📖 Instructions

1. Prepare the Lemongrass Marinade: In a food processor or blender, combine lemongrass stalks, garlic cloves, shallots, ginger, soy sauce, fish sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, lime juice, and black pepper. Blend until a smooth paste forms. I sometimes add a tiny splash of rice vinegar for extra zing! But that's just me.
2. Marinate the Pork: Place the pork shoulder or tenderloin slices in a large mixing bowl. Pour the lemongrass marinade over the pork, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. This is where the magic happens, trust me!
3. Prep the Slaw Ingredients (Optional): While the pork marinates, you can prepare a quick slaw. Finely shred green cabbage and carrots. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, a touch of sugar, and salt and pepper to taste. This slaw adds a delightful crunch and tang.
4. Grill the Pork: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan indoors, heat it over medium-high heat. Remove the pork from the marinade, letting any excess drip off (don't discard the marinade just yet!). Grill the pork slices for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until cooked through and slightly charred. For thicker pieces, it might take a bit longer. Don't overcrowd the grill; work in batches if necessary. And always check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it's safe to eat. Safety first, friends!
5. Make a Glaze: During the last minute of grilling, brush the pork with the reserved marinade. The sugars in the marinade will caramelize, creating a beautiful, sticky glaze. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
6. Toast the Slider Buns (Optional): While the pork is resting, lightly toast the slider buns on the grill or in a toaster oven. This adds a nice textural contrast and prevents the buns from getting soggy.
7. Assemble the Sliders: Spread a thin layer of mayonnaise or sriracha mayo on the bottom half of each slider bun. Add a few slices of grilled lemongrass BBQ pork. Top with fresh mint leaves. If you made the slaw, add a spoonful on top of the mint. Cover with the top bun. Repeat for all sliders.
8. Serve Immediately: These lemongrass BBQ pork sliders are best served immediately while the pork is still warm and juicy. Serve with your favorite side dishes like sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. And don't forget a cold drink to wash it all down!