Grilled Pork Bahn Mi Sliders

 

I don't know why it is but I am taken with the idea of Bahn Mi.  I'm talking about the sandwich, not the bread.  In Vietnam, where the sandwich originates from, the term Bahn Mi actually refers the the French baguette introduced when Vietnam was colonized by France, but it also refers to a sandwich made with the bread and has a combination of meat and pickled vegetables in various combinations.

 

I had the idea to try making a slider version and what I ended up with was one great slider, but I won't lie, these don't come together quickly.  There are multiple preparations steps to get to the final product so definitely a two day weekend project.  I thought it was totally worth it and will be making them again.  Hope you give this one a try.

 

The first step is making the pork.  It marinates overnight.

 

Grilled Lemongrass Pork Tenderloin

• 1/2 cup fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 3 tablespoon brown sugar
• 4 tablespoon grated lemon grass
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 red onion finely chopped
• 1 1/2 pound pork tenderloin, trimmed and silver skin removed

Directions:

1. Mix together the marinade and place in a re-sealable plastic bag, add the pork and marinade overnight in the fridge.
2. Heat a grill and grill the pork until it reaches and internal temperature of 145° F.  Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes.  Slice thin.  Can be used warm or chilled.

Next you will want to make some carrots and daikon radish pickles.

 

Pickled Carrots and Daikon

• 3 cups water
• 3 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 tablespoons sugar
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 cup coarsely shredded carrots
• 1 cup coarsely shredded daikon radish

Directions:

1. In a non-reactive sauce pan heat the water, vinegar, sugar, and salt over high heat until sugar and salt are dissolved, and solution just starts to boil.  Add carrots and daikon and remove from heat. 
2. Let cool to room temperature then transfer to a glass storage container and store in the refrigerator overnight and up to three days.

Make chicken liver pate.  I used the one I made before, so just follow the link for the recipe.

 

Chicken Liver Pate LINK

 

Assemble the Bahn Mi.

 

Grilled Pork Bahn Mi Sliders

 

24 sliders

• 24 small slider buns (I used Sarah Lee)
• mayonnaise
• chicken liver pate
• cilantro leaves
• cucumber slices
• grilled lemongrass pork
• pickled carrots and daikon, drained

Directions:

1. Spread each slider bun on both sides with a generous amount of the mayonnaise.  Spread some of the chicken liver pate on the bottom half of the bun.  Top the pate with some cilantro leaves, cucumber slices, grilled pork and drained pickled carrots and daikon.  Top with top bun.  Secure with a decorative pick.  Serve immediately.

Notes:

 

Daikon is a large, white Asian radish that's usually found in most grocery stores produce section.

 

I didn't include any measurements for the assembly of the sliders.  Build them to your own taste preference.  There will be left over pork and pickles.