Craving that iconic White Castle taste but don't want to leave the house? Then get ready to be amazed! This copycat recipe lets you recreate those mini-burgers' unique flavor and satisfying steaminess right in your own kitchen. It's easier than you think, perfect for a quick dinner, and surprisingly healthy when you adjust a few ingredients. Let's dive into this delicious and easy recipe!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 blend recommended for that juicy bite)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (for that signature White Castle spice)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 8 small slider buns (the smaller, the better!)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Optional: White Castle-style sauce (recipe below)
Making the White Castle-Style Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
Instructions:
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Prep the Meat: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground beef, minced onion, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, white pepper, and paprika. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the patties tough.
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Form the Sliders: Divide the meat mixture into 16 equal portions. Shape each portion into a small, thin patty, slightly smaller than your slider buns. This ensures a perfect fit and delicious juicy burger.
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Cook the Sliders: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through. For that signature White Castle steaminess, you can lightly cover the pan during cooking.
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Toast the Buns: While the patties are cooking, brush the slider buns with melted butter and toast them lightly in the same skillet, or in a separate pan, until lightly golden. This adds a wonderful flavor and texture.
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Assemble and Serve: Once the patties are cooked, place them on the toasted buns. Add your homemade White Castle-style sauce (or your favorite sauce!) and serve immediately. Enjoy the delicious homemade sliders!
Tips for Success:
- Don't overwork the meat: Overmixing leads to tough patties. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Use a smaller skillet: This helps ensure even cooking of the small patties.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your preference.
Variations:
- Spicy Sliders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the meat mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Sliders: Add a slice of your favorite cheese (cheddar, American, or Swiss) to each patty during the last minute of cooking.
- Veggie Sliders: Substitute the ground beef with a veggie burger patty for a vegetarian option.
Nutritional Information (per slider, approximate):
This will vary depending on the ingredients you use. A basic slider will contain roughly:
- Calories: 150-200
- Protein: 8-10g
- Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This White Castle copycat recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and easy recipes that can be enjoyed by the whole family. It’s a delicious and satisfying meal without the hassle of ordering takeout. Enjoy your homemade White Castle sliders – you've earned it!