Thick and juicy (but still lean) beef patties are the star of the show in these fun comfort food sliders.
Directions for: Juicy Butter Burger Sliders with Sweet Russian Sauce and Arugula Pesto
Ingredients
Sliders3 Tbsp olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
Salt and fresh ground pepper
1 tsp five-spice powder
3 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 lb(s) ground beef (80% lean)
3 Tbsp cold butter, each tablespoon cut into 6 cubes
9 slices sharp Cheddar (from deli), cut into quarters
18 slider buns, mini brioche rolls or Hawaiian rolls
Sweet Russian Saucecup mayonnaise
2 Tbsp chopped cornichons
2 Tbsp ketchup
2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp chopped capers
Arugula Pesto2 cloves garlic
cup olive oil
3 Tbsp walnuts, toasted
2 cups baby arugula
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
1 pinch salt
Directions
Sliders1. For the sliders: Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, season with a bit of salt and pepper, and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sauteed onions, five-spice powder and 1 tablespoon of the balsamic vinegar, and season with a generous pinch of salt and of pepper. Add about one-quarter of the ground beef, and gently mix together until combined. Add the remaining ground beef and gently mix, making sure not to overmix.
3. Divide the meat into approximately 2-oz portions, and form each into a ball. Insert a cube of butter into the center of each ball, then lightly press into patties about 3/4-inch thick and 2 inches in diameter. Place the patties on a baking sheet, cover with plastic, and refrigerate until ready to cook.
4. Fire up the grill or grill pan to medium-high. Cook the sliders about 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium doneness. After flipping, drizzle each slider with a bit of the remaining balsamic. Set two pieces of cheddar on each slider about 2 minutes before it is done cooking. Place the sliders on buns, and serve with sauces on the side.
Sweet Russian Sauce1. For the sweet Russian sauce: Combine the mayonnaise, cornichons, ketchup, balsamic and capers in a small bowl; mix until blended.
Arugula Pesto1. For the arugula pesto: Combine the garlic and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a mini chopper or food processor, and pulse until the garlic is chopped. Add the toasted walnuts and pulse until finely chopped. Add the arugula, the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and the lemon juice, and season with salt. Pulse just until everything is finely chopped, not pureed.
See more: Appetizer, Dinner, Beef, Cheese, Comfort Food, Nuts, Party Favourites, Grill