Name: Ground Pork Sliders: The Ultimate Recipe for Delicious Mini Burgers
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 1. 5 pounds ground pork; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick); Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking; 12 slider buns; 1 red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar; 1/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (depending on your spice preference); 1 teaspoon lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Lettuce leaves; Sliced tomatoes; Avocado slices; Pickle chips; Your favorite cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone work well)

Ground Pork Sliders: Prepare to be amazed by these miniature marvels that pack a flavorful punch! Forget everything you thought you knew about sliders; these aren't your average, dry, and bland mini-burgers. We're talking juicy, savory, and utterly irresistible bites that will have everyone begging for more.

Sliders, in general, have a fascinating history, often attributed to White Castle restaurants in the early 20th century. They were designed to be small, affordable, and easy to eat – a perfect solution for the burgeoning fast-food culture. But we're elevating the slider game with the rich and nuanced flavor of ground pork.

What makes these Ground Pork Sliders so special? It's the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The slightly sweet and savory ground pork, seasoned to perfection, is nestled between soft, pillowy slider buns. People adore this dish because it's incredibly versatile. It's fantastic as an appetizer for parties, a fun and easy weeknight dinner, or even a satisfying snack. Plus, they are incredibly easy to customize with your favorite toppings, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Get ready to experience slider perfection!

Ingredients:

For the Sliders:

1.5 pounds ground pork
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil, for cooking
12 slider buns

For the Quick Pickled Onions:

1 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt

For the Spicy Mayo:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1-2 tablespoons sriracha (depending on your spice preference)
1 teaspoon lime juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Toppings:

Lettuce leaves
Sliced tomatoes
Avocado slices
Pickle chips
Your favorite cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or provolone work well)

Preparing the Quick Pickled Onions:

Okay, let's get started with the pickled onions. These add a fantastic tangy and slightly sweet flavor that really cuts through the richness of the pork. Plus, they're super easy to make!

Slice the Red Onion: Thinly slice the red onion. I like to use a mandoline for this to get even slices, but a sharp knife works just fine.
Combine Pickling Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the apple cider vinegar, water, sugar, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
Pickle the Onions: Add the sliced red onion to the saucepan. Make sure the onions are submerged in the liquid. Simmer for about 2-3 minutes, until the onions start to soften slightly and turn a vibrant pink color.
Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the onions cool in the pickling liquid. Once cooled, transfer the onions and liquid to a jar or airtight container. These can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavor actually gets better over time!

Making the Spicy Mayo:

Next up, let's whip up the spicy mayo. This creamy, flavorful sauce adds a wonderful kick to the sliders. Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha to your liking!

Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and garlic powder.
Mix Well: Stir everything together until well combined and the mixture is a uniform color.
Taste and Adjust: Taste the spicy mayo and adjust the amount of sriracha to your preference. If you want it spicier, add more sriracha. If you want it a little tangier, add a squeeze more lime juice.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the spicy mayo until ready to use. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Preparing the Ground Pork Slider Patties:

Now for the main event: the slider patties! The key here is to not overwork the meat, which can make the sliders tough. Gentle mixing is the name of the game.

Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, diced yellow onion, minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Season Generously: Season the mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don't be shy! Pork can handle a good amount of seasoning.
Gently Mix: Using your hands, gently mix all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this will result in tough sliders. I like to use my hands because it gives me the best control and prevents overmixing.
Form the Patties: Divide the pork mixture into 12 equal portions. Gently form each portion into a small, round patty, about 2-3 inches in diameter. Make sure the patties are relatively uniform in thickness so they cook evenly.
Prepare for Cooking: Place the formed patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent them from sticking.

Cooking the Ground Pork Sliders:

Time to cook those delicious patties! We're going for a nice sear on the outside and juicy, cooked-through inside.

Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the patties. You should see the oil shimmering.
Cook the Patties: Carefully place the slider patties in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches.
Sear and Cook Through: Cook the patties for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are nicely browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F (71°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
Add Cheese (Optional): If you're adding cheese, place a slice of your favorite cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt quickly.
Remove from Heat: Once the patties are cooked through and the cheese is melted (if using), remove them from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease.

Assembling the Ground Pork Sliders:

The final step! This is where all your hard work comes together. Get creative with your toppings and enjoy!

Prepare the Buns: Lightly toast the slider buns, if desired. This adds a nice texture and prevents them from getting soggy.
Spread the Spicy Mayo: Spread a generous amount of spicy mayo on the top and bottom buns.
Assemble the Sliders: Place a cooked ground pork patty on the bottom bun. Top with quick pickled onions, lettuce, tomato, avocado, pickle chips, and any other toppings you desire.
Top and Serve: Place the top bun on the slider and serve immediately.
Enjoy!: These sliders are best enjoyed fresh and warm. They're perfect for parties, game day, or a fun weeknight meal.

Tips for Success:

Don't Overmix the Meat: Overmixing the ground pork will result in tough sliders. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the sliders are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. They should reach 160°F (71°C).
Adjust the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the spicy mayo to your preference.
Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to experiment with different toppings to create your own unique slider combinations.
Make Ahead: The pickled onions and spicy mayo can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. You can also form the slider patties ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until ready to cook.

Variations:

Hawaiian Sliders: Add a slice of grilled pineapple and some teriyaki sauce for a tropical twist.
BBQ Sliders: Use your favorite BBQ sauce instead of spicy mayo and top with coleslaw.
Italian Sliders: Add some marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, and basil.

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it! I truly believe these Ground Pork Sliders are destined to become a new family favorite. They're quick, they're easy, and most importantly, they're bursting with flavor. The combination of the savory ground pork, the tangy sauce, and the soft, toasted buns is simply irresistible. I know I've made them countless times, and they always disappear in a flash. But why are these sliders a must-try? It's more than just the delicious taste. It's the versatility! These aren't your average, run-of-the-mill sliders. The recipe is a fantastic base, ripe for customization. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a slice of grilled pineapple for a sweet and savory twist. Want to kick up the heat? A dash of sriracha or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will do the trick. Craving something cheesy? A melted slice of pepper jack or provolone will elevate these sliders to a whole new level of deliciousness. Serving Suggestions & Variations: These Ground Pork Sliders are perfect for so many occasions. They're a fantastic appetizer for parties, a quick and easy weeknight dinner, or even a fun lunchbox treat (just pack the sauce separately!). Serve them with a side of crispy sweet potato fries, a refreshing coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. Here are a few more ideas to get your creative juices flowing: * Asian-Inspired Sliders: Use a soy sauce and ginger-based marinade for the ground pork and top with a crunchy slaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a sesame dressing. * Italian Sliders: Mix Italian seasoning into the ground pork and top with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella cheese. * Spicy Southwestern Sliders: Add chopped jalapeños to the ground pork mixture and top with a creamy chipotle sauce and a sprinkle of cotija cheese. * Hawaiian Sliders: Incorporate diced pineapple and a teriyaki glaze for a tropical flavor. Don't be afraid to experiment and make these sliders your own! The possibilities are endless.

Ready to Get Cooking?

I'm so excited for you to try this recipe! I poured my heart into creating a slider that's both incredibly tasty and incredibly easy to make. I know you'll love the juicy, flavorful ground pork and the satisfying crunch of the toasted buns.

Share Your Slider Success!

Once you've made these Ground Pork Sliders, I'd absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you try any of the variations I suggested? Did you come up with your own unique twist? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Let me know what you thought of the recipe and how you made it your own. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me create even better recipes in the future. Happy cooking, and I can't wait to see your slider creations!