Gluten Free Short Rib Burgers with Caramelized Onions
Updated Jun 16, 2025, Published Jul 01, 2016
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Juicy and Flavorful: Gluten-Free Short Rib Burgers with Caramelized Onions Recipe
We love the Fourth of July!
Friends and family coming together to celebrate freedom with really great food – what could be better?
For me, the Fourth of July menu has got to include two things: hamburgers and potato salad. After that, everything else is a bonus.
Ok, so ready to fire up the grill for something epic? The Gluten-Free Short Rib Burgers with Caramelized Onions recipe takes your burger game to a whole new level with tender short ribs and sweet, golden onions. These burgers are perfect for summer barbecues or cozy weeknight dinners, ready in about 45 minutes.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Alright, let’s talk about why these Gluten-Free Short Rib Burgers with Caramelized Onions are such a hit. For starters, using short ribs makes these burgers insanely juicy and packed with rich, beefy flavor. Plus, they’re gluten-free, so everyone can dig in without worry. The caramelized onions add a sweet, savory topping that’s pure magic in every bite. That’s why this recipe is awesome for backyard cookouts or impressing your dinner guests.
The real secret is in the meat, a combination of ground skirt steak and short ribs. Go to your butcher and have him grind both meats together in a medium grind. If you can only get short ribs on the bone, no worries. Have the butcher just cut it off for you before grinding.
Even better, these burgers are super versatile—you can dress them up with your favorite toppings or keep it simple. Since they’re ready in under an hour, you can pull off a gourmet meal without breaking a sweat. In short, this recipe is all about bold taste, easy prep, and happy eaters, making it a go-to for any burger lover.
What You Will Need
To make these delicious Gluten-Free Short Rib Burgers with Caramelized Onions, grab these ingredients:
- 2 ½ pounds white or yellow onions, 3 large
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 pound ground boneless beef short ribs
- 1 pound ground skirt steak or tri-tip
- Vegetable oil
- 6 gluten-free Kaiser rolls or hamburger buns
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 6 lettuce leaves
- 6 slices tomato
You’ll also need a food processor or meat grinder to process the short ribs, a skillet for the onions, and a grill or grill pan for the burgers. A spatula makes flipping the patties a breeze, and a cutting board is handy for prepping. With these basics, you’re all set to create a burger masterpiece.
Tips and Variations
To make your Gluten-Free Short Rib Burgers with Caramelized Onions totally shine, try these easy tips. First off, chill the ground short ribs for 15 minutes before shaping patties—it helps them hold together on the grill. Also, cook the onions low and slow over medium heat for 20–25 minutes to get that perfect caramelized sweetness. When grilling, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F for medium to keep the burgers juicy. And don’t skip the bun toasting—it adds a nice crunch.
Want to mix things up? Try some fun variations. For example, add a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese for a melty twist. If you’re feeling spicy, mix a pinch of cayenne into the patties or top with jalapeños. Alternatively, swap the mayo for gluten-free barbecue sauce or avocado for a different vibe. To make it low-carb, serve the patties in lettuce wraps instead of buns. With these tweaks, you can customize these burgers for any craving or crowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this Gluten-Free Short Rib Burgers with Caramelized Onions recipe gluten-free?
It uses gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, buns, and naturally gluten-free ingredients like beef and onions. Always check labels to ensure everything is certified gluten-free.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
You bet! Shape the patties up to a day ahead, cover, and store in the fridge. Bring them to room temperature for 10 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
How do I store leftover burgers?
Keep cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on a skillet or grill for 2–3 minutes per side. Store onions separately to keep them fresh.
Can I cook these burgers indoors?
Totally! Use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side, checking the internal temperature for doneness.
What sides pair well with these burgers?
Serve with gluten-free fries, coleslaw, or a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal. Grilled veggies or sweet potato wedges are also great options.
Trust me on this burger – it is worth a celebration all by itself.
Happy Fourth of July!
Short Rib Burgers with Caramelized Onions
Ingredients
- 2 ½ pounds white or yellow onions, 3 large
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 sprigs fresh thyme
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 pound ground boneless beef short ribs
- 1 pound ground skirt steak or tri-tip
- Vegetable oil
- 6 gluten free Kaiser rolls or hamburger buns
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 6 lettuce leaves
- 6 slices tomato
Instructions
- Cut onions in half and slice thinly. Heat butter and oil together in a large skillet over medium low heat. Add the sliced onions, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and thyme. Cook the onions slowly, stirring occasionally, until deeply browned and caramelized, about 45 minutes. Remove the thyme sprigs, raise heat to high, and add the balsamic vinegar. Cook, stirring, until all the vinegar has evaporated. Can be made several days ahead, store in a covered container in the refrigerator. Reheat in microwave or on stove-top before using.
- Mix the mayonnaise and sriracha together until fully combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare the grill for direct heat. Combine the ground meats. Divide into 6 equal portions and shape into patties about ¾-inch thick. Make a deep depression in the center of the patties. Brush both sides of the patties with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 4 minutes, flip the burgers and grill for another 4 – 5 minutes for medium-rare.
- Cut the Kaiser rolls in half, spread the cut surfaces with melted butter and grill for 1 – 2 minutes.
- To serve, spread the bottom roll with some of the mayonnaise mixture, top with lettuce, a tomato slice, burger patty, and some caramelized onions.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
