The Chinese Dim Sum Pork Slider recipe is a delightful culinary fusion that pays homage to two distinct food traditions: the communal experience of Chinese dim sum and the universally loved slider burger. This dish captures the essence of East-meets-West, marrying the bold, aromatic flavors of traditional Chinese cuisine with the approachable charm of mini burgers, making it as versatile as it is flavorful.
The inspiration for this recipe stems from dim sum, a celebrated style of Chinese cuisine that revolves around bite-sized portions served in steamer baskets or on small plates. Dim sum is all about sharing—a communal dining experience where families and friends gather to enjoy a wide variety of dishes, from dumplings to buns, and everything in between. These flavors and experiences are woven throughout the DNA of this pork slider, which is designed to evoke the sensory notes of a dim sum cart, reimagined in a whole new form. Instead of dumplings or buns, the rich, savory filling takes the shape of a perfectly seared pork patty.
At the heart of this dish are the pork patties, which are meticulously crafted to recreate the signature flavors of Chinese dim sum. Ground pork, with a good fat-to-lean ratio, provides a juicy base, while seasonings like soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, and fresh ginger bring an umami-packed complexity to the sliders. Scallions add a burst of freshness, and the inclusion of an egg helps bind the mixture together, ensuring the patty remains moist and tender during cooking. The flavors are sophisticated yet comforting, tailored for those who love the complexity of Chinese dishes but are seeking a new way to enjoy them.
The choice of accompaniments for the slider reflects a balance of flavors and textures—something central to Chinese gastronomy. Crisp cucumber slices provide a refreshing crunch, while julienned pickled carrots deliver a bright and tangy note that offsets the savoriness of the pork. These are simple nods to traditional garnishes often found in Chinese cuisine, such as pickled vegetables served with roast meats. The hoisin sauce adds a sweet and slightly smoky flavor, complementing the pork perfectly and tying the entire slider together with its glossy, rich consistency.
Though styled as a miniature burger, the slider’s bun selection is crucial. Soft, slightly sweet slider buns function as a canvas for soaking up the juices and flavors while maintaining textural harmony. Lightly toasting the buns adds an additional layer of depth with a subtle nuttiness.
What stands out about the Chinese Dim Sum Pork Slider is its ability to traverse occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together, serving hors d’oeuvres at a party, or simply looking to create something fun for dinner, these sliders fit the bill. They embody the spirit of innovation by transforming a traditional dim sum experience into something fresh, modern, and immensely enjoyable.
Ultimately, this dish is a celebration of culinary bridges, where diverse ingredients and techniques come together to create something both unique and familiar. It’s an invitation to bring the communal joy of dim sum to your table, in a form that is as approachable as it is memorable.
Chinese Dim Sum Pork Slider
Ingredients
For the Pork Patties
- 500 grams ground pork Preferably with a good fat content for juiciness (around 20% fat)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Dark soy sauce for depth of flavor
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil Toasted for added aroma
- 1 large egg Large
- 3 cloves garlic Finely minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger Fresh, finely grated
- 2 tablespoons scallions Chopped, green part only
For the Sliders
- 4 medium slider buns Soft and slightly sweet for contrast
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 1 cup cucumber Thinly sliced for crisp texture
- ½ cup pickled carrots Julienned for tangy brightness
Instructions
- Prepare the Pork Patties: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, soy sauce, sesame oil, egg, garlic, ginger, and scallions. Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated, taking care not to overwork the meat, which can result in a tough patty.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal parts and shape them into round patties that are slightly larger than the slider buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
- Cook the Patties: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat (around 160°C/320°F). Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 70°C/160°F. You should see a lovely caramelized brown exterior.
- Assemble the Sliders: Lightly toast the slider buns. Place a dollop of hoisin sauce on the bottom bun half, top with cucumber slices, then the pork patty, and finish with pickled carrots. Smear a bit more hoisin on the top bun before closing the slider.