Ostrich Burger with Caramelized Onion and Smoked Gouda

Looking for the ultimate burger upgrade? Say hello to your new favorite: the Superior Ostrich burger with caramelized onion and smoked gouda. Juicy, flavorful, and surprisingly lean, this burger hits all the right notes: savory, sweet, smoky, and satisfying. It’s a restaurant-worthy bite you can easily create at home. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or making a weeknight meal feel special, this burger delivers on both taste and nutrition.

Ingredients

For the burgers:

1 lb Superior Ostrich ground meat, kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon olive oil (for pan-searing, optional if grilling)

4 brioche or potato buns, 4 slices smoked gouda cheese

1 cup fresh arugula, garlic aioli or your favorite burger sauce

 

For the caramelized onions:

2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon olive oil, pinch of salt

Optional: 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar or a pinch of sugar to enhance sweetness.

 

Instructions

Step 1: Caramelize the onions
In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir occasionally for 20 to 25 minutes until the onions are soft, golden, and sweet. If desired, stir in balsamic vinegar or sugar during the last few minutes to deepen the flavor. Set aside.

Step 2: Form and season the patties
Divide the Superior Ostrich ground meat into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties slightly wider than your buns. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Step 3: Cook the burgers
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add olive oil once hot. Cook ostrich patties for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of smoked gouda on each patty to melt.

Step 4: Toast the buns
While the burgers finish, toast your buns lightly on the grill or in a pan until golden and warm.

Step 5: Assemble the burgers
Spread garlic aioli on the top and bottom buns. Add a handful of arugula to the bottom bun, followed by the ostrich patty with melted gouda, a generous scoop of caramelized onions, and the top bun.

 

Serving Ideas

Serve your Superior Ostrich burgers with sweet potato fries, a crisp coleslaw, or a light mixed greens salad. For drinks, try a bold iced tea, a hoppy craft beer, or a dry red wine to balance the richness of the gouda and onions.

Superior Tips

Don’t overcook it. Ostrich is lean, so aim for medium-rare to medium to preserve juiciness. Add extra flavor. Want to level it up? Add crispy bacon, pickled jalapeños, or a fried egg. Make it gluten-free. Swap the bun for a lettuce wrap or a gluten-free roll.

 

Why We Love This Recipe

Ostrich meat has a bold, beef-like flavor but with far less fat. When paired with the sweetness of slow-cooked onions and the creaminess of smoked gouda, it creates the kind of burger that feels indulgent but aligns with a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. At Superior Ostrich, we raise our birds with care, delivering premium meat that’s lean, tender, and raised with respect for the land. This burger brings all that quality straight to your table—one delicious bite at a time. Craving more ways to cook with ostrich? Browse the Superior Ostrich blog for recipes, tips, and inspiration that bring this superior protein to life.