Are you craving that iconic, miniaturized burger experience? The satisfying steam, the perfectly seasoned patty, the soft, slightly sweet bun? Forget the drive-thru – today, we're bringing the taste of White Castle right to your kitchen! This recipe delivers the same deliciousness, but with the added bonus of knowing exactly what’s going into your sliders. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey of homemade goodness with this easy recipe for White Castle sliders.
Ingredients:
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For the Sliders:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
- 1 small onion, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/4 cup milk or water
- 32 mini slider buns (or 16 regular buns, cut in half)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
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For Serving (Optional):
- Yellow mustard
- White onions, thinly sliced
- Pickle slices
Instructions:
Preparing the Sliders:
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Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, minced onion, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, celery salt, paprika, and white pepper. Avoid overmixing, as this can result in tough patties.
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Add Moisture: Stir in the milk or water. This helps create juicy sliders.
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Form Patties: Divide the beef mixture into 32 equal portions. Form each portion into a small, thin patty, slightly smaller than your slider buns. Aim for about 1.5 inches in diameter. Consistency is key to achieving that signature White Castle shape.
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Cook the Sliders: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Don't press down on the patties while cooking; let them cook naturally to retain juiciness. If you’re using a griddle, you can cook multiple patties simultaneously for faster cooking.
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Toast the Buns: Brush the cut sides of the slider buns with melted butter. Toast them lightly in the skillet or griddle during the last minute of cooking the patties. This adds a delightful crispy texture.
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Assemble and Serve: Place a cooked patty on each bun bottom, top with your desired condiments (mustard, white onions, and pickles are classic choices), and finish with the bun top. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious taste of homemade White Castle sliders!
Tips for Success:
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the beef mixture will make the patties tough. Gently combine the ingredients just until they are incorporated.
- Even Patty Size: Consistent patty size ensures even cooking. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements.
- Medium-High Heat: Cooking over medium-high heat helps to sear the patties, creating a flavorful crust.
- Don't Press Down: Pressing down on the patties while cooking will squeeze out the juices, resulting in dry sliders.
Variations:
- Spicy Sliders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the beef mixture.
- Cheese Sliders: Add a slice of your favorite cheese to the patty during the last minute of cooking.
- Bacon Sliders: Add crispy bacon to your slider for extra flavor and texture.
Nutritional Information (per slider, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Protein: Approximately 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 15-20g
This recipe offers a fun and easy way to create a classic fast-food favorite at home. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun party snack, or simply satisfying a craving, these homemade White Castle sliders are sure to be a hit! Enjoy!