Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• Salt and fresh ground pepper
• 1 teaspoon five-spice powder
• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 pounds ground beef (80 percent lean)
• 3 tablespoons cold butter, each tablespoon cut into 6 cubes
• 9 slices sharp cheddar (from deli), cut into quarters
• 18 slider buns, mini brioche rolls or Hawaiian rolls
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons chopped cornichons
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon chopped capers
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons walnuts, toasted
• 2 cups baby arugula
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• Pinch salt

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Instructions

1. Watch how to make this recipe.
2. For the sliders: Heat the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the onions, season with a bit of salt and pepper, and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Let cool.
3. In a large bowl, combine the sauteed onions, five-spice powder and 1 tablespoon of the balsamic vinegar, and season with a generous pinch of salt and of pepper. Add about one-quarter of the ground beef, and gently mix together until combined. Add the remaining ground beef and gently mix, making sure not to overmix.
4. Divide the meat into approximately 2-ounce portions, and form each into a ball. Insert a cube of butter into the center of each ball, then lightly press into patties about 3/4-inch thick and 2 inches in diameter. Place the patties on a baking sheet, cover with plastic, and refrigerate until ready to cook.
5. Fire up the grill or grill pan to medium-high. Cook the sliders about 2 to 3 minutes per side for medium doneness. After flipping, drizzle each slider with a bit of the remaining balsamic. Set two pieces of cheddar on each slider about 2 minutes before it is done cooking. Place the sliders on buns, and serve with sauces on the side.
6. For the sweet Russian sauce: Combine the mayonnaise, cornichons, ketchup, balsamic and capers in a small bowl; mix until blended.
7. For the arugula pesto: Combine the garlic and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a mini chopper or food processor, and pulse until the garlic is chopped. Add the toasted walnuts and pulse until finely chopped. Add the arugula, the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil and the lemon juice, and season with salt. Pulse just until everything is finely chopped, not pureed.