Smash Burger Sliders Recipe

Make the sauce

In a small bowl combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, 1 teaspoon Dijon, 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish, 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate while preparing burgers so flavors meld.

Portion the meat

Divide 1 lb Wagyu ground beef into three equal portions (about 5.3 oz / 150 g each). Gently roll into loose balls—do not overwork the meat.

Preheat cooking surface

Heat a cast-iron griddle or heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot (a drop of water should sizzle and evaporate quickly). Add 1 tablespoon vegetable oil and spread to coat.

Smash the patties

Place three meat balls on the hot griddle, spaced apart. Sprinkle each ball with about 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and a scant 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Using a sturdy metal spatula (and a second spatula or a heavy press if available) press each ball firmly and quickly into a thin patty roughly the diameter of your slider buns. Immediately sprinkle 2 teaspoons water evenly around the patties (not on top) to create steam and help crisp the edges. Cook without moving for 2 to 2 1/2 minutes, until edges are browned and juices start to bubble on top.

Flip and cheese

Flip each patty and immediately place one American cheese slice over each patty so it melts. Cook 30 to 45 seconds until cheese is melted and patty is cooked through but still juicy. Remove from heat.

Toast buns

Split the 3 slider buns and toast cut sides on the griddle until golden, about 30–45 seconds. Optionally butter the cut sides before toasting.

Assemble sliders

Spread about 1 tablespoon of Sunset Sauce on the bottom of each toasted bun. Place a lettuce leaf on the sauce, then the cheesy Wagyu patty. Top each patty with 2 pickles and a few rings of thinly sliced red onion. Spread a small amount of sauce on the top bun and close the slider.

Serve the three Wagyu Smash Burger Sliders immediately while hot with any remaining sauce on the side. Estimated doneness will be medium; adjust cooking time slightly if you prefer more or less doneness.