If you’re on the lookout for a burger that breaks the mold while keeping things low in carbs and high in flavor, the Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman: A Low-Carb Burger Delight Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy, perfectly seasoned beef encased by sweet caramelized onion “buns” rather than bread, loaded with melty cheese and a tangy homemade sauce that elevates every bite. This recipe brings together simplicity and boldness in a way that satisfies your burger cravings without the carb overload, making it perfect for anyone looking for a delicious, guilt-free twist on a classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Each component is straightforward yet plays a crucial role, from the sharpness of the onion to the richness of the beef and the creaminess of the special sauce. Together, they create a harmonious balance of taste, texture, and even a pop of color.
- 1 large Yellow Onion: Provides a sweet, mellow base for the burger “buns” and caramelizes beautifully.
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 ratio): Ensures juicy, flavorful patties with just the right fat content.
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil: Helps sear the patties perfectly; olive oil works well as a substitute for a hint of fruitiness.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the beef and onions.
- Pepper: Adds a gentle spice to balance the richness.
- 1 tbsp Butter (optional): Adds an extra layer of richness when cooking the patties.
- 4 slices Cheese: Whether American or sharp cheddar, cheese melts to create that irresistible gooey center.
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: Serves as a creamy base for the special sauce; Greek yogurt can lighten it up if preferred.
- 2 tbsp Ketchup: Offers sweetness and tang; opting for low-sugar versions keeps things light.
- 1 tbsp Mustard: Dijon is great here for its depth and subtle sharpness.
- 1 tbsp Pickle Relish: Adds a sweet and tangy crunch that livens up each bite.
- Sriracha (optional): For a spicy kick that wakes up the palate, adjust to taste.
How to Make Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman: A Low-Carb Burger Delight Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Onion “Buns”
Start by peeling your large yellow onion and cutting it into thick slices approximately half an inch wide. Carefully separate the rings, keeping them intact so they can hold the burger fillings later. These will replace your traditional buns, so choose the thicker rings for sturdiness. Gently parboil the rings in salted water for about 3-5 minutes to soften them slightly—this makes them tender and reduces their sharpness without falling apart.
Step 2: Season and Form Patties
In a bowl, combine the ground beef with a good pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Mix gently with your hands just until combined; overmixing can make your patties tough. Divide the meat into two equal portions and form each into a compact, oval-shaped patty that’s slightly smaller than your onion rings to allow for melting cheese on top later.
Step 3: Cook the Onion Rings
Heat a skillet over medium heat with the vegetable oil. Place the onion rings in the pan and cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until they are nicely caramelized and golden brown. Set them aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil and wait until the burger patties are ready before assembling.
Step 4: Sear the Patties
In the same skillet, add butter if using, and once melted, add your beef patties. Cook each side for about 4-5 minutes or until they reach your preferred doneness. Just before removing from the pan, place two slices of cheese on each patty and cover the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese perfectly and keep the patties juicy.
Step 5: Make the Special Sauce
While the patties cook, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and sriracha (if using) in a small bowl. This tangy, creamy sauce is the secret that takes the Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman: A Low-Carb Burger Delight Recipe from great to unforgettable.
Step 6: Assemble Your Burger
Layer one onion ring flat on your plate, smear a generous spoonful of sauce onto it, add your cheesy patty, then another layer of sauce before topping with a second onion ring. The onion rings act as the bun, hugging a juicy, cheesy burger wrapped in a vibrant sauce that’s bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman: A Low-Carb Burger Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Keep garnishes simple yet complementary. A fresh sprinkle of chopped chives or parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that cuts through the richness. If you like a little extra zing, a few dill pickle slices on the side tie beautifully with the relish in the special sauce.
Side Dishes
This low-carb delight pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even a handful of crunchy celery sticks. If you want to keep carbs low but crave something crispy, consider air-fried zucchini fries or parmesan crisps as a perfect accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve your Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman: A Low-Carb Burger Delight Recipe open-faced on a platter with extra sauce for dipping. You could also stack mini versions as sliders for parties or use colorful heirloom onions for a visually stunning twist that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover patties and onion rings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the patties juicy and the onion rings from becoming soggy, so you can enjoy them fresh even a day or two later.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked patties wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. It’s best to avoid freezing the onion rings as they lose texture upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat patties in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep them moist and avoid drying out. Warm onion rings separately in a toaster oven or skillet to help them regain some crispness before assembling your burger again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of onions instead of yellow?
