The 100 Year Old Onion Burger Technique You Won’t Believe

This burger has been sold for 100 years by Pete's Hamburger Stand in Wisconsin and today we try it to see why its stood the test of time.
Recipes:
Steamed Wisconsin Onion Burger
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PATREON:
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Sources:
• Wisconsin Foodie - Pet... (Wisconsin Foodie KZbin Channel)
wisconsinlife.... (Wisconsin Life)
www.startribun... (Star Tribune)

[@neogenesis43]

Just so you know Steve, for the slap mandoline thing, the triangular divot in the bottom is supposed to be pressed into the leg of the mandoline so that it stays in place.

[@JonathanRiverafrickinnice555]

Ah, you mean the bottom of the tray? Makes sense.

[@LagSpikeX]

Yea took me a while to figure it out. Was wondering why they overengineered a mandolin but didn't lock the tray in haha

[@mozjag]

Looks like the legs aren't fully extended either.

[@andrina118]

I saw that immediately. Oh dear

[@tomthalon8956]

@@mozjag "That's what he said."

[@minnap]

I made this for dinner last night exactly how you made it in this video and OMG it was delicious! I put some horseradish, ketchup and mustard on it and that really amped up the flavor. Never knew horseradish would elevate a burger like that, it’s my new go-to condiment. And I confess, I saved the broth from the meat and onions. I don’t know what I’m gonna do with it but it was too good to throw away. I’m thinking of making a sauce or gravy with it or add it to a stew.

[@DyesubDave]

I say cook some rice in the leftover broth. I saved the broth/juice from the last time I made pulled pork. I reduced it a bit and then turned it into ice cubes. The plan is to make pulled pork flavored rice. I did the same with the leftover juice from canning tomatoes. I figure that would be excellent for making Mexican rice! 😉

[@ramirorodriguez9671]

How about use it for the next time you have burgers 🍔

[@h7kers321]

@@DyesubDave Romans 10:9 “..if thou shalt confess that with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe that God raised him from the dead, then you are saved” I don’t know if you already believe in God and have a relationship with him but I think our time may be running out until Jesus comes back and gets us, I want you to get a relationship with him because he does love you and he blesses you everyday of your life and every second so may you please give your life to him before it’s too late, do what is right please and your efforts will not go unrewarded so please start praying to him and reading a Bible so you can grow your relationship with him. “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:24‬ ‭NLT Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior please Ask me if you have any questions If you need a Bible then download the KJV Bible app it also has prayers for you God bless you and have a good day

[@h7kers321]

@@ramirorodriguez9671 Romans 10:9 “..if thou shalt confess that with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe that God raised him from the dead, then you are saved” I don’t know if you already believe in God and have a relationship with him but I think our time may be running out until Jesus comes back and gets us, I want you to get a relationship with him because he does love you and he blesses you everyday of your life and every second so may you please give your life to him before it’s too late, do what is right please and your efforts will not go unrewarded so please start praying to him and reading a Bible so you can grow your relationship with him. “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭7:24‬ ‭NLT Accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior please Ask me if you have any questions If you need a Bible then download the KJV Bible app it also has prayers for you God bless you and have a good day

[@wayneday3916]

Make hamburger biscuits and gravy with it. Instead if sausage.

[@drivernephi2212]

I don't know why but I find it bizarrely hilarious when Steve pulled out the car-sized onion machine, slapped the shit out of it and when catching container bounced infuriatingly loudly and the onion slices went all over the table, he still proceeded to say he 'loves this machine'.

[@kzakrz420]

I think with lexdisia he may not have seen the bouncing tray or unextended legs🍔

[@gillw97]

He just gettin that cash

[@lancejames9228]

I wanna see him do a potato

[@Dirk_the_Daring]

You begin to truly love these after you've sliced about 1000 lbs of onions with just a knife.

[@diannt9583]

I really don't think that he had to pull the onion off the table makes this gizmo a bad idea. Just use it on a clean surface. I am seriously thinking about getting something like this.

