If there’s one thing every burger connoisseur knows, it’s that the perfect burger isn’t complete until you’ve added the perfect onion. While friends may tout their special recipes for sweet and savory burgers made with unique toppings, it’s hard to beat a classic burger topped with freshly-cut onions. But before you start layering on those slices of heavenly flavor onto your patty, have you ever stopped to think about how to cut the onions for burgers? It might sound like a simple task but if done wrong can ruin your carefully crafted creation!
In this post we’ll go through everything from techniques for choosing an onion variety to step-by-step instructions on cutting perfect slices or cubes fit to top off burgers best enjoyed hot off the grill!
How To Prepare Onions for Burgers?
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If you want to add a layer of flavor to your burgers, caramelized onions are the perfect addition. They’re also easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, which is great for meal planning.
The key to cooking onions to caramelize is to cook them for a long time over low heat. It takes about 15-20 minutes for French onions and 45 minutes to an hour for jammy, mahogany-hued ones.
During the cooking process, you’ll need to stir the onions occasionally and get as much browning as possible without burning them. This helps the onions caramelize without losing their sweetness.
You can use any type of onion for this recipe — it’s best to choose one with a rich, deep color. You can also choose white onions for a milder taste.
To start, saute the onions in butter or oil over medium-low heat until they’re soft and translucent, about 1-2 minutes. Repeat this step until all the onions are cooked. If you’d like, add a splash of sherry at this point to help deglaze the pan and enhance the onions’ flavors.
How To Choose Onions for Burgers?
Choosing the right onion for your burger can make all the difference in the flavor of your patty. Whether you’re looking to add some sweet caramelized onions or more mild raw onions, there are many different types of onions out there to choose from, and each has its own unique flavor.
For example, red onions have a mild flavor and are a great choice for burgers that don’t need a lot of sweetness in the toppings. They’re also an affordable option that won’t overpower the other ingredients you use in your burger.
Yellow onions are also a good choice for burgers because they have a firm texture that holds up well when cooked. They’re also easy to slice without tears, and they’re not too sweet or spicy.
If you’re looking to have a little more caramelized onion in your burger, consider using sweet onions like Vidalia, Maui, or Walla Walla. These varieties are a bit sweeter than the white onions, and they’re great for cooking methods that bring out their natural sweetness such as caramelizing.
How to Cut Onions for Burgers?
When you want to add onions to your burgers, it’s important to cut them properly. For this, you’ll need to use a sharp knife or onion slicer.
You can cut onion lengthwise, from the root to the stem, to get firm pieces with a mild flavor. You can also make cuts crosswise, horizontally against the grain, to get softer pieces with more intense flavor.
After slicing, you can cut onions into wedges or rings to add flavor to your burger. Alternatively, you can caramelize onions during the cooking process to give them a sweet, slightly nutty taste.
The best way to make diced onions is by using a mandoline slicer. It will make paper-thin slices that are the perfect size to incorporate into a burger.
You can also try adding a variety of toppings to your burgers to add more flavors. Some of the toppings you can use include garlic, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and cheese.
How do you use a onion slicer?
Onions are great to use in burgers because they add flavor and texture without adding a lot of fat. However, it’s important to cut them correctly so that they don’t become too soft and lose their shape.
The best way to cut onions is with a slicer. These devices will produce thin, even slices that are perfect for smashing on a bun.
You can use a manual onion slicer or an electric one, but the latter is a more convenient option. It’s easy to use and can quickly cut large amounts of onions in no time.
To start, cut off the stem end of the onion and peel back the outer skin. You can also leave the root end uncut to help stabilize it while you chop. This will give you more control when chopping, and it will keep the onion from rolling around.
How to make diced onions for burgers?
Diced onions add a fresh, crunchy texture to your burger. They also help to diffuse the flavor of your burger without overwhelming it.
To make diced onions, cut your onion in half and then slice off the root end. Next, peel off the papery skin. Keep peeling until you reach the thicker, moister skin underneath.
Once you’ve peeled away the papery skin, it will be easier to slice and dice your onions. To get the best results, use a sharp knife. A santoku, chef’s, or thin cleaver knife works well.
Before cutting your onions, chill them in the refrigerator. This will help to reduce the tears that can result from slicing the onion.
A cold onion also is less likely to cause a “fountain” of vapors that can burn your eyes. Wearing a mask can help to keep the fumes at bay, as can using a fan.
Onions are a versatile ingredient that can be used for many different dishes. They can be served raw for a crunchy texture or cooked on the grill for a caramelized sweetness and slightly milder flavor.
How do you cut onions for grilled burgers?
While most burgers are great on their own, they’re even better with a crunchy, fresh, and flavorful onion. Whether you like raw onions, sauteed onions, or caramelized onions on your burgers, knowing how to cut onions for a burger is crucial.
The best way to cut onions for a burger is to slice them into rings. Rings of onion are more crunchy and add more flavor to a burger than chunky onions.
To make rings of onion, start by peeling off the dry, papery outer skin. Next, remove the root end if you are going to slice or quarter the onion.
Use a large sharp knife and a cutting board to cut the onion in half lengthwise from stem end to root end. Trim off the stem end only if you are going to slice the onion into slices; otherwise, leave it on to help hold sections together.
Then, make side-by-side vertical slices from the stem end to the root end of each onion half. This process creates thin slices that are perfect for sauteing on the stove.
How do you cut onions for smash burgers?
Onions are a great addition to any burger. They help to add a lot of flavor, and they also help to keep your burger moist while it cooks.
To make onion smashed burgers, you need to cut onions into very thin slices. You can do this using a mandoline or sharp knife.
After you have sliced your onions, you will want to sprinkle them with salt. This helps to draw out any moisture from the onions, making them easier to slice.
Place the onions onto your griddle and cook them until they are starting to caramelize. Once the onions start to brown, divide them into 8 piles and place a burger patty on top of each.
Repeat until all the onions have a burger patty on top. This may take a few minutes and will depend on the thickness of your beef patty.
Once the burgers are seared and have a good crust, flip them over and add your cheese. Let them cook for another couple of minutes to melt the cheese.
Conclusion:
Onions are one of the most versatile burger toppings out there. They can be chopped raw, grilled, or caramelized. Their sweet depth complements heavier aiolis and chilies.
However, not all onions are created equal, so you need to choose the right kind for your burgers. Some types of onions, like Vidalia and Walla Walla onions, have a milder taste and texture that goes well with grilled burgers.
But be sure to cut the onions thinly so they cook evenly on your burgers. Otherwise, they will be too soft and mushy, which can cause your burgers to fall apart.
To help keep your onions fresh, store them in an airtight container in a cool place away from sunlight. This will ensure that they stay fresh and flavorful for as long as possible.
Once you’ve made your burgers, it’s time to make the perfect condiments. There are plenty of options to choose from, but only a few core ingredients can truly make your burger stand out.
