What could be more delicious than caramelized onions? Caramelized onion burgers, of course.
Sometimes I just get hungry for a nice juicy burger for dinner. I think one of the reasons that I like burgers so much is that they are a blank canvas. This time around, my inspiration was caramelized onions. I love the flavor and moisture that comes from grating onion into the meat mixture. After giving that some thought, it dawned on me that caramelizing the onions first would be a great way to turn the flavor up another notch.
To keep the caramelized onion theme going, I made a quick caramelized onion spread that I used to top the burgers. It would be delicious as a dip for chips or veggies if you want to skip the burgers. It’s easy to adjust the quantities accordingly.
Caramelized Onion Burgers
- 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 large sweet onion, diced
- Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2/3 pound lean ground beef (90/10)
- 1/4 cup barbeque sauce (or steak sauce)
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons light sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 whole wheat rolls
- 2 large green lettuce leaves
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion. The onion should sizzle but not pop and spatter in the oil. Stir to evenly coat all of the onion in the olive oil. Continue to stir every minute or so until the onions are translucent. Season with salt and add the teaspoon of honey. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the onions caramelize and are a rich golden color. Remove the onions from the heat and allow to cool.
Preheat a grill pan over medium heat and brush lightly with oil. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, barbeque sauce, bread crumbs, and half of the caramelized onions. Mix with your fingers just until the ingredients are combined. Do not overwork the meat. Divide the meat mixture into two portions and shape two burgers. Cook the burgers for 3-5 minutes on each side, to your desired temperature.
While the burgers are cooking, combine the remaining caramelized onions with the mayonnaise, sour cream, and garlic powder. Stir to combine.
To assemble the burgers, place one piece of lettuce on the bottom of each bun. Place the burger on the lettuce, and spread one half of the caramelized onion spread on top of the burger. Serve immediately.
I love everything about burgers – except onions! Your do look delicious though! :D
Ooooo…Yum!!! I like to go for a good burger every once in a while. Delish. I’m definitely going to try the spread.
Wow this looks like one great burger! I have always loved caramelized onions but never thought of making a spread to put on top of a burger…delicious!
Uhhhh – drooling all over the keyboard…
Caramelized onions are an entirely different topping than regular onions. Just such an awesome addition to a burger. Yours looks so tasty.
Jen, that picture is OUTRAGEOUS! Gorgeous. I LOVE caramelized onions on a burger. TOTALLY craving it right now!
It’s like french onion soup on a bun! Can’t wait to get home and try this.
Thought I’m not crazy abt burgers, this one looks so good that I would love to try. Thanks for sharing
Beautiful and delicious and I love caramelized onions. Burgers? Yes too.
I’ve been experimenting a lot with caramelized onions lately but haven’t tried it in burgers yet. Sounds perfect!
Those looks DELICIOUS!
Two of my favorites all in one. These look excellent!! Love that mayo too!
Caramelized onions pack an incredible flavor punch. So I’m sure these burgers were super yummy.
I had the best burgers ever last night at a Greek friend’s – bbq’d burgers which were seasoned with oregano, salt and pepper. I was in heaven. This will come in a close second…till I try them out! Love caramelised onions too