Delicious and juicy ground pork burgers are a flavorful twist on the classic beef burger. Try our mouthwatering recipe today.
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If you're tired of beef burgers, pork is a great option. It's also a relatively inexpensive choice like ground beef. We like to use the meat for a quick and easy ground pork stir-fry, but it's great for burgers too.
Whether you're a pork enthusiast or simply looking to switch up your burger game, these delicious patties will satisfy your cravings. Packed with savory flavor and endless possibilities for toppings and sides, this pork burgers recipe offers a delightful change from the ordinary.
Reasons to Love
- Juicy and tender. When you take a bite, the meat melts in your mouth creating a burst of irresistible flavors.
- Minimal prep time. You can have a delicious meal on the table quickly with minimal prep time. It's perfect for busy weeknights.
- Simple ingredients. You don't need fancy or hard-to-find ingredients; everything you need is readily available at your local grocery store.
Ingredients
The beauty of this pork burger recipe lies in its simplicity. Just grab some ground pork, seasonings, buns, and your favorite burger toppings, and you're good to go.
Here's what you'll need to make the pork patties:
- lean ground pork
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- smoked sweet paprika
- egg
- salt and pepper
We also like to add burger buns, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, ketchup, and cheddar cheese for serving.
Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used to make pork burgers.
Instructions
Ready to make this recipe? It's best to let the seasoned ground meat mixture rest for 15 to 30 minutes before cooking. So start the recipe about 40 to 55 minutes before the desired serving time.
In a large bowl with ground pork, season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked sweet paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well.
Add an egg and combine with seasoned ground pork. Equally divide seasoned ground pork into 3. Form into burger patties. Allow to set for 15 to 30 minutes.
Heat each flat side of burger buns in an oiled skillet for at least 30 seconds. Set aside. Gently place one ground pork burger patty in the heated skillet over medium heat and sear one side for 3 to 5 minutes or as it turns slightly golden brown.
Slowly flip burger patty and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes or to your desired doneness. Transfer to a paper-lined plate. Do the remaining ground pork burger patties. Let the patties rest for at least 5 minutes.
Place half of the burger bun on a plate. Spread a spoonful of your favorite burger sauce.
Add one ground pork burger patty. Spread a dollop of burger sauce on the patty. Top with a slice of cheddar cheese, fresh crisp lettuce, and a slice of tomato.
Add the top layer of the burger bun and enjoy.
Hint: Resist the temptation to press down on the patties with a spatula while they're cooking. This practice can squeeze out the juices, making the burgers dry. Instead, allow the patties to cook undisturbed on one side for a few minutes, flip them once, and continue cooking until they reach the desired level of doneness.
Variations
Want to add some excitement to your ground pork burgers? Here are a few ideas for taking the recipe to the next level of deliciousness:
- Add breadcrumbs or binders - Add chili pepper flakes while cooking to imbue heat into the dish, or banana peppers
- Mix in complementary herbs and spices - Think about flavors that pair well with pork, such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or dried herbs like thyme or rosemary.
- Cheese - Experiment with different cheeses to elevate your ground pork burger further. From sharp cheddar to creamy blue cheese or even melty Gruyère, swapping regular cheddar cheese for something more adventurous can take your burger from ordinary to extraordinary.
- Extra layers of flavor - Top your ground pork burger with some caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms. The sweetness of the caramelized onions complements the savory pork perfectly, creating a mouthwatering bite. Sautéed mushrooms brings depth to each bite and creates a luxurious experience.
- Grill - Try grilled pork burgers if you want to lower the fat and calories.
- Asian - Mix in some soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil into your ground pork for a delectable Chinese-inspired burger experience.
- Mediterranean - Add feta cheese crumbles, sun-dried tomatoes, and a sprinkle of oregano into your patties before grilling them.
Check out our ground pork tacos for a Southwest seasoning twist.
Tips
Top tip: A heavy-bottomed skillet or a grill pan works best for cooking as they distribute heat evenly across the surface. This prevents any hot spots and ensures perfect pork burgers every time.
- Preheat the skillet properly for a perfectly crisp exterior on your burgers. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes until it's nice and hot. You can test if it's ready by sprinkling a few drops of water onto the surface — if they sizzle and evaporate immediately, it's time to start cooking.
- Flip patties only once to help retain their shape and juiciness. Let one side cook until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust before flipping it over to cook the other side.
- Rest before serving. Once your pork burgers are cooked to perfection, remove them from the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and redistribute throughout the patty, resulting in a tastier burger. It also ensures each bite is tender and juicy.
- Shape patties evenly. When shaping your patties, aim for consistency in size and thickness. This ensures even cooking throughout the burger. Use your hands to gently form the mixture into patties, being careful not to overwork it. If you prefer a perfectly round shape, you can also use a burger press or a cookie cutter.
- Internal temperature. Cook the patties to an internal temperature of 145°F on a meat thermometer and allow to rest for at least three minutes for juicy pork burgers.
Serving suggestions
The classic hamburger serving option includes fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and crisp pickles. Crispy air fryer potato wedges or a scoop of red potato salad with bacon are perfect sides.
Don't forget about drink options! Iced blackberry tea can be wonderfully refreshing alongside a juicy ground pork burger. Or add a homemade strawberry lemonade featuring interesting additions like basil or mint leaves for an added twist.
Storage
If you want to store the uncooked patties for a couple of days, place the burgers in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator. Separate each burger with parchment paper or wax paper to prevent sticking.
To store uncooked burgers for a longer period, it's best to freeze them. Shape the patties and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until firm, then transfer the patties into freezer-safe bags or containers. Frozen pork burgers can last up to four months if properly stored. Thaw frozen ground pork burgers in the refrigerator before cooking.
Cooked burgers will last up to four days in the refrigerator or up to three months in the freezer. When frozen, thaw the patties before reheating.
Related Recipes
Looking for more easy lunch ideas for one or two? Check out these recipes too:
- Wet burrito is loaded with sauce and a delicious filling.
- Crockpot chicken taco meat is perfect for soft or hard taco shells.
- Air fryer chicken tenders are easily made in less than 30 minutes.
- Turkey rollups are a tasty choice for a quick meal.
- Chipotle chicken avocado melt Panera copycat is faster than takeout.
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Recipe
Ground Pork Burgers
Ingredients
- ½ pound lean ground pork about 226 grams
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
- 1 egg
- kosher salt
- ground black pepper
FOR SERVING:
- burger buns can use gluten-free or low-carb
- lettuce
- tomato I used salad tomato
- burger sauce mayo or ketchup works too
- cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large bowl with ground pork, season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked sweet paprika, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Mix well.
- Add an egg and combine with seasoned ground pork.
- Equally divide seasoned ground pork into 3. Form into burger patties. Allow to set for 15 to 30 minutes.
- Heat each flat side of burger buns in a skillet for at least 30 seconds. Set aside.
- Gently place one ground pork burger patty on a heated skillet and sear one side for 3 to 5 minutes or as it turns slightly golden brown. Slowly flip burger patty and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes or to your desired doneness. Transfer to a paper-lined plate. Do the remaining ground pork burger patties. Let the patties rest for at least 5 minutes.
- Assemble the burger sandwich. Place half of the burger bun on a plate. Spread a spoonful of your favorite burger sauce. Add one ground pork burger patty. Spread a dollop of burger sauce on the patty. Top with a slice of cheddar cheese, fresh crisp lettuce, and a slice of tomato. Then add the top layer of the burger bun.
- Serve and enjoy.
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