Caramelized Onion and Garlic Burger with Creamy Herb Sauce
This Caramelized Onion and Garlic Burger with Creamy Herb Sauce brings sweet onions, garlic sauce, and melty cheese together in one bite.
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1.5 medium red onions, thinly sliced
- 0.75 teaspoon salt
- 1.5 teaspoons sugar
- 0.75 cup vegetable stock
For the Garlic Sauce
- 0.75 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
For the Burgers
- 2.25 pounds ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- to taste salt and black pepper
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2.25 cups shredded hard cheese (such as Gruyère-style or Swiss-style)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 pieces burger buns, sliced in half
- 2.25 cups fresh arugula, lightly packed
Instructions
Make the Caramelized Onions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add both types of onions and stir to coat in the oil.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 12–15 minutes until they start to soften and turn golden.
- Sprinkle the salt and sugar over the onions, reduce the heat to medium-low, and continue to cook for another 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become deeply golden and jam-like.
- Pour in the vegetable stock, let it simmer until absorbed, and the onions become rich and glossy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the Garlic Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, olive oil, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
Cook the Burger Patties
- Shape the ground beef into 6 equal patties.
- Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the patties for about 3–4 minutes per side, until browned and crisp on the outside.
- Flip, then top each patty with shredded cheese and continue cooking for 2–3 more minutes, until the cheese melts, and the burgers reach your preferred doneness.
- Transfer the burgers to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Toast the Buns
- Add butter to the same pan and let it melt.
- Place the buns cut-side down and toast for 1–2 minutes, until golden brown and crisp.
Assemble the Burgers
- Place a burger patty on each bottom bun.
- Top with a generous spoonful of caramelized onions.
- Add a handful of fresh arugula.
- Spread the garlic sauce on the top bun and close the burger.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
Cook onions low and slow for deep flavor. Use 80/20 beef for juicy burgers. Toast buns in butter for extra crunch. For more ideas on using caramelized onions, try a similar savory dish like caramelized sausages with apples and red onions.