[@johnjohnson9431]

I used to work at five guys. Throughout the day we would cook batches of grilled onions. A trick at the restaurant would be to pour water on the onions that were cooking with the burger grease. Cool to see a similar method

[@nuggettflavor]

When I met my husband he told me he couldn't cook but he said he could cook burgers. When he made his burgers just like this, I was skeptical because I didn't think boiled burgers would taste good. Fast forward 31 years later. I never eat my burgers any other way. They are delicious! 😋

[@TheAutumnWind_RN4L]

I thought my dad invented this technique. Apparently he only had a shared great mind.

[@JonnyQuest64]

Because most people like the flavor of beef. This technique removes that and replaces it with onion and water. You just like onions and water more than beef...

[@youropiniondoesnotmatter]

​@@JonnyQuest64 whose question were you answering?

[@YeahImAnthony]

They don't look bad, I love onions so I'd try. Have you taught him anything else to cook?

[@theslamjamfrincisco2820]

@@youropiniondoesnotmatter hes responding to the original comment

[@TomAndBeth]

I made this recipe for my family this evening, it was a huge hit...thank you

[@luismarin3551]

Steve slapping the slicer like it owes him money 😂

[@mikehanratty9392]

Pete’s is ALWAYS slammed! Lines are down the street and around the corner. The conversation in line with the other visitors adds to the charm. The burgers speak for themselves!

[@KitKatToeBeans]

Nice to know Pete’s is still going strong. I used to visit McGreggor Iowa, just a ride over the bridge from Pete’s, when I was a kid. Back then there wasn’t much of a wait, but that was over 30 years ago. Gosh I miss them. ☹️

[@bulletmccarthur]

Wouldn't the meat go bad after 100 years? 🤔

[@paqliam]

The acidity of the onion actually preserves it

[@mirandaandrews2872]

😂

[@EnjoyTheSilenc3]

Nah just keep it in the freezer it’s good forever.

[@YerpsNTerps]

No you

[@philmartin4863]

I thought the same thing lol

[@MatthewRoss-yf8wj]

I grew up near Pete’s. They are only open during summer months. It is one of my favorite childhood memories getting that first “water burger”. This absolutely made my day to run across this in my feed. Thanks. Btw if you have a Publix near by, their in house hamburger buns are a close comparison to what Pete’s buns are like. Yeasty, but somehow sturdy to soak up the moisture without falling apart.

[@erickort1987]

they reopen at april

[@lexiv3648]

I used Publix Buns last night with Vidalia onions. Excellent!

[@saff9775]

So, I have one of those slicers, different brand I think, and just a note for future use. The tub is supposed to basically lock in at the base of the slicer. It looks like maybe you didn't pull the back legs out quite far enough, if it's out all the way the niche in the tub should fit over the ledge of the legs and lock in against the bottom of the slicer. If you've got it set up right, you can slap it as hard and fast as you like! 😄

[@NsKrewtable]

That's what she said.😉

[@KennySmith_AKA_JerseyKid]

Steve you remind me of a few people I worked with in restaurants between 1987 and 2011. Such a friendly guy

[@nerdcave0]

This reminds me of an Arab dish where chicken is cooked in onions and broth, which ends up tasting like French onion soup-infused chicken. Cool idea for burgers!

[@bulkvanderhuge9006]

0:23 love the blooper with the onions being left in, makes it more realistic for those of us at home that have had to chase onions down in the kitchen.

[@none38995]

I'm dyslexic too, and I understand that statement sooo much right now

[@butcho7492]

1,000,000 plus! Congrats Steve- your channel more than deserves it!

[@benbrittan8429]

I'm curious if quickly searing the patties before cooking them in the broth would add to this. Obviously it wouldn't remain crisp, but I think that extra layer of flavor would go a long way in making this even better.

[@da1otta]

Or giving them a quick sear after cooking them in the broth just before serving.

