Name: BBQ Burgers With Fried Onion Strings
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-487101H13M45S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ lb 80/20 lean ground beef chuck; 1 slice white sandwich bread, crust removed and cut into ¼-inch pieces; ⅓ cup BBQ sauce; 3 garlic cloves, minced or 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp each: chili powder, dried oregano, salt; ½ tsp black pepper; 4 hamburger buns; 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese; Tomato slices, lettuce leaves, extra BBQ sauce for serving; 1 yellow onion, thinly sliced; 2 cups buttermilk; 1 egg; ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; ½ tsp each: salt and pepper; Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

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Short Description

These BBQ Burgers are juicy, smoky, and loaded with bold flavor. Topped with sharp cheddar, crisp lettuce, and crunchy fried onion strings, each bite is a satisfying explosion of textures and tangy BBQ goodness—perfect for summer grilling or a weekend indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly flavorful patties with spices and real BBQ sauce
Buttery, toasted buns for extra crunch
Homemade fried onion strings for a crispy topping
Perfectly melty cheese and juicy toppings
Easy to make on a stovetop or grill

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Burgers:

1½ lb 80/20 lean ground beef chuck
1 slice white sandwich bread, crust removed and cut into ¼-inch pieces
⅓ cup BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)
3 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tsp garlic powder)
1 tsp each: chili powder, dried oregano, salt
½ tsp black pepper

For Serving:

4 hamburger buns
4 slices sharp cheddar cheese
Tomato slices
Lettuce leaves
Extra BBQ sauce

For Fried Onion Strings:

1 yellow onion, thinly sliced
2 cups buttermilk
1 egg
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
½ tsp each: salt and pepper
Vegetable or canola oil, for frying

Directions

1. Make the Burger Patties

In a large bowl, combine bread, BBQ sauce, garlic, and seasonings. Mash together with a fork into a chunky paste.
Add ground beef and mix gently by hand until just combined.
Divide mixture into 4 sections. Form each into a loose ball, flattening into patties about 1-inch wider than your buns. Make a shallow dent in the center.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up.

2. Fry Onion Strings (Optional, but Recommended)

Whisk buttermilk and egg together. Soak sliced onions in the mixture for 15 minutes to 1 hour.
Heat 2 inches of oil in a Dutch oven to 375°F.
In a separate bowl, combine flour, panko, salt, and pepper.
Dredge soaked onions in flour mixture. Fry in small batches for 1–2 minutes until golden. Transfer to paper towels to drain.

3. Cook the Burgers

Stovetop:

Heat 2 Tbsp oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Sear patties 3–4 minutes per side. Flip, reduce heat, spread 1 Tbsp BBQ sauce over each patty, and cover. Cook another 2–5 minutes. Add cheese in final 1–2 minutes.

Grill:

Grease and heat grill to medium-high. Grill patties 3–5 minutes per side, spreading BBQ sauce after flipping and adding cheese just before done.

4. Toast Buns

Spread cut sides with butter and toast in a skillet or on the grill until golden.

5. Assemble the Burgers

Layer lettuce on bottom buns, then burger patties with melted cheese, tomato slices, extra BBQ sauce, and fried onion strings. Add top bun and serve.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 4 burgers
Prep Time: ~20 minutes
Cook Time: ~15 minutes
Total Time: ~35–45 minutes (including onion strings)

Variations

Swap cheddar for pepper Jack or blue cheese
Add bacon or pickles for extra crunch and salt
Use whole-wheat or brioche buns
Make mini sliders for parties or kids
Add a fried egg for a brunch-style burger

Storage/Reheating

To Store: Keep leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store onion strings separately in a paper towel-lined container.
To Reheat: Reheat patties gently on the stove or in the microwave. Re-crisp onion strings in a hot oven or air fryer for 2–3 minutes.

FAQs

How Do I Keep Burgers Juicy?
Use 80/20 beef and avoid overmixing the meat. Chilling the patties before cooking helps them hold together and stay juicy.

Can I Skip the Bread Binder?
The bread helps retain moisture and adds tenderness. You can substitute with ¼ cup breadcrumbs if preferred.

Can I Grill and Make the Onion Strings Ahead of Time?
Yes—fry the onion strings, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days.

What’s the Best BBQ Sauce for This Recipe?
Use your favorite store-bought or homemade sauce. Smoky, sweet, or spicy flavors all pair well.

Do I Need a Thermometer for the Oil?
It’s recommended—375°F is ideal. If you don’t have one, test with a pinch of panko; if it bubbles, it’s ready.

What’s the Best Way to Toast the Buns?
Butter the cut sides and toast on a grill or skillet until golden. This adds texture and prevents sogginess.

Can I Make These Burgers Gluten-Free?
Yes—use gluten-free buns and swap sandwich bread for a GF alternative. Ensure your BBQ sauce and breadcrumbs are gluten-free too.

What Other Toppings Can I Add?
Pickled jalapeños, crispy bacon, fried egg, avocado slices, or coleslaw are great options.

Can I Cook These Burgers in an Air Fryer?
Yes—air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Add cheese in the final 1–2 minutes.

How Do I Keep Onion Strings Crispy?
Store in a dry, airtight container lined with paper towels. Reheat briefly in the oven to re-crisp if needed.

Conclusion

These BBQ Burgers deliver bold, smoky flavor with every bite. The tender, seasoned patties and crispy onion strings elevate this from a basic burger to something truly special. Whether grilled or skillet-cooked, they’re a surefire hit for any gathering or casual meal.