DRAGONHEAD SLIDERS
This recipe was inspired by what I thought was ‘Lion Head Meatballs’; a Chinese dish of pork and shrimp meatballs served in a savory broth with shredded cabbage (the cabbage representing the lion’s mane). The thing is, however, none of the aforementioned is true—aside from the meatball being made from ground pork, only—and I shudder trying to recall how I got any of this (mis)information in the first place. Nevertheless, my Dragonhead Sliders, all void of any Chinese authenticity and history, will be a crowd pleaser at your next holiday party or any year ‘round gathering, really. This, I do know.
PREP/COOK TIME: About 45 Minutes
Makes 10 Sliders
INGREDIENTS
1 Lb – Ground Turkey, 85% Lean
½ Lb – Large Shrimp, Peeled, Deveined and Boiled
1 Tbs – Sesame Oil
1 Tbs – Kikkoman Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce
1 Tbs – Chinese Hot Mustard
½ Tsp – Crushed Red Pepper
½ Tsp – Kosher Salt
¼ Tsp – Coarse Black Pepper
1 Tbs – Garlic, Peeled, Minced; Plus 1 Tsp, Finely Grated, for Aioli
¼ Cup – Fresh Cilantro, Finely Chopped; Plus 1 Tbs for Aioli
½ Cup – Scallions, Stems Only, Chopped
1 Cup – Panko Bread Crumbs
1 – Large Egg
2 Tbs – Vegetable Oil
1 Cup – Red Cabbage, Shredded
½ Cup – Carrots, Shredded
1 Package (12 Count) – King's Hawaiian® Original Sweet Rolls
2 Tbs – Mayonnaise
1 Tbs – Sour Cream
THE NITTY GRITTY
Chop shrimp into sizable chunks. In a large mixing bowl, add shrimp to ground turkey, salt, pepper, crushed red pepper, sesame oil, soy sauce, mustard, garlic, cilantro, scallions, panko and egg; mix till evenly combined. Using your hands; shape a ¼ cup mixture into 3” patties.
Meanwhile, in a 12” skillet, or non-stick pan, heat oil at medium high. Add 4 – 5 patties to pan. Let sear for 1 minute; cover and cook for 3 more minutes. Using a spatula, flip patties over; cover and cook for another 3 – 4 minutes or till both sides are golden.
Slice entire slab of rolls lengthwise; split after slicing. Combine cabbage and carrots; layer bottom rolls with mixture (this will represent the fire coming out of the dragon’s mouth), add burger patty; adorn with a generous dollop of Garlic Cilantro Aioli made by whisking together mayo and sour cream with grated garlic and cilantro. Top sliders with sweet roll tops and enjoy!
DECEMBER 4, 2018