[@Daniel-Condurachi]

@@da1otta and @benbrittan8429 or even better both of your ideas combined :D

[@PrivacyEnt]

@@da1otta you would have to wait so long to sear them when they are wet i think, so it should be done prior

[@gailjordan9250]

I make a pork chop and onion gravy dish that uses this same concept. The pork chops are seared then removed from the pan. The onions are browned in the pork drippings, and then the water is added. I use vegetable broth instead of water. After adding the water/broth return the chops to the pan, cover and finish cooking. I'm going to use these steps, but I won't cover the burgers in the pan.

[@PipeScholar]

Hey, these aren't Ben's Burgers. Just kidding, I agree

[@markosborne6559]

I normally don't watch videos like this but your light since of humor really made this very good keep it up.

[@foxmulder4269]

AWESOME !! SAVING THIS !! Yes, I live in WI, and watch Wisconsin Foodie and did see that episode about Pete's. After seeing how they made their burgers I started doing it the same, and will attempt your version also, THANK YOU SO MUCH !! Gonna buy that mandolin !

[@spicypickle889]

I just made this recipe and it was interesting. No better or worse than a grilled burger but different. I also added some Worcestershire sauce to the broth for a little extra flavor. Good recipe for the winter months because it doesn't smoke up the house like pan frying.

[@l8tapex]

spoken like a Conosur.

[@fransaacs]

I've tried braised patties and meatballs with Worcestershire sauce, vegetable, chicken or beef broth, a slurry made of miso paste and wasabi, tomato passata let down with a little water or alcohol, mostly beer or wine, sometimes sherry or vermouth.

[@cbuffalino]

This immediately reminded me in a way of a White Castle burger until you mentioned the broth. Then I felt like everything that was happening was like an assault on that burger. Then I remembered White Castle and knew it’s probably pretty awesome.

[@cornifron]

White Castle ..... a POS NJ franchise, probably Newark NJ... all shite like that originates from that mid/north region of NJ and the land of the rabbis and human meat like MacDonalds.... no fukin thank you to the HEK293

[@rb1179]

I thought of White Castle too.

[@MyName_Jeff]

This is how they make burgers at white castle?

[@cbuffalino]

@@MyName_Jeff yeah they used dehydrated onion as a bed then put the burgers on top, then the buns on top of that. The onions steam on the bottom and make the buns and burgers tender and oniony.

[@MyName_Jeff]

@@cbuffalino Oh damn I didn't know that. As someone who hates onions that doesn't sound too great then lol

[@johntomasik1555]

We had a restaurant in my hometown called Pete's. It was one of those local diners that made cheap, simple food. He made what he called "stew burgers". They were burgers cooked in water with onions. They were good, but that water does really dilute the flavor of the burger. I found recipes for what's called the Oklahoma onion burger (this site might have a recipe like that). I made them yesterday, and they combined the best of both this style and the flavor I wanted. Pretty simple.....smash burgers on a flat cast iron cook plate I put on my grill. I melted some butter on the plate, smashed the burgers, and piled thinly sliced onions (I used my mandolin) so the burgers were covered with a mound of onions. While they cooked, I put my buns, opened, flat side down, on top of the onions. The onion steam gave the buns a great onion taste. Removed the buns, flipped over the onions/patty, so the onions were underneath the burger, and continued to cook for a few more minutes. They were surprisingly amazing. Very flavorful.

[@stonerscravings]

I’ll definitely try it. So strange that it originated In Wisconsin without cheese 🤯. Thanks for sharing this. I love food history ❤

[@ryanspangler4569]

That is odd, aren’t they known for excellent cheeses?

[@lennybuttz2162]

The hamburger was invented in Seymour WI. We are famous for our world award winning cheeses we do eat food without cheese.

[@zap_collection6511]

not many people ate cheese in america until the government started subsidizing the dairy industry in the 80s

[@deweydeedee]

Love this Chef he is the only Chef I viewed who has a honest reaction to cutting onions. Thanks Chef.

[@brucetidwell7715]

I don't make hamburgers often but next time I do, I'll probably try this. It's an interesting alternative to firing up a grill. When you mentioned the fact that cooking these all day builds up a stronger broth made me think about adding a teaspoon, or two of Better than Bullion paste to the pan to give it that extra boost. Just go easy on the added salt.

