When you order a burger at a restaurant, you probably expect to receive an all-beef patty. Beef and burgers are so intertwined that some people use the terms “hamburger” and “ground beef” interchangeably. But burger recipes can be made with any type of ground meat, and these ground pork burgers are a fantastic option for your next backyard barbecue. They’re rich and savory, especially when spiced with basil and garlic. And ground pork is typically less expensive than ground beef, so this recipe is an economical option for burger night.
The secret to making juicy pork burgers is to include an egg and bread crumbs. The bread crumbs absorb moisture from the pork as it cooks, capturing all the juices and trapping them inside the burger patties. The egg binds the bread crumbs and meat so the patties stay together.
Ingredients for Pork Burgers
- Ground pork: Like ground beef, ground pork ranges from fatty to very lean. The best ground meat for burgers is rich in fat to keep the burgers juicy as they cook. Leaner meats can turn out a little dry, especially when cooked to well-done temperatures.
- Egg: An egg binds the patties of this pork burger recipe together so they don’t fall apart as they cook. It also adds essential moisture to keep the meat nice and juicy.
- Bread crumbs: Bread crumbs are another binding ingredient. They help the patties hold their shape and absorb moisture as the pork cooks. If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, use oats or gluten-free bread crumbs.
- Seasonings: You can use any herbs or spices you have on hand, but we love the combination of Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil and garlic powder. This blend creates an all-purpose seasoning that goes well with most toppings and barbecue side dishes.
- Hamburger buns: Opt for soft, squishy buns like sesame seed buns, potato buns or buttery brioche. If you’re feeling ambitious, try making homemade hamburger buns (our recipe takes only 40 minutes!).
- Burger fixings: Top the burger patties with lettuce leaves, sliced tomato, sweet onion or any of your favorite burger toppings.
Directions
Step 1: Mix the pork and seasonings
In a large bowl, combine the egg, bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley flakes, basil, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Crumble the pork over the mixture and mix well.
Editor’s Tip: Try not to overwork the pork mixture. Overworking ground meat can make the patties tough and crumbly.
Step 2: Form the pork patties
Shape the pork mixture into six patties.
Step 3: Grill the pork burgers
Grill the burgers, covered, over medium heat for four to five minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 160°F.
Editor’s Tip: If you’re in the mood for a cheesy pork burger, add a slice of cheese immediately after removing the patties from the grill. Cover the patties with a plate or bowl to help the cheese melt faster.
Step 4: Build the burgers
Serve the grilled burger patties on buns. Top with lettuce, tomato and onion if desired.
Recipe Variations
- Use an air fryer: You can make this pork burger recipe in the air fryer using the same method shown in our air-fryer hamburgers recipe.
- Make the burgers in a skillet: Use a cast-iron skillet to make pan-fried burgers on the stovetop.
- Turn them into sliders: Form the pork mixture into 2-ounce burger patties to make pork sliders. Or use the method in this burger sliders recipe to bake the pork into two large patties that will fit across multiple slider buns.
- Include ground beef: If you’re not sure about 100% ground pork burgers, try substituting ground beef for half the pork to ease into the recipe.
How to Store Pork Burgers
Store leftover pork burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. It’s best to keep the patties separate from the buns, which can become soggy in the refrigerator.
Pork Burger Tips
What is the best pork for burgers?
For the juiciest burgers, we recommend using 80/20 ground pork, which has 80% lean meat and 20% fat. As the burger patties cook, the fat will melt and baste the lean meat, keeping the patties nice and moist. If lean ground pork is the only option, you can grind your own blend with pork shoulder. (Did you know you can grind meat without a grinder?) Or you can add fat to the pork patties in other ways. Try adding minced pork belly, bacon or pancetta to the ground pork mixture, or cook the burgers in butter, as done with these Wisconsin butter burgers.
How long do you grill pork burgers?
Grill ground pork burgers for about five minutes per side over medium heat. The USDA recommends cooking ground pork to an internal temperature of 160°, so use a meat thermometer to know when your burgers are finished cooking.
