Name: The Sinks SINK SLIDERS Recipe
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 3 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (80/20); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground); 6 to taste american cheese slices; 3 each mini brioche or potato slider buns; 2 tbs unsalted butter (softened, for toasting); 1 each yellow onion; 1 tbs unsalted butter; 120 ml light ale (or lager); 1 tbs light brown sugar; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp black pepper; 0.5 cups ketchup; 1 tbs apple cider vinegar; 2 tbs brown sugar; 0.25 tsp hickory liquid smoke; 1 tsp worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp yellow mustard; 0.5 tsp smoked paprika; 0.25 tsp garlic powder; 0.25 tsp salt; 1 each kirby or mini cucumbers; 0.5 cups white vinegar; 0.5 cups water; 1 tsp granulated sugar; 0.5 tsp kosher salt; 0.5 tsp mustard seeds; 0.25 tsp peppercorns; 0.125 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Method

Mini Burger Patties & Assembly

Form Patties

Divide the 1 lb ground beef into 6 equal portions (about 2.7 oz / 75 g each). Gently form each portion into a thin, slightly wider-than-bun patty (about 3 inches/7.5 cm diameter). Do not overwork the meat; press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty to prevent doming while cooking. Season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Toast Buns

Split the 3 slider buns. Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Spread softened butter on the cut sides of the buns and place buttered-side down on the skillet until golden, about 1–2 minutes. Keep toasted buns warm on a plate tented with foil.

Cook Patties

Increase skillet to medium-high and add a light swipe of oil if needed. Working in a single layer (cook all 6 if your skillet fits, otherwise do two batches), place patties in the hot pan. Cook undisturbed 2–3 minutes until a brown crust forms, flip, and cook another 1.5–2 minutes for medium. During the last 30–45 seconds of cooking, place one half-slice of American cheese folded over to cover each patty so it melts. Remove patties to a tray and tent with foil to keep warm.

Assemble Sliders

To assemble each slider: spread 1–2 teaspoons of Sink Hickory BBQ sauce on the bottom bun, place a cheese-topped patty, top with a generous spoonful of ale onions, add a few house-made pickle slices, then cap with the toasted top bun. Serve 3 sliders per order.

Ale Onions

Peel and thinly slice the yellow onion into rings or half-moons. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle in the light brown sugar and continue to cook 2 minutes to begin caramelization.

Pour in 120 ml light ale and add 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook until most liquid has reduced and onions are soft and jammy, about 10–12 minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste. Keep warm for assembly.

Sink Hickory BBQ Sauce

Combine 1/2 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 teaspoon worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon yellow mustard, 1/4 teaspoon hickory liquid smoke, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a small saucepan. Whisk to combine.

Bring sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, then reduce heat and simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust sweetness, acidity or smoke. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using on sliders.

House-made Pickles (Quick)

Slice the cucumber(s) into thin rounds. In a small saucepan combine 1/2 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup water, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon mustard seeds, 1/4 teaspoon peppercorns and 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional). Bring the liquid to a simmer to dissolve sugar and salt, then remove from heat.

Place cucumber slices in a heatproof jar or bowl and pour the hot brine over them, pressing to submerge. Let cool to room temperature (about 20–30 minutes), then refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving for quick pickles. Keep refrigerated until use.

Sink Sliders Recipe