How to Cook a Pork Burger: A Comprehensive Guide to Grilling Juicy and Flavorful Pork Burgers

Pork burgers, with their delectable taste and juicy texture, are a grilling staple that can tantalize taste buds and satisfy any burger enthusiast. Whether you’re a seasoned griller or just starting your culinary journey, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential knowledge and techniques to create mouthwatering pork burgers that will steal the show at your next backyard barbecue or family gathering.

Ingredients for Perfect Pork Burgers:

1 pound ground pork
5 slices bacon, coarsely ground
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
4 potato buns, split
Unsalted butter, softened, for spreading
Coleslaw, for topping (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Pork Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, coarsely ground bacon, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and sage. Mix gently with your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Form the Patties: Divide the pork mixture into four equal portions and shape them into patties that are approximately 4 inches wide and 1 inch thick. Use your thumb to make a 2-inch-wide indentation in the center of each patty to prevent bulging during grilling.
Preheat the Grill: Prepare your grill for medium-high heat.
Grill the Patties: Place the patties on the preheated grill and cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes, or until grill marks appear on the bottom. Flip the patties and continue grilling for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and feel firm to the touch.
Toast the Buns: While the patties are grilling, spread the cut sides of the potato buns with softened butter and place them on the grill to toast.
Assemble the Burgers: Once the patties and buns are cooked, remove them from the grill. Place the patties on the toasted buns and top with coleslaw or any other desired toppings.

Tips for Grilling Exceptional Pork Burgers:

Choose high-quality ground pork: The quality of the ground pork will significantly impact the flavor and texture of your burgers. Opt for ground pork with a higher fat content (at least 20%) for juicier burgers.
Don’t overwork the meat: Overworking the meat mixture can result in tough, dense burgers. Mix the ingredients gently until just combined.
Season generously: Don’t be shy with the seasonings. Salt, pepper, and herbs like sage add depth of flavor to the burgers.
Create an indentation in the patties: Indenting the center of the patties helps prevent them from bulging and ensures even cooking.
Cook over medium-high heat: Grilling over medium-high heat sears the outside of the patties, locking in the juices and creating a flavorful crust.
Don’t overcook: Pork burgers can dry out quickly, so be careful not to overcook them. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Let the burgers rest: After grilling, let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful burger.

Variations and Substitutions:

Bacon: Feel free to adjust the amount of bacon in the recipe to your preference. You can also substitute ground bacon for the coarsely ground bacon slices.
Seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings to create unique flavor profiles. Try adding chili powder, cumin, or paprika to the pork mixture.
Toppings: The topping possibilities for pork burgers are endless. Consider adding cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, or your favorite barbecue sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best way to grind bacon? You can grind bacon using a food processor or a sharp knife. If using a food processor, pulse the bacon until it reaches a coarse grind. If using a knife, finely chop the bacon.
Can I use ground beef instead of ground pork? Yes, you can substitute ground beef for ground pork in this recipe. However, the flavor and texture of the burgers will be slightly different.
How do I know when the pork burgers are done cooking? The internal temperature of the burgers should reach 145°F (63°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
What is the best way to store leftover pork burgers? Leftover pork burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the burgers in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

Grilled Pork Burgers

FAQ

Is ground pork burger good?

Ground pork is sometimes less expensive than ground beef. We have also had this with ground turkey and ground chicken. Everyone who has had them says that they are moist and flavorful. They are also easy to make!

Can you cook pork burgers medium-rare?

For many years, nutritionists–and the USDA–have recommended cooking the meat until it reaches an internal temperature of about 160°F, or medium, which can result in slightly pink meat. But some restaurant chefs across the country are going one step further and cooking pork medium-rare, or to about 145°F.

What is a pork burger made of?

A pork burger is simply a hamburger made with ground pork instead of ground beef. Just like a hamburger, a pork burger can be topped with a variety of different toppings. The ground pork is formed into burger patties. Seasoning can be mixed throughout the meat ahead of time or sprinkled on after the patty is formed.

What temp should pork burgers be when cooked?

Grill burgers, covered, over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160°. Serve on buns; top with lettuce, tomato and onion if desired.