Recipe: Caribbean Jerk Sliders

Food Network star Eddie Jackson offers his take on spicy, bite-sized burgers.

Don't miss Luke Burbank's interview with Eddie Jackson on "CBS Sunday Morning" February 7! 

Caribbean Jerk Sliders
Yield: 8 servings
Ease of Preparation: intermediate
Active Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes   

Ingredients:

1 pound ground chuck 
2 teaspoons kosher salt  
1 1/2 teaspoons ground allspice  
1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper  
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder  
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder  
1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano  
1 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes  
1 1/2 teaspoons light brown sugar  
1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme  
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper  
Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan  
8 standard slices mild Cheddar
8 brioche slider buns  
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted  
Jerk Ketchup (recipe below)
8 Red Ale Onion Rings (recipe below)

Instructions:

1. Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Combine the beef, salt, allspice, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper flakes, brown sugar, thyme and black pepper in a large bowl and gently mix until just combined.
3. Form the meat into eight 2-ounce patties, then press the center of each with your thumb to create an indent. Coat the grill pan with cooking spray.
4. Grill the sliders indent-side up until the internal temperature registers 150 degrees F, 2 to 3 minutes per side, placing a slice of cheese on each patty once you flip them. Cover the patties on the grill pan with a metal bowl to allow the cheese to melt. (The cheese will melt over the sides of the patties.) Remove the patties to a plate and cover loosely with foil to rest.
5. Meanwhile, brush the buns with the melted butter and grill until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes per side.
6. Assemble the sliders by putting a tablespoon-sized dollop of the Ketchup on the bun tops and bottoms, then top each bottom with a patty. Finish with one Onion Ring on top of each slider. Close sliders and serve immediately.

     
Jerk Ketchup 
Yield: 1 1/4 cups

Ingredients:

1 cup ketchup 
Juice of 1 lime  
1 teaspoon ground allspice  
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper  
1 teaspoon garlic powder  
1 teaspoon onion powder  
1 teaspoon dried oregano  
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes  
1 teaspoon brown sugar  
1 teaspoon dried thyme  
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt  

Instructions:

1. Combine the ketchup, lime juice, allspice, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, pepper flakes, brown sugar, thyme and salt in a medium nonreactive bowl and mix until incorporated. 

     
Red Ale Onion Rings

Ingredients:

About 4 cups canola oil 
2 large Vidalia onions  
1 cup all-purpose flour  
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt  
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder  
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper  
1 cup Red Ale  
Coarse sea salt  

Instructions:

1. Pour 4 inches oil into an 8-quart Dutch oven and bring to 350 degrees F over medium-high heat.
2. Meanwhile, peel the onions and slice into 1/2-inch-thick rings.
3. Combine the flour, salt, garlic powder and black pepper in a large bowl. Whisk in the ale until the ingredients are combined. The batter should be thick but slightly loose.
4. Place a wire rack in a sheet pan. Working in batches, dip the onion rings into the batter. Drain any excess batter back into the bowl, then slowly lower the onions into the hot oil. Cook, flipping the onions every 30 seconds, until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the onions to a wire rack with a spider and lightly season with sea salt.

      
Cook's Note:

Make the Jerk Ketchup to use immediately, or store in an airtight container, refrigerated, for up to 4 days.

     
See also: 

• Eddie Jackson's Cajun Sticky Wings
  
• Eddie Jackson's Spinach, Artichoke and Red Pepper Dip
• More Super Bowl party menu ideas

     
For more info:

• "Game-Day Eats: 100 Recipes for Homegating Like a Pro" by Eddie Jackson (Harper Design), in Hardcover and eBook formats, available via Amazon and Indiebound
• Chef Eddie Jackson at Food Network
• Follow Chef Eddie Jackson on Twitter and Instagram