Cheese slices Optional, for melting on the burger.
Burger buns For serving.
Pickles or condiments Optional, for serving.
Equipment
Mandoline slicer
Griddle or cast iron skillet
Spatula
Towel
Buns
Directions
Prepare all ingredients and have them close by. The dish comes together quickly.
Grate the onion finely using a mandoline slicer or hand, slicing it as thin as possible.
Slice half of the onion, about 6 ounces, on the mandoline for one burger and reserve the rest for another.
Shape ground beef into two 4-ounce patties. Season with salt and pepper.
Preheat grill or griddle on high heat, set on cast iron or baking steel. Place the patties on the hot surface.
Cook the first side for about 45 seconds to a minute, until brown and caramelized. Flip the burger.
Cook the second side for about 45 seconds, season again if needed.
While cooking, fry sliced onions in small piles on the griddle, smashing them into patties, creating a crispy edge.
Smash the onion onto the burger, work the edges apart, and seal into a patty. Construct the Burger with cheese slices, buns, and condiments as desired.
Cover with a towel to steam the onions, buns, and melt the cheese. Assemble the burger with pickles and condiments.
Serve immediately while the cheese is melty and the onions have different textures—crispy, smoky, and steamed.