Oklahoma Onion Burgers Outdoors on the Grill | Kenji’s Cooking Show

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Here’s my New York Times article about these burgers (with a written recipe): www.nytimes.com/2022/07/19/di...

[@andrewbryant4259]

What I like about Kenji is that he could easily have edited it out, but he still decided to take us on a friendly little stroll through his yard to get his spatula

[@washingtonirving1345]

The spatula city reference was nice too

[@organizerbmo]

I got a bit worried he was going to show the sky -- because of what happened with Shia LeBoeuf and his live stream of anti-hate flags in 2016ish. 4chan folks looking at the airplanes and logs of flights on those days, angle + sun position to triangulate that flag no matter where it was moved to. So long as there's no public record of the day these were shot that people could figure (which YTubers typically don't include since so much requires filming way ahead) - it should be okay. Just in case the photos taken day of & shared immediately on insta or somethin. Maybe I'm paranoid but I feel like that's gotta be a thing we all do like editing out phone numbers or license plates or people that don't consent to being filmed.

[@xXcangjieXx]

@@organizerbmo The whole of 4chan belong in a compost where it should rot away

[@logankowalyk2580]

@@organizerbmo get off the internet. Go outside for a bit bro

[@valixr]

@@logankowalyk2580 the cyber has merged with the real, there is no escape

[@vladyslavkotov7570]

fav cooking channel. nothing pre staged, host doesn't act all fake, no script, just a man cooking and talking to us, completely in the flow. beautiful. keep it up Kenji!

[@Not_a_smart_man]

" nothing pre staged, host doesn't act all fake, no script". Kenji is the anti-Weismann whose videos are completely unwatchable.

[@vladyslavkotov7570]

@@Not_a_smart_man not the worst. I saw some Russian guy, always a fake smile, fake soft voice as if he's talking to mentally ill people. Horrible. Here you just feel that he's talking to you, not reading to you. Pace too, for ex, ragusea s videos I always feel like I've been water hosed into my ears. Faster, faster, faster

[@gambitschema]

i feel like him having a stable job and other income stream allows him to make this sort of slightly less popular thing not saying it's bad just he does have the opportunity to do so

[@jramsay9008]

All of this + the most knowledgeable and cares-the-most-able guy on youtube when it comes to chefing!

[@vladyslavkotov7570]

@@gambitschema agreed but it's a matter of taste, a lot of people like shows where hosts dont like all theatrical, just chilling and talking unscripted

[@KzHavok]

Kenji living life on the edge using that mandolin slicer without the guard 🫣

[@hannibalb8276]

seriously I was scared for a bit as he got to the end i know he's a pro but it doesn't matter, it's scary

[@wormulous]

Bad memories started going through my mind

[@lionofnaples]

He also picked up and ate a piece of onion after handling raw ground beef without washing his hands first

[@MrMark-sx2gl]

No doubt, but he also seemed to be acutely aware of that if you watch how he positioned his hand and fingers while using it

[@TheRatchetnclank]

@@lionofnaples Oh no. Instant death.

[@joshrausch3061]

Throughout all the videos of yours that I've watched, learning techniques and the science behind cooking, the beer step in this was simply magical. You continue to inspire Kenji!

[@cfx3]

LMAO I was like: 'did I miss something??' carefully looking back examining the footage to where I noted the can was unopened... then I realised lmao

[@spyhunter1]

can someone explain this? xD

[@G.D.goodwill]

@@spyhunter1 The beer is purely for the cook (Mr. Kenji) to drink in this case. Not used for the burgers, but when grilling a highly recommended step!

[@malosmys7660]

A Z,5GQZzx😮🎉IS F😢🎉h

[@priayief]

I've watched so many videos of how to make smashed onion burgers, but until I viewed this one, I never realized how "forgivable" they are to cook. I'm going to try this one! Thanks.

[@Leg0z]

It made me smile that you said "Spatula City". UHF is such an underappreciated movie.

[@joshyoung3138]

The anxiety I was experiencing when you were coming to the end of slicing the onions was palpable! A true professional, you are!

[@mucdoc]

What about the chewing

[@nickgoesvestmode]

that would be right about 2:15

[@Exarian]

I was clenchin'

[@joeparris]

I was holding my breath and picking at the scar tissue on the end of my thumb where I took a chunk off a few years ago with a mandolin. All these macho people making fun of others using guards or Kevlar gloves make me laugh. Imagine gatekeeping over a cheap kitchen appliance.

