LEMON GRASS-GINGER PORK SLIDERS

LEMON GRASS-GINGER PORK SLIDERS image

Categories Pork

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 pound ground pork, preferably pork shoulder or another fatty cut
1/4 teaspoon turmeric
2 tablespoons chopped lemon grass
2 tablespoons chopped garlic
1/2 cup chopped shallots
2 tablespoons minced ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup chilled cooked white rice
1/2 teaspoon cayenne or other red chile powder
1/4 cup finely chopped, seeded plum tomatoes
About 1/4 cup peanut oil and more for oiling the plate
Cilantro sprigs, for garnish

Steps:

In a large bowl, combine the pork and turmeric and set aside. 2. In a mortar or food processor, combine the lemon grass, garlic, shallots, ginger and salt. Process or pound to a coarse paste. Add the rice, chile powder and tomatoes and process again. 3. Lightly brush a plate with oil. Add the aromatic paste to the meat and use your hands to knead together thoroughly. Shape the mixture into balls about 1 inch in diameter, then flatten each gently into a small, thick patty. Set aside on the oiled plate. 4. Heat the oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliders and cook for about 3 minutes, until browned. Turn over the sliders and keep cooking; if they start to release liquid, raise the heat to continue browning. Cook until just firm to the touch. 5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro sprigs. YIELD 16 to 18 sliders