In-N-Out Burger is my favorite fast food. In fact, when people ask me what I love most about living in California, I always reply back with "having In-N-Out Burger, the San Jose Sharks, and fantastic weather."
Many people (myself included) have tried to recreate this amazing burger, but failed to reproduce the symphony of flavors, texture, and quality ingredients. Well, I'm proud to say that I've nailed one important part of the recipe: the grilled onions.
They are part of a not-so-secret-menu item at In-N-Out Burger called "animal style." They probably call it that because people turn into monkeys at the thought of these melting morsels of sweetness!
These grilled onions are also great on philly cheesesteaks and hot dogs!
How to Make In-N-Out Burger's Animal Style Grilled Onions
The Play-By-Play Version
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Yield: 1/2 cup
Ingredients:
1/2 large white onion, diced
1 tbsp canola or olive oil
4-5 tbsp cold water
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions:
1) Dice white onion to the size shown in the following picture. It's important to get the size right since the goal is to create the signature In-N-Out Burger grilled onions. I like to use the natural cuts in the rings of the onion as a cutting guide so that you get a more uniform chop.
2) Add oil to pan and turn up the heat to medium-high. We want to get a good sear on the outsides of the onions just to add a hint of texture. Add the onions, salt, and pepper. Stir for 3-5 minutes until they look like this.
3) Drop the heat down to medium. Keep stirring the onions until they start to look dry or show signs of burning. Every time that happens, add 1 tbsp of cold water to the pan and give the onions a good stir. This will add moisture, but more importantly, de-glaze the pan to loosen up all of those onions bits that your pan is selfishly trying to keep from you.
4) When the onions start to look dry again, add more water. Continue this technique 4-5 times until your onions look like this. They should be soft, dark, and taste sweet.
There you go! Don't they look amazing? They are great in burgers, but don't limit yourself. They can also be used in philly cheesesteaks, sandwiches, hot dogs, <insert your great idea here>.
How to Make In-N-Out Burger's Animal Style Grilled Onions
The Sportscenter Highlights Version
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Yield: 1/2 cup
Ingredients:
1/2 large white onion, diced
1 tbsp canola or olive oil
4-5 tbsp cold water
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Instructions:
1) Dice white onion. Do your best to keep the pieces a small and consistent size
2)Add oil to pan and turn up the heat to medium-high. Add the onions, salt, and pepper. Stir for 3-5 minutes, or until they are soft and begin to brown. Drop the heat down to medium.
3) Stir onions until they start to look dry or show signs of burning. Add 1 tbsp of cold water to the pan and stir.
4)When the onions start to look dry again, add more water. Continue this technique 4-5 times until your onions look soft, dark, and taste sweet.