Absolutely! White onions will give a sharper flavor, while sweet red onions offer a milder and slightly sweeter taste. Yellow onions strike a pleasant balance, making them a popular choice for this recipe.
What kind of cheese works best for this burger?
American cheese melts beautifully and offers classic burger flavor, while cheddar provides a sharper taste. Feel free to experiment with Swiss, provolone, or even pepper jack for added heat.
Is this recipe suitable for keto diets?
Definitely! The Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman: A Low-Carb Burger Delight Recipe steers clear of traditional buns and uses onion rings, making it a great low-carb, keto-friendly option that’s both filling and flavorful.
Can I make the sauce in advance?
Yes, the special sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld. Prepare it ahead and store in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
How spicy does the sriracha make the burger?
The sriracha adds a subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce nicely. You can adjust the amount to your preference or omit it if you want to keep the flavors milder.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman: A Low-Carb Burger Delight Recipe with friends or family feels like passing on a hidden treasure. It’s a simple yet inventive way to enjoy a juicy burger without the bread, packed with flavor and texture that keeps your taste buds dancing. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite low-carb indulgence that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
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Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman: A Low-Carb Burger Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings (2 burgers)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
The Onion-Wrapped Flying Dutchman is a flavorful low-carb burger that swaps traditional buns for hearty slices of onion. Juicy ground beef patties are seared to perfection, topped with melted cheese, and wrapped in thick onion rings creating a deliciously satisfying meal. Enhanced with a rich homemade sauce combining mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and optional sriracha, this burger offers a perfect balance of savoriness and spice while keeping carbs to a minimum.
Ingredients
For the Burger
- 1 large Yellow Onion (Can substitute with white onion for a sharper taste)
- 1 lb Ground Beef (80/20 ratio) (Choose a fattier mix for optimal flavor)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable Oil (You can also use olive oil as a substitute)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp Butter (optional) (Adds richness when cooking patties)
- 4 slices Cheese (Select your favorite varieties like American or cheddar)
For the Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tbsp Ketchup (Consider using low-sugar versions for a healthier option)
- 1 tbsp Mustard (Try Dijon for added depth)
- 1 tbsp Pickle Relish (Customize amounts for your perfect flavor balance)
- Sriracha, to taste (optional) (For those who enjoy a spicy kick)
Instructions
- Prepare the Onion Rings: Peel the large onion and slice it horizontally into thick rings, about 1/2 inch thick. Carefully separate the rings to use as the bun substitute for your burger. Set aside.
- Form Beef Patties: Divide the ground beef into four equal portions and shape each into a patty slightly larger than the onion rings to ensure full coverage during cooking. Season both sides with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Heat the Cooking Fat: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil and butter if using. Let the butter melt and the oil heat until shimmering to prepare for pan-frying the patties.
- Cook Patties: Place the beef patties into the skillet, cooking for about 4 to 5 minutes per side or until your desired doneness is reached. In the last minute of cooking, top each patty with a slice of cheese and cover the pan briefly to allow the cheese to melt perfectly.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the patties cook, mix the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and sriracha (if using) in a small bowl until well combined. Adjust sriracha amount to your preferred spice level.
- Sear the Onion Rings: In the same skillet or a separate pan, briefly sear the onion rings for about 1 to 2 minutes per side until they soften slightly and get a bit of caramelization without falling apart. This enhances their flavor and texture as the burger bun.
- Assemble the Burgers: On a clean surface or plate, place one onion ring as the bottom bun, add a cheese-topped beef patty, spread a generous amount of the prepared sauce over the patty, then top with another onion ring to complete the burger.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the onion-wrapped Flying Dutchman immediately while hot for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- You can substitute white onion if you prefer a sharper onion flavor in your bun.
- Using a fattier ground beef mix such as 80/20 ensures juicy, flavorful patties.
- Butter added during frying enriches the patties but can be skipped for lower fat content.
- Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce.
- Low-sugar ketchup and Dijon mustard can be used to make the sauce healthier and more flavorful.
- Adjust sriracha amount according to your desired spiciness or omit for a milder burger.
- Searing the onion ring buns helps to soften and slightly caramelize them, enhancing texture and taste.
