This style continues to delight diners in the midwest and beyond today because of its simplicity and novelty. In this preparation the onions are not caramelized yet the onions do lose their sulfur-like compounds by steaming on the griddle.
ingredients • Ground beef - one-half pound per person (assuming people will have multiple) • American cheese (optional but recommended) • Onions (any) - two onions per pound of beef • Burger buns (on the smaller side) • Yellow mustard • Kosher salt
tools• Griddle or cast iron pan • Large spatula • Mandolin (optional)
process
20 California Cattleman November 2021
Portion your ground beef into the size of a golfball (about 3 ounces). Don't over work the meat. THINLY slice onions on a mandolin or with a sharp knife. It doesn't matter what shapes you end up with just as long as the onions are thinly sliced. Heat up your griddle (we're aiming for 420 degrees) and toast all of the buns you intend to use while the griddle is coming to temperature. If using American cheese this would be a good time to unwrap the slices (this cook is quick). Once it reaches temperature place beef balls (as many that will fit while allowing space) and top with a GENEROUS handfull of onions. Using your spatula use both hands (a towel or oven mit could be useful here) and smash the onions into the patty until the patty is about a quarter-inch thick. At this temperture with this method the patty will be ready to flip in under a minute. Once you see beautiful brown edges on the bottom flip the patties so the onion side is down. Season with salt and top with cheese. Once the cheese is melted transfer the patties to the toasted buns and top with mustard. Nothing wrong with eating two or three. Enjoy!
