Pork Burgers Recipe

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Have you ever tried Grilled Pork Burgers? I created the most flavorful, juicy, and tender ground pork burger recipe that the whole family will love! I was gearing up for a classic burger lunch with the family, only to discover I defrosted ground pork instead of ground beef. Classic mix-up, right? But I promised kids burgers, and when you promise burgers, you deliver—even if they're made of pork! In this pork burgers recipe, I've used caramelized onions, shallots, roasted garlic, cumin, cayenne, and a generous dose of bacon. In my kitchen, roasted garlic is a staple, adding that extra punch of flavor. Alright, no more talking; let's dig into the perfect pork burger recipe together! This recipe is: Low Carb, Gluten Free and Paleo
Grilled pork burger topped with crispy bacon, jalapeño slices, and drizzled with creamy yellow sauce, served with pickles on a gray plate.

Table of Contents

5 Reasons to Love This Recipe

Let me tell you why you should make this easy ground pork burger recipe! This delicious recipe is:

  • Paleo, gluten free, primal, low carb, and wheat belly friendly
  • Incredibly juicy and tender
  • Easily customizable
  • A delicious fast food option for everyone.
  • A fresh take on lean ground pork
  • Different yet more satisfying flavor than traditional beef burgers

Is this Pork Burgers Recipe Low Carb?

Yes, it is low carb with less than 2g of net carbs per patty.
Close-up of raw pork burger patties mixed with onions, neatly arranged on a blue plate, ready for cooking.

Pork Burgers Ingredient List

  • 2.5 pounds ground pork
  • ½ onion, small dice
  • 1 shallot, small dice
  • 4 cloves roasted garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • 2 strips cooked bacon, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon cracked pepper

For the Mustard Sauce:

Ingredient Substitutes:

  • Shallots: No shallots? You can use onions.
  • Roasted garlic: You can also use regular garlic if you don't have roasted garlic.
  • Cayenne: Caving a smokier and spicier kick? Swap Cayenne for chipotle chili powder.
  • Olive oil: Don't have olive oil? You can use avocado oil instead.
  • Dijon mustard: No Dijon mustard? Use regular mustard as an alternative.

Additional Ingredients

The best thing about pork burgers is choosing your favorite burger toppings! Here are some delicious options:

  • Cheese: Adding cheese slices is always a delicious topping idea. Go for American or Cheddar cheese.
  • Avocado slices: Add avocado slices for a mouthwatering contrast to savory flavors.
  • Pickled jalapeños: For those who crave a bit of heat, pickled jalapeños add a spicy kick to your pork burgers and intensify the flavors.
  • Black pepper: Black pepper enhances the flavor of pork recipes. Add a pinch of black pepper to transform these pork burger patties into a more bold flavor.
  • Fresh herbs: A handful of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, cilantro, or basil, will enhance the overall flavor of these juicy ground pork burgers.

Note: Optional ingredients are just there to enhance the flavor profile; they are not part of the original recipe.

Best seasoning for pork burgers

Everyone has a favorite seasoning, and when it comes to burgers, I love a few options that just add a depth of flavor to the ground meat. If you're looking for the best pork burger seasoning, try these:

  • Taco seasoning: This homemade seasoning mix is my favorite, adding a delicious flavor twist to traditional patties.
  • Italian seasoning: If you love spice kick, Italian seasoning makes great flavorful burgers!
  • BBQ seasoning: Add this seasoning mix for a smokier touch to your ground pork mixture for an authentic grilled burger experience.
  • Chipotle seasoning: I have a Chipotle fan at home, and this seasoning mix gives the right Chipotle touch to the burger patties.

Cooking Tools Required

To make this keto pork burgers recipe, you will need the following cooking tools:

How to Make Pork Burgers Recipe: Complete Cooking Guide

Cooking Methods

  • Grilling
  • Sautéing

Preparation Steps

  1. Gather all the ingredients and kitchen tools you will need for this recipe.
  2. Measure the ingredients in precise quantities.
  3. Dice the onions and shallots.
  4. Roast the garlic.
  5. Mince cooked bacon.

Cooking Instructions

For the pork burgers:

  1. Turn on the grill to get it hot!
  2. Heat a sauté pan over high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  3. When the oil shimmers, add the onion and cook for 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, add a pinch of salt and the shallots. Stir and continue to cook for 4-5 more minutes.
  4. Remove the shallot and onions from the pan and transfer them to a mixing bowl.
  5. In the same mixing bowl, add all the remaining burger ingredients. Mix well by hand until all the ingredients are incorporated.
  6. Form eight ground pork patties and place them on the grill. Cook one side for 7-8 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for 7-8 minutes or until cooked.
  7. Remove the patties from the grill, top with your favorite toppings, and enjoy the grilled pork burgers!

