Pork Burgers (Grill or Stovetop)

These juicy pork burgers can be made on the stovetop or grill and are a nice change of pace from regular beef burgers. 

Three pork burgers on buns with lettuce, tomato and red onion.

When most of us think about burgers, we automatically reach for ground beef. But ground pork burgers 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.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • These burgers are full of flavor using basic seasonings and the addition of Worcestershire sauce for that mouthwatering umami flavor.
  • Ground pork is often found cheaper than ground beef making it a budget-conscious, but still delicious alternative.
  • This recipe can be adapted for the grill or stovetop for burgers year-round!

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, you 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.

Ground pork with seasoned salt, pepper, onion powder and garlic powder sprinkled on top in a clear bowl.

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.

Seasoned pork mixture divided into 6 wedges in a glass bowl.
Raw pork patties on a dark gray cutting board.

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 165 degrees. This method works for charcoal, grate grill or flat top grill.

Pork burgers cooking on flattop grill.

Stovetop Method

Heat large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Fry burgers for 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165 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.

How to Serve Homemade Pork Burgers

Serve the cooked burgers on toasted buns and top with your desired toppings.

Keep it traditional with ketchup, mustard and pickles or California-style with mayo, lettuce and tomato. Other topping ideas include: onions (raw or fried), sautéed mushrooms, BBQ sauce or crispy fried onions.

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.

Close up of pork burger on brioche bun with red onion, sliced tomato and lettuce.

Other Sandwich Recipes You'll Love

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📖 Recipe

Featured photo of pork burger on buns with lettuce, tomato and red onion.
Ashley Leonard

Pork Burgers (Grill or Stovetop)

5 from 1 vote
These juicy pork burgers can be made on the stove or grill and are a nice change of pace from regular beef burgers.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 6 burgers
Course: Main Course, Sandwich
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds ground pork
  • 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tsp. seasoning salt
  • 1 tsp. black pepper
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 6 burger buns
  • sliced cheese optional

Method
 

  1. 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
  2. Press meat into the bowl to form an even disk. Divide meat into 6 equal parts.
  3. 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.
  4. Heat skillet on stovetop over medium-high heat or grill to 400 degrees.
  5. 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.
  6. Let the burgers rest 2-3 minutes. Place finished burgers on buns and top with desired toppings.

Notes

Burger Toppings
  • 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.

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