Kenji Makes Oklahoma Onion Burgers | NYT Cooking

Get the recipe: nyti.ms/3UAaA3i
Meet the burger J. Kenji López-Alt can’t improve - only tweak. Oklahoma onion burgers.
Homer Davis and his son Ross invented what they called the Depression burger at the Hamburger Inn in El Reno, Okla., as a way to add inexpensive bulk to their burgers. Rather than being toasted, the buns are steamed in onion-scented vapor. That the technique - cooking the patties smashed-style with a huge amount of thinly shaved onions and steaming the buns - and restaurant remain popular to this day is a testament to the burgers’ deliciousness.
If you prefer, you can take the cooking (and the oniony aroma) completely out of the house by heating the skillet or griddle directly over a very hot grill and cooking outdoors.
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[@NYTCooking]

Get Kenji's recipe for Oklahoma Onion Burgers: nyti.ms/3UAaA3i

[@ropro9817]

Is it my imagination or does Kenji look like 10 years younger these days? 😄 He even has the whole dewy skin and rosie cheeks thing going on. 😘

[@anitaboddie63]

As an Oklahoma who has been to El Reno many times, I reccomend if you want to put anything on the bun, I reccomend mustard. That's how they do them.

[@Tortilla.Reform]

If Kenji did a video with Jon Kung, worlds would collide in a spectacular way

[@artistlovepeace]

Kenji is the best. Kenji's books and channel on youtube are straight facts. He's a trustworthy dude. At home just skip a few of the steps and make whatever you are making to your taste. Substitute ingredients or omit them if you don't have them. It's going to take at least twenty tries to make a meal as beautiful as J. Kenji. J. Kenji is a cooking master.

[@MikeListon-tk8ir]

Kenji gave no credit whatsoever to George Motz, the king of Oaklahoma onion burgers and much more of an authority on this recipe than Kenji. Motz makes them better anyway and I use his 3oz double patty method. We all know Kenji knows who Motz is, so why the total and complete snub?

[@dgorospe]

Kenji before filming: "Hey, do you guys have an onion towel?" NYT staff: "A what?" Kenji: "nvm, I found one"

[@What_111]

NYT staff: “but that’s not an onion tow…” Kanji: “it is now.”

[@Jonpoo1]

Also Kenji: you guys got a spatula? NTY staff: we have these two spades. Kenji: uhh… okay.

[@HaploPrime]

My tent will never smell the same again :(

[@defjetson]

I did live in a tent so I relate😊

[@JeffO-]

I noticed that.

[@AdlerDanEgoe]

shame about the ozempic on this dude. he looks shriveled. sending good vibes kenji, be real.

[@user-js7cx3gs6t]

Maybe he should eat some burgers

[@davidkak1354]

@@AdlerDanEgoewtf

[@erikellis5940]

Kenji's talent for communicating the reason and the emotion of why one does it his way is unparalleled. I never tire of his content.

[@Wushvuzulle]

That's so true said.

[@wilsonmcc1]

Nailed it. I could listen to him all day

[@cpkfolief]

He's so good!

[@happyvillian]

100% Agree. His Serious Eats blog and cookbooks are a true testament to him being a great teacher besides a cook.

[@wrathford]

Kenji is fabulous ❤

[@iSim0641]

Kenji is one of this type of people that explaining super clearly with a natural tone is like a second nature for them. I wish every teacher was like Kenji.

[@Galactic123]

Shoutout George Motz for introducing me to this style of burger! Another amazing vid by Kenji. The way he communicates the reasoning behind the techniques he uses is second to none.

[@kevindibb6534]

I watched one of George's videos on the Oklahoma Onion burgers a while back and now i'm obsessed. I learned a few new tips from Kenji that I'm going to start using now too. Another tip I saw somewhere was to put a small pat of butter down and put the patty on that. I like that!

[@vokay]

His place in NY is all-right for a burger spot. I came in with normal expectations and wasn’t particularly impressed or disappointed, for 8$ a burger, it’s alright.

[@MatthewTheWanderer]

Sid's Diner and Robert's Grill, where the Onion Fried Burger was invented and is still served, were basically across the street from where I went to school in the mid-90s in El Reno, Oklahoma! So, I got to eat them long before they became cool and well-known nationally. El Reno even has Onion Fried Burger Day where they make and serve an enormous (like a dozen feet across) onion fried burger that I got to have some of each year. I don't see my former home town mentioned on KZbin very often, so this was really cool!

[@anitaboddie63]

I have been to the onion burger day many times. Always had a great time and Sids is the best.

[@xSamoh]

Went to roberts a few months back brought back many memories

[@MatthewTheWanderer]

@@anitaboddie63 Awesome! Glad to hear that they continue to have the annual Onion Fried Burger Day.

