Perfect Pork Burgers

Health score
9%
Perfect Pork Burgers
25 min.
4
580kcal

Suggestions

There is nothing quite like the rich, savory depth of a burger made from ground pork, offering a juiciness and flavor profile that beef simply cannot replicate. This Perfect Pork Burger recipe elevates the classic backyard meal into a gourmet experience by incorporating crispy, smoky bacon directly into the meat mixture. By pulsing bacon and fresh garlic in a food processor before gently folding them into the pork, you create a complex, umami-packed foundation that infuses every bite with intense flavor. The addition of just a whisper of dried rubbed sage adds an earthy, aromatic note that perfectly complements the richness of the pork and the crunch of the bacon, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.

What truly sets this dish apart is the luxurious touch of toasted potato buns, which have been generously spread with softened unsalted butter and grilled to golden perfection. This simple step transforms a standard bun into a crispy, aromatic vehicle that holds up beautifully against the juicy patty. When you serve these patties nestled in their buttery crusts and crown them with a generous helping of cool, creamy coleslaw, you achieve the ultimate contrast between hot, smoky meat and crisp, refreshing slaw. The result is a meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for a satisfying lunch or a hearty dinner that will impress even the most discerning foodies. Whether you are grilling for friends or treating yourself to a special night in, this recipe delivers a burst of flavor that proves pork burgers can be the star of any table.

Ingredients

  • slices bacon 
  • servings coleslaw for topping
  • 0.3 teaspoon rubbed sage dried
  • clove garlic minced
  • pound ground pork 
  • servings kosher salt and pepper freshly ground
  • servings pepper freshly ground
  •  potato buns split
  • servings butter unsalted softened for spreading

Equipment

  • food processor
  • bowl
  • grill

Directions

  1. Pulse the bacon and garlic in a food processor until coarsely ground.
  2. Combine the ground pork, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper and the sage in a large bowl.
  3. Add the bacon mixture and gently mix with your hands. Gently form the meat into 4 balls, then lightly press into 4-inch-wide, 1-inch-thick patties. Make a 2-inch-wide indentation in the center of each with your thumb to prevent the burgers from bulging when grilled.
  4. Preheat a grill to medium high. Season the patties with pepper. Grill, undisturbed, until marked on the bottom, 5 to 6 minutes. Turn and grill until the other side is marked and the patties feel firm, 4 to 6 more minutes. Meanwhile, spread the cut sides of the buns with butter and toast on the grill.
  5. Serve the patties on the buns; top with coleslaw.
  6. Photograph by Kana Okada

Nutrition Facts

Calories580kcal
Protein20.96%
Fat62.25%
Carbs16.79%

Properties

Glycemic Index
26.5
Glycemic Load
0.1
Inflammation Score
-3
Nutrition Score
16.761739160704%

Flavonoids

Myricetin
0.01mg
Quercetin
0.02mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:580.25kcal
29.01%
Fat:40.49g
62.3%
Saturated Fat:15.15g
94.7%
Carbohydrates:24.58g
8.19%
Net Carbohydrates:23.5g
8.55%
Sugar:5.03g
5.58%
Cholesterol:110.55mg
36.85%
Sodium:619.89mg
26.95%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:30.68g
61.35%
Vitamin B1:1.21mg
80.71%
Selenium:33.59µg
47.98%
Vitamin B3:9mg
45.02%
Vitamin B2:0.46mg
27.15%
Vitamin B6:0.52mg
25.93%
Phosphorus:240.82mg
24.08%
Folate:85.81µg
21.45%
Zinc:2.84mg
18.91%
Calcium:170.86mg
17.09%
Iron:2.94mg
16.36%
Vitamin B12:0.94µg
15.66%
Potassium:387.25mg
11.06%
Vitamin B5:0.92mg
9.24%
Magnesium:25.46mg
6.36%
Fiber:1.08g
4.3%
Copper:0.07mg
3.37%
Vitamin A:145.03IU
2.9%
Manganese:0.04mg
2.11%
Vitamin C:1.4mg
1.69%
Vitamin E:0.24mg
1.59%
Vitamin K:1.39µg
1.33%
Vitamin D:0.19µg
1.23%