[@giovannischulze1253]

I tried it, was very disappointed. No sear, no umami. Basically boiled beef with onions. Sear the second patty and made a regular burger. The onion sludge gravy leftover was fire tho.

[@brucetidwell7715]

@@giovannischulze1253 That's disappointing. Maybe the answer would be to put the patty and onions in a very hot pan to quickly sear them, like you would a steak, and then add in the water to braise them until they are cooked through, getting the best of both methods.

[@abhirupan7630]

@@giovannischulze1253 why does it sound like you were expecting a sear and not boiled beef, for a dish that is exactly the opposite

[@billmcdonald4335]

Oh, yeah. Had a steamed burger with onions out of a chip van in the UK back in the early '80s when I was across the Pond. I put mayo, Keen's Hot mustard, and HP Sauce on it. Best burger ever. I still use those toppings on my burgers today - but I gotta give this method a go. Looks friggin' awesome.

[@seanvanblaricom9619]

Man, I followed this recipe and, was blown away! It is seriously delicious! I'm making it tonight. It punches in the most beautiful way! Be ready to take a knap after this! It is, very deeply satisfying and succulent and a capital pleasure! In a word, elevated! Thank you Stephen!

[@danswansonguitar]

I made this last night but used a cast iron pan on the gas grill outside (it’s a 2-burner so I kept the pan on indirect heat). Other than the bun not holding up with the juice, it was super easy and delicious.

[@tawpgk]

Putting some mayo on the bottom half with the horseradish will mitigate that. I'm surprised he didn't to that. It's burger construction 101.

[@alge3399]

I have tried something close to that, which involves the oven and some foil. Thin sliced onions on both sides with salt and pepper wrapped in a tight closed foil packet in a 325° oven. It makes its own steam with no need for water. Came out just like yours.. Juicy as Falker! Love your videos!

[@ComboMuster]

I used the same method with the addition that I let the gravy reduced until burgers and onions caramelized slightly. It was da bomb!

[@semp7861]

i would for sure try this burger but it is a weird idea to me i usually think of smoky char when it comes to burgers so i dont see this being a personal favorite but i see how others would adore this for the strong onion flavor it brings either way great video as always

[@MattRoadhouse]

Yeah, I would have thought the fond on the grill cooking patties would have deglazed with onion and water and created a perfect combo infusing the meat

[@tango57]

The owner of Pete’s prefers his burger with a mixed of cooked and thinly sliced raw onions with a mix of ketchup and horseradish sauce for the condiments. I tried my Wisconsin poached burger like that and it was absolutely amazing! 🤤😋

[@topsupra6972]

One of the most healthy burger recipe i've ever seen

[@exit0240]

Stephen, you are so damn cute! Between the onion tears, the dyslexia and the funny talk about slapping the mandoline I'm laughing like a crazy woman. Your authenticity is so refreshing. My mom used to make burgers like this and, yes, the horseradish is a MUST! See you next week.

[@DonR4J]

Guga foods brought me here!

[@gregoryblack5146]

Might try adding better than bullion sautéd onions mix and beef broth or some store bought French onion soup mix to the water to get closer to the 300 burger onion broth at small scale

[@larrywheelock3026]

I don't think that would work. If you concentrate the liquid as much as he did it will be very salty.

[@gregoryblack5146]

I was thinking of adding a Verry small amount mixed with the water could end up too salty but worth a try

[@Lawrence176321]

Big fan of your work Steve, you’re always make interesting content, I’ve learnt so much cooking from you these past couple of years, thank you man

[@bradbaker9856]

Guga brought me here!

[@redzebra6688]

Bahahaha „you don’t need to slap it like it owes you money“ - made my day

[@theyreMineralsMarie]

That slapchop mandolin contraption looks... interesting.

[@dougwatt6303]

Definitely doing this. Thanks! Greetings from Alberta, Canada!

[@R_CA]

Gordon would get super mad on boiled burger 😅

[@mirandaandrews2872]

😂😂😂 he needs to start another channel just to try recipes like this. And grade a tomahawk steak deep fried. 😂🙂

[@mashie908]

How about Uncle Roger....😂

[@AhmadIzzJ]

Then just remind Gordon of his sad grilled cheese or something.