[@ze_ep]

Someone palming a mandolin is about the only thing that ever and always makes me turn away from the screen.

[@nuggers23]

What I really love here is that you prepared two burgers. One is NEVER enough.

[@Johnny2Gats]

Originally discovered this burger from George. 100% my go to when I’m making smash burgers. The way the onion carmelize and almost burn is phenomenal 👌

[@joshlee50]

Oklahoma born and raised . The best burger stands are in the country outside the two main cities, especially on lakes. I have a favorite in Disney and Claremore. There is a large list of the hamburger stand cannon items, but the funniest part is usually this style burger kenji is making just called the "classic" to order a burger without onion you have to ask for "plain" specifically. It will come with onion if you don't ask. If you want to dive even deeper into regional cooking try an okie hot hamburger it's a true deep cut recipe Make the burger as described above, but then for buns use texas toast, and a single slice cheese. Top with brown gravy and serve immediately. Eat rapidly before the toast softens. Best eaten with a classic fried hand pie (I like apple or peach, hushpuppies, and fries with a sweet tea.

[@joshlee50]

And as far as toppings I have them smear grilled jalapeños on my bun. That's it

[@WG1417Gaming]

You’ll be glad to hear that wursthall is still excellent you really built something great for the community

[@faulyf]

He still works there doesn't he? I don't know why but I assumed he would check in on it everyonce in a while

[@mpa3588]

@@faulyf He mentioned on Twitter that he's not financially involved at all anymore. He still gives input from afar as he wants to see them thrive still.

[@dirtyketchup]

@@mpa3588 Funny enough, I was just reading that Tweet recently myself. I wonder why he isn't financially involved anymore? I know he moved, but wouldn't you think a restaurant you created would still pay you even a small passive income? Was there something that happened that I missed?

[@Vetrexus]

@@dirtyketchup could have sold his stake to new owners for a lump sum if he had ownership.

[@KitchenOnTheLeft]

@@dirtyketchup he mentioned a couple years ago, I believe in the collab with Adam Ragusea, that he wasn’t personally turning a profit off it and that his primary source of income was still book sales at the time.

[@1mmortal1349]

The amount of skills I have learned by watching your videos is priceless. Thank you so much for what you do, Kenji!

[@boogitybear2283]

I never get tired of watching people make Oklahoma Onion Burgers! They all do it differently yet they all look so good!

[@itspodin]

Adding in the metric equivalent really helps out, thank you!

[@MrJACarroll]

It is a very much welcome addition which avoids Google/calculator time for those of us outside the US!

[@DazzaBo]

@@MrJACarroll agreed! Pounds to kilos is easy because you just divide by 2.2 but I can never remember how to convert ounces to grams.

[@bjmw93]

Said the same thing. The conversion isn't rocket science, but saves tabbing out / opening another app, or doing math in your head (thus distracting from watching the vid). Really welcome addition

[@polythewicked]

Haha, the moment you said spatula, I thought “spatula city!” And you did not disappoint.

[@Venoseth]

UHF is an underrated gem. It almost entirely holds up, for me.

[@bobolikessneakers6709]

Same here. It was like he heard my thoughts. Long live Stanley Spadowsky.

[@SalmonTouchty]

What better way to say “I love you” like the gift of a spatula?

[@andy_grigg]

Buy nine spatulas and get the tenth for just one penny!

[@Liafram]

"Spatula City!" never gets old.

[@jefferyosvold372]

Was that a UHF reference??

[@Liafram]

@@jefferyosvold372 You know it!

[@IvanKapor]

Damn, thought I was the only one who caught it! LOL I cant ever hear spatula and not think of UHF. Too bad you cant put gif reactions here.

[@RS8812]

Love it Kenji. I have been following since Covid when you made posts in your old restaurant and late at night at home, you have grown your fan base a lot and well deserved.