[@MatthewTheWanderer]

@@xSamoh I really want to go back to visit sometime. I haven't been there in many years. I currently live in Tulsa, so I could easily go there and back in less than a day.

[@vidanimated6850]

As someone living all the way in Pakistan, I have heard your town's name many times on KZbin due to a tornado in 2013.

[@dychui]

Ahh the universal measuring stick of squeezability - the squeeze of a hefty toddler 😂 thank you Kenji ❤

[@GO-cy3no]

I love it at this moment. HEFTY?!

[@ilRosewood]

Anything but the metric system… (jk - I genuinely understand what he meant by saying that)

[@Toastedtasty42]

Glad I'm not the only one

[@BrandonKuti]

Not HEFTY toddler xD

[@hunterboston9875]

I was going to mention that if no else had 😂

[@mrcalvinwalker1]

This phrase has changed my dna 😂

[@saylefish8779]

Great band name

[@KietDo-eb9bd]

how hefty of a toddler, kenji needs to be more clear with his instructions. lol

[@marclegarreta3359]

Kenji is the man! This guy is literally a huge inspiration to me as a home cook. I have learned so much from him. He’s seriously a hero of mine. I’m not a chef, but I always think, “How would Kenji do this?!”

[@phillhunt1655]

'"What would Kenji do" is a phrase I too have used.

[@WelfareChrist]

I love how the burgers flip and the violins start playing like I'm bumping into an old flame at the grocery store. "Oh, hello beautiful."

[@lane2063]

Worked in El Reno for ten years. Can’t even imagine how many times I went to Sid’s for lunch. Until you’ve had one it’s impossible to understand the magical combination. Thanks for the video and I encourage everyone to try.

[@julienprevost5409]

Kenji is so good on camera. Very good communicator. He explains everything well. His recipes are easy to follow. I too never tire of his content

[@kenichi407]

barstool guy will disagree

[@rikku0474]

Now that Kenji has mentioned it, getting rid of food smells in the kitchen after cooking would be a great video!!!! (Also: totally jealous of Kenji's natural blush omg)

[@shanewittershicks6491]

Interesting how NYT's ad for this video on social media is littered with comments hating on how "unsafe" the onion towel method is. Here on KZbin, all the comments are straight love and appreciation for Kenji. Go Kenji, his methods are superior! And thank you NYT for featuring him!

[@starfthegreat]

Kenji is love, Kenji is life

[@thepatriarchy819]

He wouldn't serve me because of my political views. I would disagree.

[@MichaelMAuth]

Kenji is cuck. Sorry, cook. Kenji is cook

[@Sawatter1974]

@@thepatriarchy819what did you say to him or what was your view?

[@thepatriarchy819]

@@Sawatter1974 I was wearing a MAGA hat and was ordered to leave.

[@erickroh]

​@@thepatriarchy819 leave where?

[@Rook986]

George Motz would approve

[@JeepWranglerIslander]

I was gonna say, for once Kenji isn't the expert on something and it feels like he's the copy cat for once lol.

[@jacobwolfe3304]

@@JeepWranglerIslander Feeling the same way - seems like Kenji's stealing some clout here. The video doesn't mention Motz at all resurging the burger's popularity. NYT has worked with Motz before, so why not bring him here?

[@MickeySwiftman23]

Yeah, definitely should have given a shout out to George, IMO

[@aaronschain5193]

@@jacobwolfe3304 yeah, this feels like a complete rip-off of Motz and they thought we wouldn't notice? Everyone who watches burgers on KZbin, watched or read Motz do it first...

[@darthdiculous6511]

I doubt Kenji has ever actually been to OK to have an authentic onion burger. LoL

[@jomicheleseidl2033]

It is amazing to me how Kenji can cook and teach in real time. And those burgers look fantastic. Great technique with the onion-towel.

[@jomercer21113]

In inherited my mom's now 75-year-old heavy iron burger-smashing spatula with a wooden handle. Combined with a cast-iron skillet, it's possible to make the best burgers in the world.

[@elcarlitormaximus]

Kenji is such a great teacher

[@thepatriarchy819]

Liberal shill

[@richardhale2117]

Looks like a pretty authentic methodology. I make these outdoors by heating cast iron on our gas grill. I close the hood after the buns go on. It does impart flavor but doesn't steam the buns and falls short of Cosmic Oneness. I will next try the onion towel technique (and have tongs and a bucket of water ready for when I catch the towel on fire.)

