Vampire's Delight Sliders

Name: Vampire's Delight Sliders
Cook time: 15 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 60 g red onion very thinly sliced; 30 ml apple cider vinegar; 8 g granulated sugar; 30 ml water; 15 ml neutral oil; 680 g ground beef 80/20 blend; 8 g fine salt; 2 g black pepper freshly ground; 2 g garlic powder; 6 slices cheddar cheese slices; 6 pieces black slider buns split; 90 ml ketchup

Mini beef sliders are grilled hot and fast, then stacked on black buns with melted cheese, ketchup, and sharp red onion for a themed main course. The buns are toasted on the grill, and the onions add color and acidity to balance the rich patties.

By Julienne

Cook time: 15 minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

60 g red onion very thinly sliced
30 ml apple cider vinegar
8 g granulated sugar
30 ml water
15 ml neutral oil
680 g ground beef 80/20 blend
8 g fine salt
2 g black pepper freshly ground
2 g garlic powder
6 slices cheddar cheese slices
6 pieces black slider buns split
90 ml ketchup

Instructions

Make the quick onion topping: combine the red onion, apple cider vinegar, sugar, and water in a small bowl. Toss and let stand while you cook the sliders, stirring once or twice. Use the full measured liquid here. Onions look lightly softened and pink, with no harsh raw bite.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grate or pan with the measured neutral oil. The grill is hot enough that a drop of water sizzles immediately.
In a medium bowl, mix the ground beef with the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder just until combined. Divide into 6 equal portions and form 6 thin patties slightly wider than the buns. Patties hold together without visible dry spice streaks.
Grill the patties for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side, then flip and grill 2 to 3 minutes more. When the patties are nearly done, top each one with a slice of cheese and close the grill lid briefly to melt it. Cook until the thickest patty reaches 71 C. The patties are browned on the outside and the cheese is melted.
During the last 30 to 60 seconds, toast the cut sides of the slider buns on the grill until lightly crisp and marked. Buns are warmed and lightly toasted, not dried out.
Assemble each slider with ketchup on both bun halves if desired, then add a cheesy beef patty and a small mound of the drained onion topping. Serve right away. Sliders are assembled while the patties are hot and the buns are still warm.