Pork Sliders Recipe with Guajillo Mayo

Sliders, baby! You need this recipe for the grill! Or the kitchen! Or for whatever you're doing! Especially if you're a crazy chilihead like me who really likes things FIERY.

We're talking awesome PORK SLIDERS that have been hand-formed with a mixture of ground pork (total fave) and awesome seasonings, and because, hey, we're total chiliheads here, right? - I'm including a very spicy chili pepper (ghost pepper, anyone?) into the mix as well as my own homemade Ancho-Guajillo chili paste recipe that makes these sliders SERIOUSLY ROCK!

These are great as a backyard BBQ party appetizer or serve up a few as the main course. Either way, you'll get the party seriously started with these.

Let's talk about how we make them, shall we?

Pork Sliders with Guajillo Mayo Ingredients

• Ground Pork.
• Guajillo Paste. Or use Harissa chili paste.
• Spicy Chili Pepper. Optional. Use jalapeno for mild heat, serrano for hotter, habanero for hot, or ghost for extra hot.
• Bread Crumbs.
• Seasoning. Garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
• Olive Oil. For cooking.

For the Mayo:

• Mayo.
• Guajillo Paste. Or use Harissa chili paste.
• White Wine Vinegar.

For the Quick Pickled Peppers:

• Sliced Chili Peppers.
• White Vinegar.
• Sugar.

For Serving:

• Slider Buns. 6.

Making Pork Sliders - the Recipe Method

Make the pork sliders first by adding the ground pork, guajillo paste, ghost pepper, bread crumbs and seasonings to a mixing bowl. Hand mix, but do not overmix or the burgers can become mealy.

Form the meat into 6 2-ounce patties. Cover and refrigerate 30 minutes. This will help them keep their form when they're cooking up. You can skip this step if you use more breadcrumbs.

When you’re ready to cook, heat a grill pan to medium heat and coat the pan with olive oil. Cook the sliders about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.

Making the Pickled Peppers

Making quick pickled peppers is very easy. As the sliders are cooking, add some sliced chili peppers and sugar to a large pan. Add enough vinegar just to cover them. Bring it to a quick boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Learn more about How to Pickle Chili Peppers.

Making the Guajillo Mayo

For the Guajillo Mayo, whisk together mayo, guajillo paste or harissa and vinegar.

BOOM! DONE! Super easy, right?

Add the sliders to your slider buns, top with the Guajillo Mayo and lightly pickled peppers.

Enjoy the heck out of these, my friends!

Leftovers Storage & Make Ahead

Store the components separately (patties, buns, toppings, mayo) so the sliders don’t get soggy.

Refrigerate

• Cooked pork patties: Cool, then store in an airtight container 3-4 days.
• Guajillo mayo: Airtight container 5-7 days.
• Pickled peppers/onions (if you make a quick pickle): Covered in the brine, 1-2 weeks.
• Assembled sliders: They’ll hold up to 24 hours, but the buns soften fast. Reheat the patties and rebuild for best texture.

Freeze

• Cooked patties: Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag/container. Good quality for up to 3 months.
• Raw patties: You can also freeze them (separated with parchment) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Reheating

• Skillet (best): Medium heat with a tiny splash of water, cover, and warm 2-4 minutes per side until heated through.
• Oven/air fryer: 350°F for 6-10 minutes (air fryer usually closer to 4-6), until hot.
• Microwave (quick): 30-45 seconds, rest, then another 15-30 seconds as needed (cover with a damp paper towel so they stay juicy).

Make-ahead shortcut

Cook patties and prep toppings/mayo ahead, then reheat patties and assemble right before serving for the best bite.

Adjusting the Heat Factor

As mentioned, these are VERY fiery with the inclusion of the ghost peppers, but if you'd prefer a milder version, skip the ghost pepper or replace it with something milder to your preference. A habanero pepper will still give you plenty of heat, or go with a similar amount of diced sweet pepper. You'll get some decent heat along from the guajillo peppers, so plan accordingly.

Recipe Variation

Instead of using guajillo paste or harissa, try this with a good hot sauce.

Want More Slider Recipes?

• Buffalo Chicken Sliders with Blue Cheese
• Ground Pork Sliders with Mustard Cream
• Easy Sheet Pan Sliders
• Spicy Crack Ham and Cheese Sliders

If you try this recipe, please let us know! Leave a comment, rate it and tag a photo #ChiliPepperMadness on Instagram so we can take a look. I always love to see all of your spicy inspirations. Thanks! -- Mike H.