These flame-grilled beef patties are the epitome of smoky indulgence—juicy, char-marked, and crowned with a golden heap of caramelized onions. Cooked over an open flame, they capture the primal joy of outdoor grilling while delivering refined flavor through a simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. The beef is seasoned to enhance its natural richness, and the onions are slowly cooked until sweet, sticky, and deeply golden, adding a luxurious contrast to the savory meat.
Perfect for burgers, steak plates, or served solo with sides like roasted potatoes or grilled vegetables, these patties are versatile and crowd-pleasing. The flames not only sear the meat but infuse it with a depth that stovetop cooking can’t replicate. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or just craving something bold and satisfying, this recipe brings the fire—literally and figuratively.
INGREDIENTS:
For the Beef Patties:
- 600g ground beef (preferably 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp mustard (Dijon or yellow)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for smokiness)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (optional, for depth)
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prepare the Patties:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the patties tender.
- Divide into 3–4 equal portions and shape into thick, round patties.
- Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing during grilling.
- Brush lightly with olive oil and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
- Make the Caramelized Onions:
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add sliced onions and sprinkle with sugar and salt.
- Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes until onions are soft, golden, and sticky.
- Add balsamic vinegar in the last 5 minutes for a rich finish.
- Set aside and keep warm.
- Grill the Patties:
- Preheat your grill to high heat.
- Place the patties directly over the flame and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Avoid pressing down on the patties to retain juices.
- If using cheese, add slices in the last minute and cover the grill briefly to melt.
- Assemble and Serve:
- Top each grilled patty with a generous spoonful of caramelized onions.
- Serve on toasted buns, over mashed potatoes, or alongside grilled vegetables.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or a drizzle of aioli if desired.
