Frequently Asked Questions
What are Savory Hawaiian Char Siu Sliders?
They are delightful appetizer sandwiches featuring tender, sweet, and savory pork marinated in a traditional Hawaiian-style BBQ sauce and baked in soft dough.
What type of meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1 lb of thick, boneless pork chops, finely chopped into about 2 cups.
How long should the pork marinate?
For optimal flavor, the pork should be covered and refrigerated overnight.
What is the required oven temperature for baking the pork?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C) for baking the pork.
How long does it take to bake the marinated pork?
The pork takes approximately 45 to 55 minutes to bake or until it is fork tender.
Why is the pork broiled after baking?
The pork is broiled for 3 to 5 minutes to achieve a slightly charred top for better texture and flavor.
How long should the pork rest after cooking?
The pork should rest wrapped in foil for at least 15 minutes before being chopped.
What are the main ingredients in the slider dough?
The dough consists of active dry yeast, sugar, warm water, all-purpose flour, gluten flour, egg, oil, and salt.
How long does the dough need to rise?
The dough needs to rise in a lightly oiled bowl for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours until it has doubled in size.
What temperature should the water be for dissolving yeast?
The water should be warm, specifically around 110°F.
How many sliders does this recipe make?
The dough is divided into 12 even portions, resulting in 12 individual sliders.
What size should the dough be flattened to?
Each dough ball should be flattened into a 2-inch disk and then stretched to a 3-inch diameter disk.
How much pork filling goes into each slider?
Each slider should be filled with a rounded tablespoon of the prepared pork mixture.
How do you seal the dough around the filling?
Pinch the edges of the dough together to seal, using a little water on your fingers if necessary.
What is the purpose of the egg wash?
Brushing the tops with an egg yolk and water mixture provides a golden finish to the sliders.
How long do the assembled sliders bake?
The sliders bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown.
Can these sliders be made ahead of time?
Yes, they can be made ahead of time and are even suitable for freezing.
Is the red food coloring required?
No, the red food coloring is optional and used for a traditional visual appearance.
What flavors are in the Char Siu marinade?
The marinade includes garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, honey, mirin, and five-spice powder.
How long should you knead the dough?
The dough should be kneaded by hand on a floured surface for 5 to 6 minutes until smooth.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 366 calories.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 14.2 grams of protein per serving.
What are the fat and carbohydrate contents?
Each serving has 10.3g of fat and 45.8g of carbohydrates.
How many servings does the recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What is five-spice powder used for?
It is used in the marinade to add a traditional aromatic and savory Asian flavor profile.
Can I use different toppings for the sliders?
While the recipe calls for egg wash, you could technically experiment, but the egg wash ensures the classic golden look.
How much space should be between sliders on the baking sheet?
Ensure there are about 2 inches of space between each slider on the greased baking sheet.
What should the yeast look like after sitting in water?
After sitting for 5 minutes, the yeast mixture should look foamy.
Is gluten flour necessary for the dough?
The recipe includes 1 tablespoon of gluten flour to help with the dough's structure and texture.
When should the green onions be added?
The chopped green onions should be mixed into the pork after it has been baked, broiled, and chopped.