[@wherethebirdsgo]

As a guy from Oklahoma, I had trepidations when clicking on this, but this was actually done extremely well

[@seanmcwhirk405]

His explanation is unparalleled...a child used to a Better Crocker ready bake oven, could readily make any child willingly participate in cooking with their parents and feel free with their parents and experiences in the kitchen be absolutely necessary and amazing and this srep by step walk through makes it easier to make and follow through and do... so wonderful, and I thank you for sharing ❤

[@seanmcwhirk405]

That's what I'm saying... I love his simple explanation and his breakdown and his dos and don't... it's wonderful ❤

[@vicdaps6354]

Kenji’s Culinary School coming soon? Your teaching skills ,both cooking and the food science is incredible. I never miss any of your videos. Cheers 🇨🇦🍷👍🇨🇦

[@russellbushnell1965]

Kenji is looking very healthy

[@blooberri666]

stopping drinking has def been good for his health

[@andrewslat7283]

@@blooberri666 Something I need to do.

[@AdlerDanEgoe]

why are you sarcastic?

[@russellbushnell1965]

@@AdlerDanEgoe I'm not trying to be sarcastic

[@saxdave1]

I live two miles from Telway. Detroit loves you Kenji!

[@egorruzhin1866]

We love you, Kenji, thanks for everything you continue teaching us 😊

[@vvcoops]

Hawkins New York Essential Waffle Dish Towel - Pack of 2 in Blush/Terracotta (Terracotta not featured in video) is $28. Now it's a $14 blush onion towel.

[@thelauraby]

It has reached its highest purpose!

[@jameskelly9522]

if you hit Kenji López-Alt on your keyboard you get a hamburger emoji.

[@kimh1462]

LOL!!

[@some_milo]

😂

[@brentonbell1014]

Don't try Kenji Ctrl-Alt-Dlt unless you're an advanced user.

[@sweetsweetmeat]

If you press Kenji López-Alt+f4, it gives your computer more RAM!

[@virginiadziekonski9776]

That looks delicious. And I love all the instructions and explanations of cooking techniques.

[@dqivana]

Yum yummmmm LOVE the way Kenji explains everything and just in general LOVE KENJI!

[@karenshurley4793]

I’m an hour away from El Reno; the Onion burgers are so worth it, and the cast iron skillet is: **chefs kiss**

[@BakedandCooked]

I made these last night. Now I have an onion towel. Yellow mustard, and dill pickle slices. Amazing!

[@JohnHausser]

My guy Kenji is everywhere!!! 🫡 🍽️

[@LoveStallion]

...but only a hefty toddler, not some weak toddler.

[@BrentDelong1253]

Needs mustard, but that is a proper onion smash burger. Traditional. Beautiful.

[@unadventurer_]

Made this last night. The onion smell has not left me or my apartment since. Incredible burgers, though. Like, stupid stupid good. Was great to bust out the mandolin.

[@idontknowanothername]

Wow, I never thought in my lifetime I’d hear Kenji reference Telway. It’s a closet small slider shop in the neighborhood which I grew up in Southwest Detroit. Also the best coffee in town.

[@ArmstrongMedia]

As an Okie and El Reno resident for many years at a point in my life. Well done ! Looks amazing as they always do !

[@RobertDeLechez]

Attempted a half-arsed version of these last night and it was the best burger I've ever made. Very keen to see how good a full-arsed one is.

[@msalty2823]

Definitely going to try your tricks. Thank you.

[@joerecoveryjoerecovery5781]

HE BROUGHT THE ONION TOWEL LET'S GO

[@emmajones-phillipson6123]

"the way a hefty toddler would squeeze playdough" - these are the cooking indicators I need more of

[@ekawa4442]

love watching kenji cook especially late night xD

[@AznVi3tx]

Kenji you have truly awakened my love for cooking and food in general

[@seanmcwhirk405]

I wouldn't have thought about the towel method and quite ingenious actually; but looking forward to trying it actually and it probably captures the flavors of everything...❤

[@mohirender]

This is my type of burger, simple light and really flavourful

[@RedsGirl08]

I’m an okie and I just think this is so cool!

[@crimson2209]

i love kenji and i’m gonna make these on the line next time i get a lunch break :)

[@atviking]

Got to remember to powerbottom my buns like Kenji does.

[@jasN86]

I've been making a lot of these for me and coworkers lately. Such a tasty treat!

[@leonielefaucheurwoodward789]

Thanks! 🙏🏼 I’m going to try this 🙌🏼

[@lindysmith13]

I can't imagine anyone not wanting their house to smell like onions.

[@Cactikuvira]

Thank you so much for this video, I want to make these for my family!! 😋🍔 it's really cool how much information I learned too, i never knew these burgers date back from the depression, thanks again, Oklahoma onion burger looks amazing

[@danielmargolis3210]

I used this technique to make burgers for four guys. Everyone loved them.

[@johnstark9164]

Saw this and had to make it, was sooo good, like a better, giant castle slider. Gonna try to make some breakfast sausage for breakfast sandwiches like this too.