[@cubandarknez]

yeah this breaks my cooking preconceptions, nice catch and thanks for the vid on it.

[@clivechandler8817]

I'm from Britain and haven't ever heard of this onion burger technique. I will definitely try this recipe. it sound delicious. Can't wait to try it.👍we'll done.

[@fooferbob9230]

I made this recipe and it is totally great. The meat is well seasoned and tender. I used Tony's instead of salt then brown mustard and relish to finish. Also I had red onion so that's what I used. Unfortunately my ladies had gone to bed by the time I returned from work but I will make it for them very soon. Thanks for sharing your discovery.

[@Tiewaz]

My mom told me when she worked as a candy girl at a movie theater in the early 1960's, they would prep burgers (yes, a movie theater with more than popcorn and candy! Gasp!) like this. And she would make them for us the same way when she got frozen patties though not quite so much onion. It made them taste really good.

[@tommaika9121]

As a ground beef aficionado I give these an 8.5 out of 10. Yes, different from what I am used to but and simple / good. My 10 out of 10 burger is the same materials used here, but over a wood-burning-coals fire-mellow coals. I would cook burgers like this (onions, ground meat, salt, pepper, potato rolls) over my metal fireplace grate over these wood coals in our Apartment in Alabama and man they came out superb! Thank you for the video.

[@gmikecstein]

I went to school in Lacrosse and we would pilgrimage down the river to Parie. Love Pete's!

[@Sentient.A.I.]

My mom taught me how to cook burgers in water. You don't need to make an onion broth. Sear both sides in a high top frying pan. Usually 2-4 burgers. Deglaze the pan(with water) once the burgers are sealed on borh sides without taking the burgers out. You will just put enough water to reach 1/3 to 1/2 way up the burgers put em on high heat with the lid on 2-4 min on each side until they are done enough for you. Then use another pan to sauté those onions properly and top your burgers with carmelized onions and whatever else you like. It takes alot of the fat out cooking it this way so you can get away with 80/20 if you use 85 or 93% burger it will be more dry. Its a great way to cook frozen patties though

[@diesel5946]

I've never did it in a pan with all the onions like that but I've been steaming hamburgers for about 4 or 5 years now and they are outstanding!!!

[@kevingayadeen7253]

Hi I will now try this method with a addition twist. Before seeing or hearing of this style, I actually thought of it myself. And glad to see someone else do it and it works ,proving it can be done and taste good. Only true beef lovers would understand.

[@davidlewis641]

Love your videos I’m 60 years old and my wife got burned 3 degrees so I’m trying to learn how to cook I do love cooking but I suck at it but I keep trying Thanks again for your videos

[@SeptemberGurl1]

My family took an autumn foliage drive from Eastern Iowa up the Mississippi every year. We would cross the Mississippi at Prarie Du Chien to stop at Pete's for an onion burger. They really were that good. Thank you for the recipe and memory.

[@supersmarter]

This is my hometown! Pete’s has always been the first stop every time I come home!

[@Johnny-jr2lq]

I have always been a fan of old school foods. So this kinda burger was right up my alley.

[@fromra8569]

Will definitely try this one recipe,, It’s simple and seems deliscious

[@silverjava1one971]

Wish I would have seen this video 5 hours earlier. Made burgers, hotdogs and fries for dinner tonight. Even cooked down an entire onion in a separate pan.

[@salmorreale7900]

Thank you for posting.

[@mrnemosmith]

That cutting tool is so good it brought him to tears.

[@mrkiplingreallywasanexceed8311]

Still the most gorgeous chef on the internet🥰🤗

[@TammiBennett-ve7sl]

Really appreciate that you shared this unique and simple recipe and put your spin on it. I’ll make this a lot as it’s a more healthy version of a good burger. Like you said, it’s a testament to why these recipes always stand the rest of time.

[@deanblumberg2564]

This reminds me of the steamed cheeseburgers at Ted's in Meriden, CT. The water/steam really makes the juiciest burger.

