Pork Burgers (Grill or Stovetop)
These juicy pork burgers are a flavorful alternative to traditional beef burgers and can be cooked on the grill or stovetop. Ground pork creates a naturally tender burger with plenty of flavor, making it a great option when you want something a little different for burger night.
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Quick Look at this Pork Burger Recipe
- Ready In: 20 minutes
- Serves: 6 burgers
- Main Ingredients: Ground pork, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoning salt, black pepper
- Equipment: Grill or cast iron skillet
- Great For: Weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, and an easy alternative to beef burgers
What Makes Pork Burgers Different from Beef Burgers?
When most of us think about burgers, we automatically reach for ground beef. But ground pork burgers cook much like beef burgers and are incredibly flavorful, easy to make, and often a little easier on the grocery budget.
My local grocery store sells pre-seasoned pork burgers, which got me thinking: why can't I just make my own? After a little experimenting, this simple pork burger recipe quickly became a regular in our dinner rotation. They're perfect for summer cookouts, quick weeknight dinners, or anytime you're looking to switch up your usual burger routine.
Ingredient Notes
The ingredients for these pork burgers are pretty basic but really pack on the flavor!
- Ground pork - Ground pork naturally contains enough fat to keep the patties tender and juicy. Don't confuse it with ground sausage. Ground pork is simply plain pork that has been ground, while sausage contains added seasonings and spices. For this recipe, you'll want unseasoned ground pork.
- Worcestershire sauce - Adds that deep, savory umami flavor and actually helps keep the meat tender.
- Seasoning mix - Seasoning salt, black pepper, garlic and onion powder make every bite of this burger flavorful.
- Burger buns - My favorite are brioche buns, but other options include potato rolls, Kaiser rolls, classic sesame rolls, or even a chewy pretzel roll!
How to Make Pork Burgers
Step 1: Make the burger mixture by combining ground pork with all the seasonings and Worcestershire sauce.
A pair of clean hands is the best kitchen tool for mixing the burgers. Gently mix until the seasoning seems to be evenly distributed. Be careful to not over-mix as it can lead to dense burgers.
Step 2: Divide the meat into 6 even pieces, or 8 if you'd like thinner ¼# burgers.
Form patties that are slightly larger than the buns to account for shrinkage during cooking. Use the back of a spoon to make divots in the middle of each patty. This helps the burger not dome up during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the burgers.
Grill Method
Heat grill to medium-high heat or about 400 degrees. Grill burgers over direct heat for 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. This method works for charcoal, grate grill or flat top grill.
Unlike beef burgers, pork burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F. The easiest way to check is with an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the burger. Once the burger reaches temp, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Stovetop Method
Heat large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Fry burgers for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees. The cast iron gives the burgers a delicious crust.
Quick Tip: If using cheese, place a slice on top of each burger in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. American is the standard burger cheese but cheddar, Swiss or pepper jack are all good options!
Step 4: Let the burgers rest 2-3 minutes. Place finished burgers on buns and top with desired toppings.
What to Serve with Pork Burgers
Serve the cooked burgers on toasted buns and top with your desired toppings. Pork burgers have a rich, savory flavor that's slightly sweeter than beef, making them a great choice for classic burger toppings like cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, and barbecue sauce.
Other topping ideas include: onions (raw or fried), sautéed mushrooms, or crispy fried onion strings.
Pork burgers are great served with French fries, potato chips and/or salads such as this Cucumber Dill Salad, Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad or Coleslaw.
Storage Tips
Store leftover cooked pork burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat burgers in a skillet, air fryer or even the microwave until heated through.
To freeze burgers, place uncooked or cooled cooked patties in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper between layers. Freeze for up to 3 months. I prefer to thaw the burgers before cooking.
Other Sandwich Recipes You'll Love
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📖 Recipe
Pork Burgers (Grill or Stovetop)
Ingredients
Method
- Add pork and all seasoning ingredients to a bowl. Use your hands to mix meat mixture until seasoned evenly. Avoid overmixing!2 pounds ground pork, 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce, 2 tsp. seasoning salt, 1 tsp. black pepper, 1 tsp. garlic powder, 1 tsp. onion powder
- Press meat into the bowl to form an even disk. Divide meat into 6 equal parts.
- Form meat into patties, making them slightly larger than the buns you're using. Set patties on a baking sheet. Use the back of a spoon to make an indent in the center of each patty.
- Heat skillet on stovetop over medium-high heat or grill to 400 degrees.
- Grill or fry patties 3-4 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. If using, add a slice of cheese during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Let the burgers rest 2-3 minutes. Place finished burgers on buns and top with desired toppings.
Notes
- Ketchup, mustard, lettuce, tomato, onions (raw or fried)
- Toast the burger buns for the best flavor. Spread cut sides with butter and toast in the skillet or on the grill for 1-2 minutes.
These are such a nice change from beef burgers and the flavor is spot on!