Recipe: Vegetarian Oklahoma Burger

There is something so special about summer—the sun shining on your face, the aroma the grilling in the air, the satisfying sound of a sizzle from flipping a burger, however eating seasonally during this time of year can be quite unhealthy. Thats why here at the farm, we cook our Vegetarian Oklahoma-Style Onion Smash Burger when we get that craving for a juicy summer burger.

This veggie burger is a plant-based spin on a classic American favorite that packs crispy, caramelized onions into every bite. Juicy, savory, and perfect for summer cookouts, this burger proves you don’t need meat to bring the flavor. First created in Oklahoma during the Great Depression, the original fried onion burger stretched ground beef with thinly sliced onions to add taste and substance. Today, we’re taking it a step further—ditching the beef altogether and embracing a vegetarian option that’s better for your health, your taste buds, and the planet.

Vegetarian Oklahoma-Style Onion Smash Burger (Serves 4)

• 12 oz plant‑based ground beef (e.g. Impossible or Beyond)

• 1 yellow onions, thinly sliced with a mandolin

• 4 slices American cheese or favorite vegan cheese

• 4 Whole Wheat Hamburger Buns

• 2 tbsp yellow mustard

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Avocado Oil for Skillet

• Dill pickle slices

  
  

Method

1. Prep the onions and set aside. (use a mandolin for paper-thin slices)

2. Season the "ground beef" with salt, pepper, and mustard and mix well. Divide plant-based ground into four equal parts and gently press into patties.

3. Heat skillet over a medium high grill. Use cast‑iron or heavy skillet over medium-high with a little oil until shimmering.

4. Cook & smash. Place each patty into skillet and immediately pile onions over patty. Smash firmly with a heavy, flat spatula into a thin patty using the onions as part of the patty.

5. Sear & flip. Let the patties cook until onion edges begin to brown (about 2–3 minutes), then flip. Add cheese slices on top after about 2-3 minutes.

6. Steam to melt the cheese by place buns (top + bottom) over patties to steam melt cheese.

7. Assemble. Stack patties on bottom bun, top with pickles and top bun. Serve immediately.