This Easy Pork Banh Mi Burger combines juicy pork patties with fresh veggies and a spicy mayo, making it a tasty twist on a classic sandwich. It’s full of flavor and fun!
I love serving it with a crunchy pickled carrot and cucumber topping. Seriously, who can resist cute little burgers? They’re perfect for any gathering! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork: This is the heart of the burger. If you’re aiming for less fat, ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes and still give you a delicious flavor. Just keep in mind that they might cook a bit differently!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds amazing flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder can work too, using about 1/4 tsp for every clove of fresh garlic.
Fish Sauce: This adds a unique umami taste. In case you don’t have it, soy sauce can be used instead, though the flavor will be slightly different. Worcestershire sauce is also a tasty alternative.
Spicy Mayo: If you’re not a fan of heat, feel free to skip the sriracha or replace it with a bit of honey for a sweet touch or plain mayo for a milder taste.
How Do You Get the Perfectly Juicy Pork Patties?
Getting juicy pork patties is all about how you mix and cook. Here’s how to nail it:
- Combine the pork and ingredients gently. Over-mixing can make the patties tough!
- Make sure your grill or skillet is preheated. This gives the patties a nice sear, sealing in juices.
- Avoid pressing down on the patties while cooking, so they don’t lose moisture.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly juicy and flavorful pork patties every time! Don’t forget to let them rest for a minute before serving, so the juices can redistribute. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Pork Banh Mi Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb (450g) ground pork
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fish sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (optional)
- 1/4 cup carrot, julienned or shredded
- 1/4 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche or soft sandwich buns)
For the Pickling Liquid:
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tsp salt
For the Spicy Mayo:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp lime juice
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, with an additional 20 minutes for the pickled veggies to marinate. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend cookout!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Pickled Vegetables:
In a bowl, whisk together the vinegar, water, sugar, and salt until dissolved. Add the julienned carrots and sliced cucumbers, making sure they’re well coated. Let them sit and marinate for at least 20 minutes, or longer if you can – the flavors will develop beautifully!
2. Prepare the Pork Patties:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, black pepper, and ground ginger if you’re using it. Mix everything together gently but well – you want to combine the ingredients without overworking the meat.
3. Shape the Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty that’s a little larger than your burger buns because they’ll shrink while cooking. Slightly flatten them for even cooking.
4. Cook the Patties:
Heat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they’re browned and fully cooked in the center. Enjoy that wonderful aroma!
5. Mix the Spicy Mayo:
While the patties are cooking, whip up the spicy mayo! In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha, and lime juice. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your taste for an extra kick!
6. Toast the Burger Buns:
Once the patties are done, pop the buns on the grill for a minute or two or toast them in a toaster until they are lightly golden. This adds extra flavor and crunch!
7. Assemble Your Burgers:
Start with a generous spread of spicy mayo on the bottom half of each bun. Add the pork patty, followed by a handful of the pickled veggies, fresh cilantro leaves, and sliced scallions. Finally, cap it with the top bun.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Pork Banh Mi Burgers immediately with any extra pickled veggies or your favorite sides like fries or a simple salad. Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Happy cooking! Enjoy your tasty and easy Pork Banh Mi Burger!
FAQ: Easy Pork Banh Mi Burger
Can I Use Ground Meat Other Than Pork?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey can be used as a leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary slightly.
How Can I Make the Pickled Vegetables Ahead of Time?
You can definitely make the pickled veggies a day in advance! Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they’ll continue to develop flavor.
What If I Can’t Find Fish Sauce?
No worries! You can substitute fish sauce with soy sauce for a vegetarian option, or use Worcestershire sauce for a similar umami flavor, though it will be a bit different.
How Should I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover patties and pickled veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the patties in a skillet over low heat, and let the pickled veggies come to room temperature for the best flavor!
