Description
Elevate your classic burger with the rich sweetness of caramelized Vidalia onions in this gourmet caramelized onion burger recipe. Slow-cooked onions bring deep flavor and tenderness, mixed into juicy ground beef patties for an irresistible meal perfect for grilling season. Served on buttery brioche buns with your favorite toppings and a tangy Dijonnaise sauce, these burgers offer a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors that will impress any crowd.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onion Burgers:
- 1 pound 85% lean ground beef
- Caramelized onions (see below)
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt & ground black pepper, to season
- For serving (as desired): toasted brioche buns, cheese of choice, lettuce, tomato, mustard, ketchup, Dijonnaise (see Recipe Notes)
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 pounds Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- Kosher salt, to season
- ½ cup dry sherry
Instructions
- Soften the Vidalia onions: Add the butter to a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a lid over medium heat. Once melted, add the thinly sliced Vidalia onions and stir to coat with butter. Cover the pot and cook for 12-15 minutes until the onions become soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally.
- Caramelize the Vidalia onions: Uncover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Season the onions with 2 teaspoons kosher salt and stir well. Continue cooking uncovered, stirring occasionally to avoid burning and promote even browning, for 30-45 minutes until the onions are deeply browned, tender, and fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan: Slowly pour in the dry sherry, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Increase heat to medium-high to bring the sherry to a simmer, then let it reduce for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. The caramelized onions can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Mix & form the burger patties: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, caramelized onions, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and season with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper to taste. Mix gently by hand until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep burgers tender. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty slightly larger than your buns. Press a small indent into the center of each patty to prevent puffing up during cooking. Set aside on a plate or baking sheet.
- Grill the burgers: Preheat grill to medium heat (450-500°F). Before grilling, oil the grill grates thoroughly using a wad of paper towels and tongs to prevent sticking. Place the patties directly on the grates and grill with the lid closed for 3-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. If adding cheese, place it on the burgers 2 minutes before finishing. Remove burgers to a plate and let rest for a few minutes.
- Serve: Place the grilled caramelized onion burgers on toasted brioche buns and top with your favorite burger fixings such as lettuce, tomato, onions, mustard, ketchup, and Dijonnaise sauce. Enjoy your gourmet caramelized onion burgers!
Notes
- Use Vidalia onions or any extra-sweet onion variety to achieve the best caramelization and flavor.
- Thinly slicing onions helps speed up the caramelization process and ensures tender results.
- Dijonnaise (a mix of Dijon mustard and mayonnaise) adds a creamy tang that balances the sweetness and savoriness of the burger.
- Caramelized onions can be made ahead of time and stored refrigerated for up to 1 week.
- Adjust grill temperature and timing based on your equipment and desired burger doneness.
- Use a gentle hand when mixing patties to avoid compacting the meat, which can result in tough burgers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