[@TheDondoran]

These are probably my favorite burgers to cook for myself or for company. Simple and easy with a lot of breathing room. Just make sure you've got beef no leaner than 80/20, American cheese, and onion. Whatever else you do is up to you. Never thought about pre-smashing and cooking on a grill. That sounds fantastic. The main thing I do differently from Kenji, here, is that I don't season the meat at all. I slice the onions the same way, but then I salt the onions and let them sit for about 30 minutes, or even an hour. It draws a lot of water out, but it's not really lost. When you smash the onions into the burger, all that liquid kinda seasons the beef as it cooks. I think you get a more "oniony" burger, but the beef still remains distinct. And I just like the texture of the onions more when they're salted ahead of time. But you could probably make one side-by-side with Kenji's and it wouldn't make much difference. It's a very forgiving burger. If I'm planning on making a lot of these and I'm salting like 4-5 large onions, I actually like to reserve some of the salty onion liquid to either throw on the griddle to help steam when I need it, or I add it to season sauteed veggies if I'm making them as a side (usually zucchini).

[@agrillingbeerguy]

I was immediately thinking "Spatula City! Spatula City! Spatula City" but then J. Kenji said it under his breath....and I was satisfied. Thank you, for being in the same, nerdy, boat as me.

[@Rav2277]

Yes for the shoutout to White Mana in Hackensack!! I’m from the county it’s in. Absolutely legendary burger spot, you can smell the onions when you park your car.

[@robmcd_esc1332]

I’m From River Edge spent a lot of time eating those burgers!

[@Rav2277]

@@robmcd_esc1332 nice! I’m from Allendale a little north and west from Hackensack. Used to go to white mana as an adventure with my friends in high school, went back a month ago. Most aromatic parking lot!

[@lukechioatto9167]

SOOO GOOD!!! The best "dad cooking guide!!" Mucho respect Kenji!!!

[@spotcube]

Watching you slice that onion on the mandoline so quickly gave me sweaty palms

[@theflyingcrud]

Man, same here I've seen some nasty war wounds from those things. I only use mine with blade proof gloves.

[@minebrosfinest]

@@theflyingcrud generally a good idea I do the same

[@corecanarias]

I took a slice of my pinky with that exact same brand. I had to fast forward that part 🫣

[@MrJACarroll]

@@Tol1as Mom's spaghetti 🍝

[@taylordcraig]

Buncha not cooks. 🤔 Cooking means cutting and burning yourself semi regularly. My hands have no feeling.

[@RandalGaus]

Spent 4-5 summers living in El Reno, going to all the places these were popularized from. So happy to see them here, it's such a tasty burger and so simple. One of the things that inspired me to learn more about cooking!

[@elizabethmccready]

I’m from Oklahoma and was wondering where in the state they originated from because I’d never heard of them!

[@RandalGaus]

@@elizabethmccready El Reno, during the great depression. They hold a festival every year where they make one that is several feet wide.

[@hopsonkim4952]

What better way to say “I love you” than with the gift of a spatula?

[@ryanvillasenor1105]

George Motz fans waiting for him to approve Kenji’s Oklahoma onion burgers

[@bartoscar]

He did (on Instagram)

[@ryanspivey8969]

Wow, I would’ve never thought I’d be hearing John T. Edge’s name out of your mouth. I grew up in Mississippi so it’s cool to hear one of our few food icons getting shouted out.

[@noeldelarosa731]

Kenji! My son and I just made these today following your instructions. The burgers were amazing; thank you!

[@brianmcmanus57]

Kenji I enjoy watching your cooking episodes so much. Thank you for all your time and effort :)

[@AndorMolnar-sz9zv]

Another total keeper! We really loved it! Thanks Kenji!

[@Ochreification]

Kenji, I saw your article in the NYT today and wondered when you'd make a video for these burgers... I just didn't expect one so soon!

[@drorzellner9584]

Burgers and onions, both some of my favorite things! Watching rn to maybe make tomorrow!

[@jonv8177]

A good video, some tips from Oklahoman. If you want the Oklahoma onion burger on a gril, slice onions thin on a mandoline as shown in video, place on ball of meat, & put it in a tortilla press with parchment paper on bottom, & another on top. Use firm pressure to "smash" the patty, & onions together. Place onto preheated, & oiled grill grates meat side first, flip after 30-45 seconds onto onion side. Place cheese on top followed by buns as shown in video. Remember the onion burger is incredibly thin, & the onions essentially "meld" into the burger.

[@TheCsmith321]

I hear the reference to Wursthall and I am immediately taken back to all the "late night silent" cooks in there leading into Covid, etc - oh, those were great vids Kenji! Especially when finished by a trip to the tap wall for a beer.