[@markmoyers6724]

Just went to Ted's yesterday. Great burger

[@valerieneal2747]

DAYUUMMMM...THIS LOOKS SOOO GOOD !!🤩🤩🤩🤩

[@GBCR]

I've been adding seltzer to the ground beef since forever and it works well. Patties are nice 'n moist

[@yvonnesantiago7637]

I will definitely try this method for cooking burgers.

[@6122ula]

... White Castle cooks the burgers over steamed onions… Delicious… Very nice recipe Steve… God bless America...🇺🇸

[@thomasshileny4551]

Thanks for the recipe on how to make these!

[@detonationcruster]

Dude, i feel you with the "with" part..... on so many levels.

[@victoriavooys454]

This is my first Steve video. I'm hooked! Loved it. And think of how much money Pete's saved by using water rather than oil!!

[@robsenna7666]

Congrats on 1 mill my guy, you Chef ken lee and sunny are my favorites. Taught me a lot I appreciate you

[@calebray4168]

I’m goin to the family farm to tonight, definitely tryin this recipe out. Our beef is lean but it has the best marble on any lean beef out there so I think this recipe would be perfect as you really need to keep the burger moist to be able to appreciate the flavor.

[@calebray4168]

It worked amazing! Never thought I’d say this but it’s the best way to have a burger!

[@davidjohnson2994]

Whammm! Sooo delicious looking. Cant wait to cook it! Thanks

[@chadbadour3980]

Pete’s is worth a visit. Great eats, vibe, and people!

[@27dcx]

I can't wait to try this. I was just reading about Pete's in Prairie du Chen and now here you are lol

[@richardcervi5446]

" I love this thing, though." Spoken through the tears, like an Academy Award winner.

[@DH432hrtz]

My man, I know how that burger tastes just by watching you prep it. The old recipes are the best. Especially around the great depression. Simple ingredients easy to do also a good recipe to show your kids when there old enough! I learned during culinary school the meat upto the 70s was all basically dry aged now a days most is wet aged. Great tip on get an in house grind if you can. Great video Brother Cheese Doug 😎

[@alvinmundo411]

Totally gonna try this.

[@szubal]

Whelp... can't wait to try this!

[@pamowen3452]

Hell yes I’m trying this! Thank you!

[@SuperDaveP270]

Pete's is a MUST whenever I am out that way! I go Birding in Wayalusing and hit up Pete's for lunch. Both places can make your day.

[@martharoberts1264]

Amazing burgers, I made them the other day, yum yum. Hey Steve, I have that copper and love it too. Your funny, You know you can snap that holder in place to catch all the stuff your copping! 🐾🐾

[@tripleb221]

Gonna try this this weekend.

[@timbennett7211]

looks fantastic...I gotta try it

[@LoveToMix]

Can’t wait to try it

[@dreweisenbeis2396]

I have to try this. Thank you.

[@delenewaldek2926]

I live on the southern tip of Africa, I tried it and I won't eat any other burger!! Thank you!!

[@markthomasstopani8516]

I truly enjoy and share your passion for cooking. I also read the same way you.

[@devorbacualex]

Very nice. Thanks. I’ll try it

[@dennismcginnis]

I've definitely got to try this

[@AhesTheDre]

Water is so underrated, but the key ingredient in everything.

[@booman3344]

I wont lie that burger looks good af nice tips

[@sfephenmarkham1917]

I'm definitely going to try this! love your show!

[@29madmangaud29]

wow, it looks really good.

[@aznfattass]

I saw this as a reel, now I see this video, it makes more sense lol

[@doomislav5791]

Love that touch with the horseradish!

[@fetlix]

Oh i'm gonna try this for sure, simple yet mouth watering just watching this. Even if i make it half as good, is still gonna be good

[@neiloconnell2120]

Awesome. Thank you.

[@vonmurd3r]

This technique is a game changer. I don't even add condiments, beef, salt and onion is enough. So flavorful.

[@THEJR-of5tf]

I really have to try this it looks amazing

[@MrSpanky2001]

The best burger I ever tasted,