Fried Steak Sliders with Caramelized Onions

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These sliders are everything you want in a hand-held comfort food—crispy steak, savory-sweet onions, and pillowy buns. They’re easy to customize, can be made ahead, and come together quickly once your onions are caramelized. Whether you’re hosting or just craving something indulgent and satisfying, this recipe hits all the right notes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Thinly sliced steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs
• Panko or seasoned breadcrumbs
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
• Butter
• Yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced
• Brown sugar (optional, for deeper caramelization)
• Slider buns
• Cheese slices (provolone, Swiss, or cheddar)
• Mayonnaise or aioli (optional)
• Dijon mustard or hot sauce (optional)

Directions

1. Caramelize the onions: In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and soft. Add a pinch of salt and brown sugar (if using) toward the end. Set aside.
2. Prep the steak: Season the sliced steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge each piece in flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally coat in breadcrumbs.
3. Fry the steak: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry steak slices in batches until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
4. Toast the buns (optional): Lightly toast slider buns in a skillet or under a broiler for extra texture and flavor.
5. Assemble the sliders: Spread mayonnaise, aioli, or mustard on the bottom buns if desired. Layer with a piece of fried steak, a spoonful of caramelized onions, a slice of cheese, and the top bun.
6. Melt the cheese (optional): Place assembled sliders on a baking sheet and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes until cheese melts.
7. Serve immediately while hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8–10 sliders. Prep time is approximately 20 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for caramelizing onions and 15–20 minutes for frying and assembling, totaling around 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Variations

• Spicy: Add jalapeños, spicy mayo, or pepper jack cheese for a kick.
• Southern-style: Use buttermilk for marinating the steak before breading.
• Cheesesteak Twist: Add sautéed peppers and mushrooms for a Philly-inspired version.
• Mini Burgers: Swap fried steak for mini burger patties with the same toppings.
• Garlic Butter Buns: Brush buns with garlic butter before toasting for extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover components separately. Keep fried steak and caramelized onions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat steak in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) to retain crispiness. Onions can be reheated in a skillet or microwave. Assemble sliders fresh for best texture. Freezing is not recommended as the fried steak may lose its crispness.

FAQs

What’s the best cut of steak for sliders?

Thinly sliced ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak are all great choices for tenderness and flavor.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can caramelize onions and prep the steak in advance, but fry the steak and assemble just before serving.

Do I have to fry the steak?

For a lighter version, you can grill or pan-sear the steak, but the crispy fried coating adds great texture.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, bake breaded steak slices at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What kind of cheese works best?

Provolone, Swiss, or sharp cheddar are all delicious options that melt well and complement the steak.

How do I keep the steak crispy?

Serve immediately after frying, and avoid stacking the fried pieces before assembling the sliders.

Can I use store-bought caramelized onions?

Yes, if you’re short on time, jarred or pre-made caramelized onions are a good shortcut.

What sauces go well with these sliders?

Garlic aioli, chipotle mayo, horseradish sauce, or Dijon mustard all work well.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, and serve on gluten-free slider buns.

Are these good for parties?

Absolutely. Prepare ingredients in advance and assemble just before serving for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or mini meal.

Conclusion

Fried steak sliders with caramelized onions are an irresistible combination of crispy, juicy meat and sweet, rich onions on soft buns. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just treating yourself to something special, these sliders are a guaranteed hit. With bold flavors and endless customization options, they’re sure to become a favorite.

Fried Steak Sliders with Caramelized Onions

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Fried steak sliders with caramelized onions are crispy, juicy mini sandwiches packed with bold flavor. Thinly sliced fried steak is layered onto soft slider buns with sweet caramelized onions and melty cheese, making them the perfect appetizer or indulgent snack.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 to 10 sliders
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb thinly sliced steak (ribeye, sirloin, or flank)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko or seasoned breadcrumbs
• Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 large yellow or sweet onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp brown sugar (optional)
• 8–10 slider buns
• 8–10 slices provolone, Swiss, or cheddar cheese
• Mayonnaise, aioli, or Dijon mustard (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25–30 minutes until golden brown and soft. Add a pinch of salt and brown sugar (if using) in the final minutes. Set aside.
2. Season steak with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat in breadcrumbs.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry steak slices in batches until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
4. Optional: Toast slider buns in a skillet or under a broiler.
5. Assemble sliders by spreading mayonnaise, aioli, or mustard on bottom buns (if desired). Add a piece of fried steak, caramelized onions, and a slice of cheese. Top with bun.
6. Optional: Warm assembled sliders in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
7. Serve hot.

Notes

• Caramelize onions in advance to save time.
• Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F (175°C) while frying.
• Use soft slider buns for best texture.
• Fry steak in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slider
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 21g
• Cholesterol: 85mg