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ONION BURGERS

Program
Hungry for History®
Subject
Food, Site
Location
220 S Bickford Ave, El Reno, OK 73036, USA
Lat/Long
35.531556, -97.954722
Grant Recipient
Oklahoma Route 66 Association
Historic Marker

ONION BURGERS

Inscription

ONION BURGERS
INTRODUCED IN THE 1920S,
SHREDDED ONIONS FUSED WITH
LIMITED AMOUNTS OF GROUND
BEEF MADE THESE BURGERS AN
AFFORDABLE LOCAL SPECIALTY.
WILLIAM G. POMEROY FOUNDATION 2024

Oklahoma was hard-hit during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl. However, as early as 1921, surplus commodities sent agricultural prices plummeting and the market value of farmland often dropped well below what was owed on it. Farmers and small towns like El Reno that depended on the land were hit hard (Great Depression and the Dust Bowl, accessed 29 May 2024).

This marker commemorates the creation and longevity of the fried onion hamburger, created during economic hard times and celebrated with an annual festival in El Reno beginning in 1988. According to Rhys Martin, President of the Oklahoma Route 66 Association, this simple dish shows ingenuity and resourcefulness [by] amending a common recipe with a unique addition, highlighting the resourcefulness of [local residents].

Also known as Depression Burgers, simple ingredients make a flavorful dish. The key is cooking the beef patties “smash-style” with a large amount of thinly sliced onions. Toppings such as cheese and pickles may be added to taste. As of 2024, recipes for “Oklahoma Onion Burgers” abound in cookbooks and cooking websites.