Mini Banh Mi Sliders

Name: Mini Banh Mi Sliders
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 12 sliders
Ingredients: 12 small crusty bread rolls; 1 cup pickled carrots and radishes; 1 pound of pork loin, sliced thinly; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon fish sauce; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon black pepper; Cilantro leaves, for garnish; Sliced jalapeños, for garnish

Highlighted under: International Recipes

I absolutely love creating these Mini Banh Mi Sliders, as they perfectly blend vibrant Vietnamese flavors into a fun, bite-sized treat. Each slider is a delightful combination of crispy vegetable pickles, savory protein, and fragrant herbs, all nestled in a soft bun. Making them at home is surprisingly easy, allowing for customization to suit my family's preferences. Whether served at a gathering or just for a cozy dinner, these sliders always steal the show and make every meal feel special.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-06T20:54:31.381Z

When I first experimented with these Mini Banh Mi Sliders, I wanted to capture the essence of a classic Vietnamese sandwich but make it accessible and fun. I discovered that using a combination of pickled carrots and daikon radish really elevates the sliders, giving them that signature crunch and tang. It’s important to let the veggies sit in the vinegar solution for at least an hour— this enhances their flavor and creates a perfect balance with the richness of the meat.

What I truly enjoy is the layering of flavors, from the seasoned protein to the fresh cilantro and the spicy kick from sliced jalapeños. I also love using soft, fluffy buns, which soak up all those delicious juices. These sliders are not just a meal; they’re a delightful experience that brings people together, whether at a picnic or a casual weeknight dinner.

        Why You'll Love These Mini Banh Mi Sliders
        Bursting with vibrant flavors and textures in each bite
Customizable with your favorite proteins and toppings
Perfect for parties, lunch, or an easy weekday dinner

      

Perfecting Your Pickles

The pickled carrots and daikon are essential for the vibrant flavor profile of Mini Banh Mi Sliders. To ensure your pickles are perfectly tangy and crisp, use a combination of rice vinegar and sugar, adjusting the sweetness to your preference. For extra crunch, allow the veggies to pickle for at least one hour, but for best results, let them sit overnight in the refrigerator. This not only intensifies the flavors but also softens the raw veggies just enough to complement the savory pork without losing their crunch.

If you find yourself without daikon, you can substitute it with cucumber slices or thinly sliced bell peppers. However, keep in mind that while cucumbers won't provide the same bite and flavor, they do add a refreshing crunch that fits nicely in the slider. Experiment with the pickling spices as well—adding a few peppercorns or star anise can introduce a unique flavor twist that elevates the overall dish.

Marinating and Cooking the Pork

The marination process is crucial for achieving depth of flavor in the pork. Ensure that the marinade fully coats each slice of pork, and consider using a resealable bag for even distribution. If you have time, let the pork marinate for up to two hours for maximum flavor absorption. This also allows the sugars in the marinade to help caramelize during cooking, creating a beautifully browned exterior.

When cooking the pork, use medium-high heat to achieve a nice sear on the outside while ensuring the inside remains juicy. Look for the pork to develop a golden brown color and a slightly sticky glaze from the caramelization. If using a cast-iron skillet, preheat it until it’s very hot before adding the pork to get an even better sear. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming instead of browning; cook in batches if necessary.

Customizing Your Sliders

Assembling your Mini Banh Mi Sliders is where you can really let your creativity shine. Beyond cilantro and jalapeños, think about adding slices of avocado or a spread of spicy mayonnaise for an added layer of creaminess. You can also switch up the proteins—grilled chicken, tofu, or even shrimp work wonderfully. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly; shrimp will require only a few minutes per side, while chicken may take longer to cook through.

For extra flavor and authenticity, consider pairing your sliders with traditional Vietnamese sauces like hoisin or sriracha. They can be served on the side for dipping, giving everyone the chance to customize their spice levels. These sliders also store well in the fridge, and if you want to make them ahead of time, simply reheat them in a warm oven for about 10 minutes before serving to return them to that crispy bun texture.

Ingredients

Ingredients:

For the Mini Banh Mi Sliders

12 small crusty bread rolls
1 cup pickled carrots and radishes
1 pound of pork loin, sliced thinly
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon garlic, minced
1 teaspoon black pepper
Cilantro leaves, for garnish
Sliced jalapeños, for garnish

Marinade Ingredients:

Instructions

Instructions:

Prepare the Pickles

In a bowl, mix sliced carrots and daikon with vinegar, sugar, and salt. Let them sit for at least 1 hour to pickle.

Marinate the Pork

Combine soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, garlic, and black pepper in a bowl. Add the pork slices and marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Cook the Pork

In a hot skillet, cook the marinated pork for about 5 minutes on each side until well caramelized and cooked through.

Assemble the Sliders

Slice the rolls, fill with pork, pickled veggies, cilantro, and jalapeños. Secure with a skewer if needed.

Serve

Enjoy the sliders warm with your favorite dipping sauce on the side!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider toasting the bread rolls lightly before assembling your sliders. You can also use grilled tofu or chicken for varied options.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers, store both the sliders and pickled veggies separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The pickled vegetables can last for about a week, while the assembled sliders are best consumed within 2-3 days. To reheat the sliders, I recommend placing them in a preheated oven set to 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes. This method helps maintain the bun’s crustiness and ensures the pork is warm without becoming dry.

For those looking to make these sliders ahead of time, consider preparing the pork and pickles a day in advance. The sliders can be freshly assembled just before serving to keep the buns from sogging up. If you’re hosting a party, this is a great way to minimize last-minute prep while still delivering delicious sliders that everyone will enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

These Mini Banh Mi Sliders are incredibly versatile. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a light, crisp salad; the refreshing greens will balance the richness of the pork. You could also offer a Vietnamese-inspired soup like pho, which complements the flavors beautifully and makes for a warming main course.

If you’re feeling adventurous, create a whole Banh Mi bar where guests can customize their sliders with various toppings such as pickled jalapeños, various herbs like mint or Thai basil, and a selection of sauces. This interactive dining experience not only makes the meal fun but allows everyone to curate flavors to their liking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the pickles in advance?

Absolutely! The pickled veggies can be made a couple of days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

→ What other proteins can I use?

You can substitute the pork with grilled chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Wrap the sliders individually in plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a microwave.

→ Can I freeze these sliders?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled sliders, but it's best to freeze the fillings separately to avoid soggy bread.