Bahn Mi Meatball Sliders

These are everything you love about a classic bánh mì tucked into a  soft slider bun. Juicy pork meatballs layered with tangy pickled carrot and daikon, a little heat from jalapeño, and a swipe of chili mayo that brings it all together in the best way.

You can make all the elements ahead. Just gently reheat the meatballs before serving.

Makes 16 sliders

Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes
Make ahead: All elements can be made ahead. Gently reheat the meatballs before assembling.

Veggies:

1/4 cup unseasoned rice vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

1 teaspoon salt

2 cups coarsely grated carrots

2 cups coarsely grated peeled daikon (Japanese white radish)

2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced

Hot Chili Mayo:

2/3 cup mayonnaise

2 green onions, finely chopped

1 tablespoon Sriracha

Meatballs:

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil

4 garlic cloves, minced

3 green onions, finely chopped

1 ½  teaspoons fish sauce 

1 teaspoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon Rooster sauce (sriracha)

1 tablespoon sugar

2 teaspoons cornstarch

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1teaspoon Asian sesame oil

1 pound ground pork

16 slider buns 

½ cup chopped  cilantro 

Veggies: Combine rice vinegar, sugar and salt in medium bowl. Stir in vegetables. Let stand at room temperature 1 hour, tossing occasionally. Chill until ready to serve.

Hot Chili Mayo: Combine all ingredients. Cover and chill until ready to serve.

Meatballs:
 Mix all ingredients except pork in large bowl. Using your hands, gently but thoroughly mix in the pork. Scoop into 16 generous tablespoon portions. Using moistened hands, roll meat mixture into meatballs. Arrange on a baking sheet. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.

Heat oven to 375°F. Spray a broiler pan with cooking spray. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, sauté meatballs until brown Place meatballs on the prepared broiler pan. Bake 15 minutes or until cooked  through.

To assemble:  Drain pickled vegetables. Spread hot chili mayo over each slider bun. Sprinkle with cilantro.

Add a spoonful of picked vegetables Top with a meatball and the top half of the bun. Secure with a pick if desired. Serve.