Naked Sliders (2) Recipe

Form patties

Divide the 0.5 lb ground beef into two equal portions (about 4 oz / ~113 g each). Gently form each portion into a round patty about 3 inches (7–8 cm) across and roughly 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thick. Do not overwork the meat — press lightly and create a slight dimple in the center of each patty to prevent doming during cooking.

Season patties

Season both sides of each patty evenly with the kosher salt (0.5 tsp), freshly ground black pepper (0.25 tsp), garlic powder (0.125 tsp), and onion powder (0.125 tsp). Pat the seasoning in gently with your fingers.

Cook patties

Heat a skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 tsp vegetable oil and swirl to coat. Place the patties in the hot pan, leaving space between them. Cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes until a brown crust forms on the bottom. Flip and cook another 1.5–2 minutes for medium doneness (adjust time ±30–60 seconds for rarer or more well-done). During the last 30–45 seconds of cooking, place one American cheese slice on each patty and cover the pan briefly to melt the cheese (or tent with foil). Remove patties to a plate and let rest for 2 minutes.

While the patties are resting, combine 2 tbs mayonnaise, 1 tsp yellow mustard, 1 tsp ketchup, 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, 1/16 tsp salt, and a pinch (≈1/32 tsp) black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and taste; adjust seasoning to preference. This yields the tangy slider sauce.

Lay out four large butter lettuce leaves (two per slider — one to hold bottom and one to fold over as a top if you prefer a lettuce wrap). If you prefer a single-leaf base, use two leaves as bottoms and tuck the edges to form a cup for the patty.

Spread about 1 tbs of the prepared sauce onto each bottom lettuce leaf (or distribute sauce to taste).

Place a cheese-topped beef patty on each sauced lettuce leaf. Top each patty with 3 pickle slices, a few thin red onion rings (divide 1/4 cup between two sliders), and 1 tomato slice cut into smaller pieces if needed to fit the slider size.

Finish by tucking a second lettuce leaf over the toppings (optional) or serve open-faced (naked) as desired. Secure with a toothpick if needed.

Serve immediately while patties are warm. Offer extra sauce, pickles, or hot sauce to taste.