[@sadlittlebikerack]

In the midst of all the negativity rn on the internet, your vids always put a smile on my face

[@sameoldsteph]

These look perfect. I love soft burger situations!

[@NOne-yt1tj]

This has to be one of my favourite burgers to make at home

[@__-im2se]

Man, Oklahoma Onion Burgers are REALLY having a moment. I feel like 8-9 Food KZbinrs I follow have made videos about them, now Kenji is out with the definitive version!

[@Rexter2k]

Gotta please that algorithm.

[@a_c_v]

Might be the inflation but I don't mind, that looks awesome.

[@pablocirclecali]

i love the way he organized his cutting board

[@grantwilliams630]

One of my favorite burger styles. Didn’t think I’d like it nearly as much as I did!

[@kazoohero93]

Shoutout to White Mana in NJ. A classic. Bless you Kenji

[@kkersten]

We just did similar, and they’re amazing. One extra step, especially when dealing with kids or a crowd - buy a pack of deli foil and wrap them, and let them sit for at least 5 min. Wrapping them is key.

[@TheeBurgerDude]

Whoa I thought Spatula City like 1 second before you said it hahah! UHF FTW! Also for folks scared of a mandolin, get some protective gloves, I no longer have anxiety about it.

[@spookytruth9307]

Made these tonight on a grill in a cast iron...pitch perfect. Kenji, keep up the good work and thanks for helping home cooks cook at home

[@TadThurston]

Oklahoman here -- these are indeed the bomb. Thanks very much!

[@BubblewrapHighway]

These videos and these burgers have changed my life.

[@LabCat]

Perfect medium rare on a smashburger. You're a wizard, Kenji! 🧙‍♂

[@orangehutan]

thank you for the conversions

[@robertinogochev3682]

Onions might be my favourite thing to cook. You can do so many different things with them and they are always delicious. Cheap too.

[@jacquedegatineau9037]

UHF! The movie was filmed in Tulsa. Perfect reference for an Oklahoma Onion Burger!

[@JKenjiLopezAlt]

You are the first person to get it. 😂

[@Domirillo]

What better way to say 'I love you' than with the gift of a spatula.

[@danielmargolis3210]

Every time I finish using my Benriner, I immediately tighten the screw which guards the blade. It helps keep you from getting cut. I learned the hard way.

[@fatocaster97]

You off-hand mentioning White Manna absolutely made my day

[@camp7530]

So glad you made a video of this kind of burger, I’ve been making these recently and are so good

[@lfelixmartinez]

Tried this today. My family said they were the best burgers I have ever made. They were juicy, flavorful and the onion flavor was not overpowering but combined with the meat and seasonings made this burger so tasty.

[@youngzeus87]

Literally just made these last weekend! Perfect timing

[@johnsanchez9580]

great timing putting this out with rising food prices, really gonna helps some of us stretch out groceries

[@3sons4fun20]

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Making this tonight! My mouth is watering already!

[@billyelliotx]

This looks like a larger beef portion slider. The place local around me will do a thinner patty, no smash, but still put onions on top and flip it to finish cooking on top of the onions. They'll do the same with cheese, top bun and then bottom bun on top and cover it. However, they will take a bottle of water and squirt some water in it to extra steam the buns. Ketchup, mustard and pickles. I honestly love this method though which does a smashed patty, but would love to try it with the steamed onions/bun. Such a great flavor profile all the different onions add.

[@krombopulos_michael]

Thank you for putting metric units on the screen afterwards!

[@Shwexx]

Was FANTASTIC meeting you a few days ago! Was the guard at QFC that said hello. Will be doing this method for dinner very soon!

[@Dkilbane1]

I've been waiting for this video for awhile now. I'm going to make these tomorrow night.

[@lashandrajohnson849]

When my father was a kid in the Great Depression, they would eat onion sandwiches and ketchup sandwiches. His grandparents had a variety store in Passaic, New Jersey. Their family lived above the store. They didn’t starve. But they lived on modest means. He and his brother went into the service to pay for their higher educations (GI bill). People who lived in those times (my grandparents) did not talk with us about how it was. His parents had full dentures: maintaining teeth was much too expensive.

[@MrJACarroll]

Seasoning (or lack thereof) aside, did you have a preference between the classic vs. grilled versions Kenji?

[@AscendtionArc]

Thank you for this.

