Australian Onions has partnered with one of Australia’s “most loved” home cooks, Mary Kalifatidis.
Together, they have created a new onion-infused smashburger recipe, inspired by the traditional Australian burger and “globally loved and trending” Oklahoma onion smashburger.
“As the popularity of the smashburger – an American favourite that dates back to the early 1900s – makes its way to Australia, onions have once again become the key ingredient,” reads a statement.
“In its early days, the onions were used to bulk out beef, making meals heartier and more filling during tough times. Today, they’re the star of this flavour-packed burger, where they’re smashed into the patty on a sizzling grill, adding texture and a sweet caramelisation that elevates the entire experience.”
In her recipe, Ms Kalifatidis has reimagined the iconic smashburger culinary trend and like the traditional smashburger recipe, brown onions are taking “centre stage”, while also bringing nostalgia back to the Australian kitchen, taking notes from the ‘age’ old Aussie order, a burger with ‘the lot’.
“I’ve always wanted to love the classic Australian burger but it’s missing something that in my opinion, makes a burger a burger. It needs more onion to add boldness to every bite,” says Ms Kalifatidis.
“There’s something so familiar about an Aussie inspired burger, and I wanted to bring that sense of nostalgia back to life – but with a twist that celebrates how delicious and necessary Australian onions are.
“A good smashburger is a weekend staple we enjoy in my house, and we always do the smashburger, even before it was trending.
“The trick for this recipe; use a mandolin to slice the onions really thinly and get them grilling on an extra hot BBQ grill plate or pan first with some good olive oil, before smashing the beef mince into them. This allows the onions to caramelise and create a deliciously crispy mince patty.”
Onions an ‘everyday base’
Ms Kalifatidis’ love for onions goes “way back”, with the home cook frequently praising the ingredient in her cooking tutorials and online recipes.
“[Australian onions] bring the perfect bold flavour that adds depth to each and every meal – I’m Greek and we would never cook without them,” she says.
“They are an everyday base for caramelising, sauces or grilled on the BBQ. They’re the most important player of any dish.”
Australians can look forward to a wealth of new recipes and cooking inspiration from Ms Kalifatidis and Australian Onions over the next year.
Recipe: Aussie smashburger
Ingredients
- 8-10 brown onions (caramelised or raw)
- Olive oil
- Sesame buns
- Butter or ghee
- Iceberg lettuce, finely sliced
- Black pepper and sea salt
- Oregano
- Tomato sauce
- 1-1.2 kg beef mince
- 1 cup beef stock
- Optional: cheese, bacon, egg
Method:
- Prepare the onions:
Caramelised onions: Finely slice the onions using a mandolin. In a pan, cook the onions with a cup of water. Once the water evaporates, add oil and butter, cooking until soft and golden.
Grilled onions: Finely chop or slice the onions, ready to place on the hotplate.
Raw onions: Finely chop the onions raw for a fresh, crisp topping. - Prepare the beef patties. In a bowl, mix 1-1.2 kg of beef mince with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of oregano. Add 3/4 cup of beef stock and mash until well combined.
- Toast the sesame buns on a hot plate or toaster until golden. The bun absorbs the burger’s juices better this way.
- Spread butter or ghee onto the toasted buns for added richness.
- Heat a pan or hotplate to high. Cook each beef patty for 2-3 minutes on one side until crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until done to your liking. If you are having your onions grilled, cook halfway, then place the beef patty on top and smash them together.
- Assemble the burger. Add tomato sauce, finely sliced iceberg lettuce, and a sprinkle of black pepper to the bun. Optionally, add cheese, bacon, or a fried egg for an extra touch.