Spicy Laiyang Lemongrass and Lime Beef Sliders with Ginger-Wasabi Teriyaki Glaze, Sweet Sambal Citrus Mayo, and Green Papaya Jicama Slaw

Pairs well with:

Zinfandel

Bright and full-bodied, this Zinfandel wine is a curious contradiction in tastes.

I am a huge fan of Asian food, exotic places, and mini burgers!These Asian inspired sliders is my way combining all three. Laiyang is a city between Yantai and Qingdao, located at the middle of Shandong peninsula, China. Laiyang is famous for the Laiyang Pear. This burger celebrates the collaboration of the American burger with exotic and flamboyant Flavors of China. The Ginger Wasabi Teriyaki Sauce, is available in many major supermarkets. This sauce is a blend of the popular ginger wasabi flavor and soy sauce. This sauce has a depth of flavor that makes it an ideal marinade or brush-on sauce, right from the bottle. It adds a delicate sweetness and spice to my Asian inspired beef sliders that has everyone begging for my recipe. This sauce can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, condiments, basting; The possibilities are endless! These Asian inspired beef sliders are filled with sweet, spicy, saucy, tangy, and exotic Asian flavors-a combination that will take you on a exotic Asian adventure!

Ingredients:

Sweet Sambal Citrus Mayo:
3/4 cup mayonnaise with olive oil
3 teaspoons sambal oelek chili paste ( prefer Huy Fong)
3 teaspoons fresh lime juice
3 teaspoons fresh lemon zest
1 teaspoon sweet chili sauce
Patties:
2 pounds fresh ground chuck
1/3 cup green scallions, finely chopped
1/4 cup Ginger Wasabi Teriyaki Sauce (prefer Kona Coast)
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon sambal oelek chili paste (prefer Huy Fong)
2 tablespoons minced lemongrass
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon Asian Spiced Sea Salt (prefer McCormick)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
Green Papaya-Jicama Slaw:
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon Colavita extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon balsamic seasoned rice vinegar
1 1/2 tablespoons Thai Fish Sauce (prefer A Taste of Thai)
1 teaspoon Asian Spiced Sea Salt (prefer McCormick)
1/2 tablespoon sambal oelek sauce
1 tablespoon mirin
2 teaspoons Thai sweet red chili sauce (prefer A Taste of Thai)
1/2 teaspoon roasted ground ginger (prefer McCormick Gourmet Collection)
1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 cup peeled green papaya peeled and shredded
1 English cucumber, seeded and cut in thin matchsticks
2/3 cup finely shredded Napa cabbage
1 cup jicama, julienned
1/3 cup carrots, julienned
Other ingredients:
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, for brushing on grill rack
1/2 cup Ginger Wasabi Teriyaki Sauce (prefer Kona Coast)
12 Kings Hawaiian Sweet Dinner Rolls

Instructions:

To make the mayo, combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and mix together. Cover and refrigerate until assembling the burgers.
To make patties, combine all of the ingredients in a large bowl. Handling the meat as little as possible to avoid compacting it, mix well. Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and, using your hands, shape into patties about 3 1/2-inches wide. Cover and refrigerate until ready to grill.
To make the slaw, whisk the lime juice, olive oil, balsamic seasoned rice vinegar, Fish sauce, salt, sambal, mirin, sweet chili sauce, ginger, mint, and cilantro in a small bowl. Combine the green papaya, cucumber, Napa cabbage, jicama, and carrots in a large bowl. Toss with the dressing to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and set aside.
Heat a gas grill to medium-high. When the grill is ready, brush the grill rack with the vegetable oil. Place the patties on the rack, cover, and cook, turning once, until done to preference, 3 to 5 minutes on each side. During the last few minutes of cooking, baste the patties equally with the ginger wasabi teriyaki sauce and place the buns, cut side down, on the outer edges of the rack to toast lightly.
To assemble the sliders, spread the cut sides of the buns with equal portions of the mayo. On each bun bottom, place a beef patty and equal portions of the green papaya jicama slaw. Add the bun tops and serve. Makes 12 sliders to serve 6, Prep time: 2 hours, grilling time: 10 minutes