[@xelamercedes]

These look delicious. Anxious to try them tomorrow night....maybe I'll make 'em for lunch.

[@VanGoWanderlust]

Hands down this is my favorite burger. Highly recommend.

[@arthurhex770]

his articulation skills is insane!

[@feedommodoyle]

I've never heard of this style of burger - can't wait to try!

[@DigitalicaEG]

Thank you, I learned a couple of useful techniques.

[@misstee101]

Good ole J.R. Jim Ross would be so happy!

[@davidmcdermott3415]

Wow, those look amazing!

[@dananderson128]

Wow. Can’t wait to try this!

[@rickytiller5698]

Love This!!!

[@Anonymous-nj2ow]

this is the best way to do a burger. its terrific

[@gqrob28]

They look delicious!

[@recchia3]

I copied this recipe/methodology to a "t", and they turned out perfectly. Highly recommend everyone try these. Probably the best burger I've ever made at home.

[@pittfa11]

I cannot believe he mentioned Telway! I'm not from Michigan but I've visited that place many times when I travelled there. It's been a few years now but I do remember that their sliders were the bomb and they were only like a buck per slider.

[@itinerantghost]

Making this one ASAP!

[@JamesDavis-jw6nj]

Well hello, new Kenji! That was wonderful!..

[@yellalot101]

INSTANT save to my playlist!

[@grisbain]

I make these for staff meal on Wednesdays! They are a favourite

[@t3hsaintelz]

Just made these. They were 🔥 Kenji is the man ❤

[@deansaint-souver3374]

nice Telway shout out..... props for that.

[@louisastuto2878]

Pro tip: Be VERY VERY careful when using a mandolin, it’s a great tool in the kitchen but also super dangerous, many ppl have cut a finger off using them. Most of them come with a guard, you can also use a cut-proof glove if you don’t like the guard, always remember to use your palm to slide the onion across the mandolin and don’t curl your fingers around It, go slow and be especially careful when you are close to the end of whatever you’re cutting.

[@ahhason]

In Okalahoma they put a drop of mustard on the griddle before smashing the burger down on to it.

[@chefdevanofficial]

Love Kenji

[@trevorlowran1473]

Hell yeah you brought up Telway! I was born and raised their. it dont get enough air play.

[@3xarch]

kenji just seems like the loveliest guy

[@mijles]

Another great video by the amazing Kenji ❤

[@mikehunt-zx8tr]

What a great teacher

[@brendandever8532]

With my homemade pickles and some mustard that would be absolutely perfect. Time to own an onion towel I guess lol?

[@richardfischel9565]

"Hefty Toddler" That's what I'm gonna name my indie band... ;-]

[@joeolive296]

“You know I’m squeezing this the way, like a Hefty toddler would squeeze playdoh” - immaculate bar

[@meaganadwyer]

I just watched JOLLY's video about these burgers! Talk about perfect timing! 🥰

[@sesameseed5598]

hello fellow jolly fan :D i’m feeling very tempted to make these burgers now…

[@8beef4u]

White castle also started out doing the onion steam method

[@suzyq219]

Never thought of using a towel! So easy with magnetic induction.

[@Some__Rando]

Everyone is making this same smashburger all of a sudden, popularized by George Motz. There are at least 10 smashburger joints that have opened in the last two years here in L.A. and they all make the exact same thing, they all use the same potato rolls, which is really just one step removed from a shake shack style burger anyways (or in-n-out with whole-grilled onion). It's really good style, don't get me wrong, but also one of the easiest styles to make at home. Some of these new restaurants aren't going to last.

[@Cosper66]

Fire Dept: What were you thinking? Me: I was trying an onion towel...

[@andrewlm5677]

Looks amazing

[@brentwong6982]

Had my first Oklahoma onion burger at Hamburger America in NYC by George Motz! Great guy!

[@TheMattsterling]

One of the first things I learned to cook was this burger by watching Kenji on KZbin a few years ago. This is so simple, but absolutely delicious. Just don't get cocky like I did and slice your thumb on the mandoline.

[@Cinema74]

Always use Martins Potato bread. Kenji's favorite brand!

[@chriskeen7174]

The real deal El Reno burgers are smashed a bit thinner than that but are the BEST burger I can recall!

[@slop101]

Pickles and mustard on the heel, and it's perfect!

[@snakeson_aplane]

Kenji number 1 chef/food educator OAT

[@curtpopejoy9884]

The humble El Reno onion burger. I'm grateful I was eating these way before they became trendy.

[@robbmnr8221]

You have a new kitchen wow. It's looking good.

[@cindyslevin3075]

OMG I just finished eating one of these I made. The best burger I’ve ever had in my life.