[@Reb0rnKnight]

Comment unrelated to food but I love how much sunlight your home gets. It's like my dream house.

[@Magnastroyer]

I thought I was already a huge fan, but a random, throwaway UHF reference? So good. "I love their spatulas so much, I bought the company"

[@Jonpoo1]

Thanks for another great video.

[@tsminnal]

Finally the first video of new house backyard BBQ!!

[@wendydawe3874]

Love this! Must try these soon. Thanks again.

[@explainedcalmly]

Appreciated that White Manna name drop! Miss my hometown.

[@GregCurtin45]

I think the Goldburger Pop-Up (L.A.) method is probably the easiest. They grill the onions on a flat top and then place the meat on top, followed by smashing the burger into the onions.

[@Jv-pc4vx]

i love your recipes!!!

[@Zydeco.13]

It's a good day when Kenji uploads

[@princessmeganelsa9273]

Love Love your Food channel ❤️❤️❤️😍

[@forhadz4823]

shoutout to White Mana in Hackensack!!! bringing back memories

[@anthonymendoza8645]

I live in Amarillo Tx and they’re very popular around this area being close to Oklahoma. 10/10 would recommend

[@vikingrbeerdserkr8406]

F Me I love burgers....I love all that ya do my friend but my journey with you started with the burger lab nearly 15 years ago now so it's always great to see a burger vid from ya.

[@aetetreau]

First time I'm seeing the new Jamón ending freeze frame. Dying! And thank you, Kenji, for usually including at least a little discussion of your gear. I've wondered what kind of mandoline that is.

[@enzomatos2307]

your shadow when u went outside to grab the spatula reminded me of how u look to people in your kitchen while recording these vídeos

[@marsdiep1976]

Thank you for the Gramm overlay for the weights!

[@renebriones9581]

looks awsome!!!!! gona try it , thank you sir !!!

[@crisc9280]

I like your videos Kenji. Easy to understand, good food that you make and your taste tests at the end. I have to remember my phone is NOT a hamburger.

[@andrewknaff9220]

Loved the UHF reference with Spatula City!

[@joshuaprice7306]

If George Motz had walked in during this I would have died laughing lol

[@IvanKapor]

He was probably too busy picking up his Lipitor prescription (thinking of Tony Bourdain)

[@jeffreyabelson7171]

Hi Kenji - congrats on your new child!

[@travelstreetfoodvlog]

Especially if we are going to eat a burger, it should be touched by your own hand and it should be very juicy. Thanks for the amazing recipe, chef.

[@derekmcanally11]

Excellent UHF reference. Much respect.

[@colina1330]

I'll forever be thankful to George Motz for introducing me to the Oklahoma onion burger. It's basically the sole reason I got a mandolin.

[@SamuelWebster1337]

Awesome vid Kenji, every time I watch you make me hungry lol. Anyone watching from Sydney, R.O.B (Rozelle original burgers) in Rozelle specialise in Oklahoma smash burgers and they are amazing - beat burgers I ever had!

[@danieljohnson7712]

You da man Kenji!!!!

[@batorre]

My man dropping the subtle 'UHF' reference 😂

[@polythewicked]

It made me very happy

[@lollykiss2000]

4:57 He said 'White Manna in Hackensack" That's a burger restaurant in NJ! :)

[@vosthex_1875]

Everyone loves a good UHF reference 2:46

[@garfieldoftheweek]

2:45 SPATULA CITY, SPATULA CITY!!! So glad I'm not the only one who does that.

[@PreatorRaszagal]

Haha the UHF Spatula City reference 😂 Man was a long time since I last watched that movie. And these burgers sound amazing. I'm gonna try this next time I make burgers for sure 👌

[@returnofthelego2]

Some Oklahoma love from the goat! Love this vid man!

[@puvman]

Amazing White Manna shout out!

[@parishc87]

Nice!

[@SkullCity]

UHF reference in a Kenji video? I love this channel!

[@MrJACarroll]

Must have missed that one!

[@jaketaylor5788]

@@MrJACarroll Spatula City! From UHF.

[@MrJACarroll]

@@jaketaylor5788What better way to say "I love you" than with the gift of a spatula?

[@alicepotter8165]

In Greenville, SC, we had a place called the Shanty. Their burgers were slider sized withe onions chopped fine. No condiments. They were tasty. They probably also steamed and smashed the onions into the meat.