Magic Onion Burger — Bouillon-Butter Onions on Juicy Patties
Cooked onions are burgers taste the best that's why I always add them in my burgers. Here's the magic onion burger recipe that I'm known for.
Equipment
- 12-inch / 30cm non-stick or cast-iron skillet
- Medium frying pan (for onion topper)
- Large mixing bowl
- Instant-read thermometer
- Flat spatula (thin-edged, for flipping patties)
Ingredients
- 1 medium onion approximately 6 oz / 170g, diced
- 2 tablespoons butter salted, 1 oz / 28g
- 1 piece beef bouillon cube
Burger Patty Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 450g, 80/20 blend recommended
- 1 packet onion soup mix 1 oz / 28g, such as Lipton
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce such as Jack Daniel's No. 7 or any smoky BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking patties
- 4 thin slices deli ham optional, for layering on the patty
- 4 large iceberg or butter lettuce leaves
- 4 whole brioche or sesame burger buns split
Instructions
- For the magic onion topper, start with dicing the onion.1 medium onion
- Melt the butter in a medium frying pan over medium-low heat. Crumble in the bouillon cube and stir until dissolved, about 1 minute. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until the onions are soft, deeply golden, and just beginning to catch colour at the edges.1 medium onion, 2 tablespoons butter, 1 piece beef bouillon cube
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, onion soup mix, Worcestershire sauce, and Jack Daniel's BBQ sauce. Mix gently with your hands until just combined — do not overwork the meat. Divide into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz / 113g each after seasoning) and shape into patties roughly ¾ inch (2 cm) thick. Press a shallow dimple into the centre of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing during cooking.1 lb ground beef, 1 packet onion soup mix, 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- Heat a 12-inch (30 cm) skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and swirl to coat. When the oil shimmers and just begins to smoke, the pan is ready.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Place the patties in the hot skillet and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until a deep brown crust forms on the bottom. Flip once and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium (145°F / 63°C) or 5-6 minutes for well-done (160°F / 71°C). If adding ham, lay a slice on each patty after flipping so it warms through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check doneness.4 thin slices deli ham
- Split the buns and toast them cut-side down in the same skillet (or under the broiler) for 1-2 minutes until golden.4 whole brioche or sesame burger buns
- Place a lettuce leaf on each bun base. Set the cooked patty on top, then pile a generous spoonful of the bouillon-butter onions over the patty. Add the bun top and press down gently.4 large iceberg or butter lettuce leaves, 4 whole brioche or sesame burger buns
- Serve immediately while the onions and patties are hot.
Notes
Storage: Cooked burgers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The onion topping stores separately for up to 3 days — reheat in a small pan over medium-low with a splash of water to loosen.
Freezing: Shape raw patties, stack with parchment between each one, wrap tightly in plastic and then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. Avoid freezing cooked patties — they dry out on reheating.
Make-Ahead: Form patties up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate covered. Cook the onion topping in advance and reheat when ready to assemble.
Substitution: Swap the Jack Daniel's BBQ sauce for any smoky barbecue sauce. Use beef stock concentrate or demi-glace paste in place of the bouillon cube for a lower-sodium version.
Pro Tip: Press a shallow dimple into the centre of each patty before cooking — it prevents the burger from puffing into a ball as the proteins contract over high heat.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 441kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 21gFat: 32gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 14gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 1383mgPotassium: 527mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 252IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 57mgIron: 3mg
Did you give this recipe a whirl?Rate this Recipe !