I made these delightful burgers last weekend for two reasons. First, my husband’s love of all things beef is well-known. I know most people would say that is normal for most men and simply any burger, hot dog, or steak will do. I, however, have the unique challenge that my husband was at one time a real-life white-coat chef. I always strive to find things that he will be impressed by (and ask to add to the regular rotation!)
Secondly, I know that it seems like spring has just begun but soon summer grilling will be in full swing. I was eager to get that last bit of frost out of my bones by firing up the grill and enjoying some husband approved cheeseburgers.
While hubby prepped the burgers, I got all of the toppings ready. I sliced up some lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. I placed all of these items onto a platter with pickles and the cheese slices. Then put the mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, Ketchup, and Mustard along side of it. This is what I call my “build a burger station” it’s super easy to get all these ingredients together and ready to go so your burger is ready right off the grill.
What makes these cheeseburgers special is the mesquite flavored onion strings. They give a nice textural crunch and the flavor is awesome thanks to the Kraft Mesquite Smoke BBQ sauce as a *ahem* secret ingredient. The smoky mesquite flavor was just what these onion strings needed. Hubby told me I should soak them overnight because that is what the restaurants do but I ain’t got no time for that and they were still great!
In all of my years of grilling and cooking, I believe that a burger is the best when it is simple. When I want a burger, I want to taste the beef, without being overpowered by garlic or onion salt. Adding excessive seasonings is for meatloaf, not burgers. Gimme the beef!
Frequently asked questions:
Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil are what I typically use for frying foods at home. You should use a thermometer to regulate and maintain a temperature of 375 degrees.
These are so addicting, I could just eat them as a side dipped in bbq sauce or a creamy aioli. You can make a variation of this with grilled chicken as well. They are also delicious as a topping for casseroles, chopped steaks with gravy, or tossed in a bbq chicken salad.
These crispy fried onions really are the best when they are hot and fresh. You can make them a little bit in advance and store in an airtight container with a towel to absorb any excess oil. Before serving, throw them in the oven at 325 for about 5-10 minutes to reheat.
When the house is finally ready I think I will throw a party and serve these bad boys. So what do you think? Are you ready to get the grill fired up for your own Crispy Onion Strings topped BBQ Cheeseburger?
Crispy Onion Strings BBQ Cheeseburger
Ingredients
Fried Onion Strings
- 1 Medium Sweet Onion or Red Onion cut into very thin strips
- 2 Cups Flour
- ½ Cup Buttermilk
- ½ Cup BBQ sauce
- salt and pepper
Cheeseburger
- 1 ½ lb Ground Beef
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon worcestershire You can substitute beef base
- pepper to taste
- Cheese of Choice
- Burger Buns
- Assorted Toppings (Mayo, Mustard, Ketchup, Lettuce, Tomato, Red Onion, Pickles)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine BBQ sauce and buttermilk until smooth. Add onions. For best results, soak onions overnight but this is not required.
- Cut toppings as desired.
- Heat oil to 375 F. Add flour in a separate bowl. Strain onions from buttermilk BBQ marinade. Toss onions in flour until well coated. Transfer to plate and lightly salt and pepper to your preference. Set aside until cheese is melting on burgers.
- Incorporate soy sauce, worcestershire, and pepper into meat. Do not over mix, as it will toughen the meat when cooked. Form burger patties to desired size. Grill patties for 5 minutes per side on hot grill or until well done. Tip: If working on a gas grill, place a slotted metal sheet under the grates. This will stop flame-ups from drips to prevent char spots on bottom of burgers. Turn off grill, add cheese to melt.
- Add onions directly to hot oil. If necessary, gently break apart with tongs. Cook until golden brown, about 1 minute for very thin onions.
Nutrition
Not Sure
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Joybee says
This looks delicious. Thanks for sharing this recipe with Great Idea Thursdays. I’m Featuring thin in a ‘Great Ideas for Grilling’ roundup.
Joybee says
Yum. I love crispy onions and I love crunchy stuff so this burger is right up my alley. Add some pickled jalapenos and my husband would love it too (he puts those on everything and he loves bbq sauce on a burger). Thanks for sharing this on Great Idea Thursday 53 I’m featuring this.
Rachel says
Thank you so much for the feature! Jalopenos would be great on this, I imagine. I can’t take much heat though.
Blair Lonergan says
Hi, Rachel! These burgers look amazing! We have just pulled out our grill and started enjoying burgers again for the season. My boys would go nuts for these crispy onions on top!
Rachel says
I am so glad burger season is in. My son was a little hesitant because of the onions, so we convinced him they were just like french fries and then he dug in! I am going to have to check out those summer activities for toddlers now.
Cindy @ Hun... What's for Dinner? says
These burgers are drool worthy! Love the crispy onion strings. Thanks for sharing with us at Simple Supper Tuesday.
Lana says
These look so yummy! Now I’m hungry….
Erin @ Making Memories says
Oh my gosh! This is making me so hungry! Your burgers look heavenly! I love crispy onion strings!
Gloria // Simply Gloria says
Loving this whole burger! The onion strings are absolutely genius!
Kristy says
These look so delicious, I love adding crispy onions too! #client
Rebeccafaith says
This looks so yummy! And I love a recipe that actually requires me to use the Worcestershire sauce I never use. lol
Rachel says
Haha, one day I will just cook for you but I guess I would have to mail it so that probably won’t work. In the meantime, you should try Worcestershie sauce on sauteed pork chops. It’s one of my mom’s recipes she always used to make.
Jess says
Heaven…that’s what this looks like! YUM!
Thanks for joining the Link Up this week!
Mom says
What a great mindful Monday. Why didn’t you make the burgers for us when we came? Next weekend maybe? Sad to see you were up so late I hope you have a good day at work! Tell Brent thank you I had a great weekend and look forward to being there again with all of you. Tell Blake grandma loves him, hugs and kisses all around!
Rachel says
I actually had the onions soaking in the fridge to make these bad boys for you guys. But, of course, too much to do and not enough time. I have some touch ups left in the master and the hall but that is about it. The carpets are amazing!!!!