Copycat Red Robin Whiskey River BBQ Burger with Onion Straws

Ingredients

• 1 cup very thinly sliced sweet onion , 8 oz.
• 1.5 cups buttermilk
• 5 cups Vegetable oil , for frying
• 0.75 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon salt , divided
• 0.5 teaspoons black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons cayenne pepper
• 0.25 teaspoons paprika
• 0.5 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 0.25 teaspoons celery salt
• 0.25 teaspoons chili powder
• 0.25 teaspoons garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoons onion powder
• 1.5 pounds ground chuck or 80% lean ground beef
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 0.25 cups bottled whiskey-flavored barbecue sauce , plus more for serving
• 4 slices Cheddar cheese
• 4 sesames seed hamburger buns
• 0.5 cups mayonnaise
• 8 thins tomato slices
• 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

Instructions

1. 1

   Combine onions and buttermilk in a bowl and soak at room temperature for 1 hour.

2. 2

   Pour oil to a depth of 1 1/2 inches into a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or pot or a deep-fat fryer; heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

3. 3

   Meanwhile whisk together flour, 1/4 teaspoon salt, black pepper, cayenne, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika in a large bowl for the breading. Remove onions from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Toss onions in the breading until well coated.

4. 4

   Set a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Working in 3 batches, fry onions, turning occasionally to break up any clumps, until crisp and golden, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to drain. Repeat with remaining onions.

5. 5

   For rub, stir together 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, celery salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl. Shape beef into 4 patties, about 4 inches in diameter. Brush patties with oil; sprinkle both sides with rub.

6. 6

   Preheat grill to medium-high and lightly oil grate. Grill patties, uncovered, about 5 minutes or until slightly charred.

7. 7

   Flip patties; brush barbecue sauce evenly over patties. Continue cooking about 3 minutes more or until charred and a thermometer inserted into centers registers 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Top patties with cheese; grill, covered, until cheese is melted, about 1 minute more. Grill buns, cut sides down, uncovered, until toasted, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

8. 8

   Spread buns with mayonnaise and additional barbecue sauce. Fill buns with patties, onion straws, tomato, and lettuce. Serve immediately.