Three Monkey Sliders Recipe

Cook bacon

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange bacon slices on a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil or parchment in a single layer. Bake 12–18 minutes until crisp but not brittle. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool, then chop into bite-size pieces. Reserve bacon fat if desired for extra flavor (optional).

Prepare onion

While bacon cooks, peel the onion and cut in half. Slice each half into very thin rings (aim for 1/8" strips) to make onion straws. Place the sliced onion in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over it; let soak for 20–30 minutes. This tenderizes the onion and improves batter adhesion.

Mix dredge

In a shallow bowl or wide plate, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, and 1 tsp salt. Drain the soaked onion rings, shake off excess buttermilk, and dredge in the flour mixture until well coated.

Fry onion straws

In a heavy pot or deep skillet, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the coated onion pieces in batches for 2–3 minutes per batch, stirring gently, until golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to paper towels and season immediately with a light sprinkle of salt. Keep warm in a single layer in a low oven (200°F) if making ahead.

While onions soak, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, Sriracha, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, optional hot sauce, and 1/4 tsp salt in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness. Refrigerate until ready to use. Makes about 3/4 cup.

Preheat a grill or heavy skillet to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). In a mixing bowl, combine ground Angus beef, Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a fork—do not overwork.

Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions (about 2 oz each). Form each portion into a thin patty slightly larger than the buns (they will shrink while cooking). Make a shallow dimple in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent puffing.

Oil the grill grates or skillet lightly. Cook patties 2–3 minutes per side for medium (adjust time for desired doneness). During the last 30–45 seconds of cooking, place cheese on each patty and close the lid (or cover skillet) to melt.

Split the slider buns and brush cut sides lightly with softened butter. Toast cut sides on the grill or in a skillet for 1–2 minutes until lightly golden.

To assemble each slider: spread about 1 teaspoon of Spicy Monkey Sauce on the bottom bun, place a melted-cheddar-topped patty, add 1 strip or 1 tablespoon chopped bacon, top with a small handful of fried onion straws (about 1 tablespoon), one pickle slice and a small bit of lettuce. Add another drizzle (about 1 teaspoon) of sauce on the top bun if desired, then close.

Serve immediately while hot. For multiple sliders, keep assembled sliders warm in a low oven (200°F) up to 10–15 minutes; crispy onion straws are best served immediately to remain crunchy.