For the mustard sauce:

  1. Add all the ingredients into a small bowl.
  2. Using either a whisk or a hand mixer, emulsify the liquid. This will not make mayonnaise because we have added the olive oil all at once. It will be thinner.
  3. Taste, adjust the seasoning, and add to the burger.
Overhead view of a pork burger topped with bacon and jalapeño slices, served with a dollop of yellow sauce and pickles on a gray plate with a fork.

My Pro Tip

Handling ground pork mixture is tricky as compared to beef. It requires extreme care to avoid any toughness. When forming patties, gently press between your hands for both tenderness and uniformity.

Also, prioritize safety by cooking to 160-165°F (use an instant-read meat thermometer); it's so helpful for beginners working with ground pork for the first time.

Time-saving tips

  • Save time by buying ground pork instead of grinding it yourself. Ensure it's free from sugars or binders for a quick start.
  • Line your grill with foil for easy cleanup after cooking the burgers.
  • Mix the pork burger seasoning ahead of time, tightly cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 2 days for an efficient start.
  • Shape the patties ahead of time, cover them tightly, and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. Bring to room temperature before cooking for even doneness.

Storage and reheating instructions

Storage Tips

  • Store cooked burgers in the fridge for 4-5 days, covered tightly with plastic wrap, or use an airtight container.
  • For freezing, completely cool the burgers. Then, separate the burgers with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Wrap in plastic and foil or place in a freezer bag marked with the date. You can store it for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips

  • Allow burgers to come to room temperature and reheat over the grill or under the broiler for 5-6 minutes.

Note: Reheating in a pan may result in uneven heating; microwaving is not recommended for optimal texture.

What to serve with Pork Burgers?

This is undoubtedly a delicious ground pork burger recipe, but if you want to pair it with other options, I have plenty!

  • Baked Zucchini Fries: Looking for some fries to enjoy with these juicy pork burgers? Try our baked zucchini fries for an ultimate fast food experience but in a healthier way!
  • Avocado Salad: Pairing a light and refreshing avocado salad adds lots of flavor to the burgers.
  • Cauliflower Puree: A creamy cauliflower puree seasoned with garlic and shallots adds extra flavor to this healthy burger recipe.
  • Coleslaw: Prepare a crunchy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and small red onion. Toss it in a tangy apple cider vinegar dressing to complement the hearty pork burgers.
  • Sugar-free BBQ sauce: This barbecue sauce adds a smoky and tangy flavor without the unnecessary carbs.

Recipe Conclusion

These pork burgers quickly became a family favorite in my house! The addition of jalapeno slices and the zesty mustard sauce takes the burgers to a whole new level. If you're not a fan of spice or mustard, top them with coleslaw, sautéed onions, or a flavorful tapenade – olive—would be a perfect match.

In my gluten-aware household (thanks to the kids!), buns are a no-go. However, if you opt for a bun, go for a low carb bread, or you can use lettuce wraps for a complete carb-free burger experience. However you decide to customize it, I'd love to hear your take! If you've got any delicious pork recipes, drop them in the comments, and I'd love to try them out!

Please write in the comments any questions or suggestions you may have. You can also find me on Facebook or Instagram.

Other Pork Recipes to Try

  1. Smothered Pork Chops - Enjoy tender pork chops bathed in a rich, savory gravy, a comforting dish that will bring everyone smiles.
  2. Pulled Pork Casserole - This casserole combines juicy pulled pork with layers of flavorful ingredients for a hearty meal that brings everyone to the table.
  3. Southwest Pork Kabobs - Skewered pork and vibrant veggies get a Southwest twist, offering a zesty and colorful addition to any mealtime.
  4. Pressure Cooker Pulled Pork - Learn how your pressure cooker can transform pork into irresistibly tender pulled pork in a fraction of the usual time.
  5. Perfect Pan-Seared Pork Chops - See how to pan-sear pork chops to a beautiful browned outside and juicy inside.

FAQs

Pan-fry the pork burger on medium heat, giving each side a good 7-8 minutes until it hits an internal temp of 160-165°F (71-74°C). This ensures you have a perfect burger that's cooked properly.

Ensure the patties are fully cooked by reaching an internal temperature of 160-165°F (71-74°C), ensuring both safety and optimal flavor.

I won't recommend it. Pork burgers should be cooked until fully done to guarantee safety and eliminate any pink hue.

While pork patties can be part of a balanced diet, moderation is essential for maintaining a healthy diet.

Grilled pork burger topped with crispy bacon, jalapeño slices, and drizzled with creamy yellow sauce, served with pickles on a gray plate.

