Five-Spice Pork Sliders with Sweet Onion Relish

Relish

• 1 large yellow onion, cut into ¼-inch half-moons
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ½ teaspoon finely chopped fresh thyme leaves
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Patties

• 1 pound lean ground pork
• 1 garlic clove, minced or pushed through a press
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five spice
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 12 slider buns, split
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted