Garlicky Pork Burger

Looking for a burger that breaks away from the traditional beef patty? These Pork Burgers are the perfect choice! Pork, known for its succulence and ability to take on various seasonings, creates juicy and flavorful burgers that will leave your taste buds delighted. This versatile recipe allows you to use either ground pork or pork shoulder cut into chunks, making it easy to customize the texture and fat content to your preference.

In just 30 minutes, you can create mouthwatering pork burgers that are sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re firing up the grill, using the broiler, or cooking on the stovetop, these burgers will deliver exceptional taste and texture. You have the flexibility to serve them on buns, toast, or hard rolls, garnished according to your liking.

MAKES: 4 servings

TIME: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds fatty pork shoulder or three-quarters lean pork and one-quarter fat, cut into chunks
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon fennel seeds

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Start by heating your gas or charcoal grill, or preheat the broiler until moderately hot. Place the rack about 4 inches from the heat source. For stovetop cooking, heat a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat, sprinkling its surface with coarse salt when ready to start.
2. In a food processor, pulse the pork, salt, pepper, garlic, and fennel until coarsely ground. The texture should be finer than chopped but not too compressed. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed. To avoid overworking the meat, handle it as little as possible while shaping it lightly into 4 or more burgers.
3. For grilling or stovetop cooking, place the burgers over a moderate fire and grill for about 5 minutes per side, or until they reach medium doneness. The timing for stovetop cooking is the same. Once cooked to perfection, serve the burgers on your choice of buns, toast, or hard rolls, garnished to your liking.

For those who love to explore new flavors, the recipe provides a delightful Lemongrass Pork Burgers variation. To the mixture, add shallots or red onions, garlic, lemongrass, minced chile, Thai fish sauce, and sugar. Pulse these additional ingredients in the food processor if using ground pork, or work them together with the chunks of pork as described in the main recipe.

TIPS:

• Decide whether to grill, broil, or cook on the stovetop based on your preference and the equipment available. Each method will deliver delicious results.
• For grilling, ensure the heat is moderate, allowing you to hold your hand 3 or 4 inches over the rack for a few seconds. This temperature prevents the burgers from cooking too quickly or becoming dry.
• Shape the burgers to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. Avoid creating thick centers with thin edges, as this can lead to uneven doneness.
• If you’re using fennel seeds in the recipe, toast them slightly before adding them to the food processor. This enhances their aroma and flavor.
• Experiment with the Lemongrass Pork Burgers variation for an exciting twist. Incorporate shallots, lemongrass, garlic, and your choice of chiles or spices to elevate the taste.
• Grill the burgers for about 5 minutes per side or until they reach medium doneness. Avoid overcooking, as pork can dry out if cooked for too long.
• After cooking, let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures tender and succulent burgers.
• Customize your pork burgers with a variety of garnishes like lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, onions, cheese, or condiments of your choice to complement the flavors.
• Aside from buns or rolls, you can also serve the pork burgers over a bed of salad, with a side of grilled vegetables, or alongside mashed potatoes for a hearty meal.

With these simple steps and flavorful twists, you can elevate your burger game with these mouthwatering Pork Burgers. Enjoy the juicy and delicious taste of pork infused with delightful seasonings, and treat yourself to a satisfying and quick meal that’s sure to impress your family and guests. So, get ready to savor the fantastic taste of these pork burgers with a creative touch!