Delicious Pork Burgers Recipe

Enjoy this perfect pork burgers recipe with some sliced jalapeno, mustard sauce and some crispy bacon. Yumm.
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: ground pork burgers, pork burgers recipe, pork burgers,
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 burgers
Calories: 458kcal
Author: Scott Groth

Ingredients

For the Pork Burgers Recipe

  • 2.5 pounds ground pork
  • ½ onion small dice
  • 1 shallot small dice
  • 4 cloves roasted garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne
  • 2 strips bacon cooked
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

For the Mustard Sauce

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
  • 1 pinch Kosher salt

Instructions

For the Pork Burgers

  • Turn on the grill to get it hot!
  • Start by heating a sautee pan over high heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add in the onion and cook for 3 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium, add a pinch of salt and the shallots. Stir and continue to cook for 4-5 more minutes. Remove and add the shallots and onions to a mixing bowl.
  • In the same mixing bowl, add in all the remaining burger ingredients. Mix well by hand until all the ingredients are incorporated.
  • Form eight pork burgers and take them to the grill. Cook on one side for 7-8 minutes. Flip and cook on the other for 7-8 minutes or until cooked through.
  • Remove from the grill, top with your favorite toppings and happy eating!

For the Mustard Sauce

  • Add all the ingredients into a small bowl.
  • Using either a whisk or a hand mixer, begin to emulsify the liquid. Because we have added the olive oil all at once, this will not make mayonnaise. It will be thinner.
  • Taste, adjust the seasoning and add to the burger, fish or chicken!

Notes

  • The burgers must be cooked thoroughly. Ground pork needs to be cooked to 160 to 165 degrees Fahrenheit to be considered safe to eat. For people who do not have much experience working with ground pork, this should be checked with a meat thermometer.
  • Mixing the ground pork with other ingredients needs to be done gently. If the mixture is overhandled, the burgers will be tough. Typically, I use a wooden spatula to mix the seasonings and ingredients into the pork, breaking it up gently with the edge of the spatula as I mix.
  • To form the patties, take a palm-sized scoop. Gently press between the hands, then press in on the edges in a circular manner. 
If you have questions or suggestions, please leave them in the comments section below!

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Delicious Pork Burgers Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 burger)
Calories 458 Calories from Fat 342
% Daily Value*
Fat 38g58%
Saturated Fat 13g65%
Trans Fat 0.01g
Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
Monounsaturated Fat 18g
Cholesterol 130mg43%
Sodium 421mg18%
Potassium 455mg13%
Carbohydrates 2g1%
Fiber 0.4g2%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 25g50%
Vitamin A 75IU2%
Vitamin C 2mg2%
Calcium 32mg3%
Iron 2mg11%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”

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14 Responses

  1. Pingback: Juicy Pork Burgers Recipe - Yum Goggle
  2. Pingback: Sweet Potato Fries Recipe | I'd Rather Be A Chef
  3. Pingback: Delightfully Different Pork Burgers | I'd Rather Be A Chef
  4. Pingback: A Super Easy Sauerkraut Recipe | I'd Rather Be A Chef
  5. 5 stars
    I made these with fresh ground pork from the butcher and they were fantastic. I have always been worried about pork burgers and cooking them enough, but these were juicy and delicious.

  6. 5 stars
    I got these chilling in the fridge to go on the grill a bit later tonight. Thank you for the inspiration! My toddler wont eat Brussels sprouts so I'm wanting to grill sweet potatoes or something like that. Any suggestions?

    1. Hi Amanda:
      Sorry for the late response... I took some time away from the blog while we were traveling. How did the burgers turn out? As a good side, you might try some grilled asparagus, grilled zucchini or maybe even a sauteed zucchini and onion medley?
      Take care and have a great day in the kitchen!
      Scott

  7. What do you think about pan searing them in a cast iron skillet and possibly finish baking them in the oven? I don't like to grill in the winter. thanks

    1. Hi Becky:
      Absolutely- this is a great method. When I use my cast iron pan, I cover it with a lid to increase the temperature inside the pan. You have to remember that the pork needs to be cooked through! After searing on one side, I flip, sear the other and into a 400f oven until cooked through.
      Thank you for stopping by and enjoy the burgers!
      Scott

  8. On the recipe is it teaspoon or tablespoon of the spices? I used Tablespoon of the cumin. Then after it was in thought oh my maybe that was supposed to be teaspoon. Regardless they turned out amazing so I kept the tablespoon of cumin! And I also only used one pound of ground pork. I’m making for the third time today and my son will smoke them! Can’t wait! Thanks for your recipe!!

  9. Gonna try this pork burger recipe..sounds delicious!
    I would love you to develop and post a “Mc Rib” copycat recipe. TY

  10. 5 stars
    The sauce sounds very interesting, but RAW, yolk? We aren't worried about bacteria? It doesn't say hard boiled, so assuming it's raw.

    1. Hi Lori:
      Yes, the raw yolk sometimes puts people off this recipe… but it is really just so tasty. Many salad dressings and sauces are created using raw yolks around the world, and the danger typically lies in mishandling the ingredient rather than the ingredient itself. If you don’t like the yolk, we can make a workaround for you- just let me know!
      Thanks so much-
      Scott

5 from 4 votes (1 rating without comment)

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Scott Groth image for I'd Rather Be A Chef

I'm Scott, just a regular guy who has experienced amazing benefits from embracing a low carb (occasionally keto) lifestyle. Join me as I share low carb recipes that are family friendly, delicious and fun to eat.

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