Sometimes you want your burger to be a little bit extra, but rather than pay for a jazzed up version from a restaurant, there’s a few simple elements you can add for a different take on the traditional hamburger. There’s also no need to own a grill to make these sliders since they cook up in a cast iron skillet in a matter of minutes. Although that smoky grill flavor sure can’t be beat, using a skillet allowed me to cook these to juicy perfection! Combined with a sweet and savory caramelized onion jam, crunchy strips of Panko breaded jalapeño, and crumbles of herb infused goat cheese… these skillet sliders were devoured in a matter of seconds!
Caramelized Onion Jam:
2 Tbs olive oil
1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
1 tsp dried thyme
2 Tbs sugar
3 Tbs balsamic vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
Fried Jalapeño Strips:
2 Tbs olive oil
1 egg, whisked
2 jalapeños, ribs and seeds removed, and cut into strips
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
For the sliders:
1lb of ground beef
1 tsp garlic salt
1 tsp freshly ground pepper
6 slider buns, lightly toasted
2 to 3 ounces of herbed goat cheese
Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil, onions, and thyme. Saute for 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Add sugar over the top and cook without stirring for 3 to 5 minutes. Add balsamic vinegar and stir to deglaze pan. Cook for 2 to 3 more minutes or until most of the vinegar has cooked in. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. Transfer to a small glass canning jar, seal, and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
You can actually make this up to a week in advance and if you have some leftover you can try out my Mushroom Tartlets post where I first made this onion jam recipe!
Wipe the skillet out with a paper towel, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and keep at a medium heat setting.
Whisk egg in a small bowl and pour breadcrumbs out onto a shallow dish. Add jalapeño strips to the egg and toss to coat completely. Remove jalapeno strips one by one, shaking off excess egg, and lay in the breadcrumbs. Press strips into the mixture to coat as much as you can. Once the skillet is hot, add coated jalapeño strips. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
And now for the sliders!
In a large bowl, mix together ground beef, garlic salt, and pepper. Form 6 evenly shaped patties and set aside on a large plate. Press your thumb into the center of each patty to create an indent.
Using the same skillet again (can you tell I don’t like doing dishes?) over medium heat, add your patties and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. I like my burgers medium rare, but feel free to cook them longer or to your preference.
Spread a layer of the caramelized onion jam on one side of the slider buns, add some goat cheese crumbles, 3 to 4 jalapeno strips, a burger patty, and you’re done!
Enjoy!
