This Easy Pork Banh Mi Burger combines juicy pork with delicious Asian flavors, all piled onto a soft bun. It’s like a fun twist on the classic Vietnamese sandwich!
You’ll love the crunchy pickled veggies and fresh herbs that make each bite exciting. Honestly, I can’t resist adding extra sriracha for a spicy kick—who else is with me? 😄
Making these burgers is a breeze! Just cook the patties, slap on your toppings, and you’re ready for a flavor-packed meal in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork: This is the star of the burger. You can substitute ground chicken or turkey if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just be sure to keep some fat content for juicy patties!
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives each burger a great flavor boost. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder can work in a pinch—just use about 1/4 teaspoon per clove.
Pickled Carrots: Shredded carrots are tangy and add crunch. You can also swap them for pickled radishes or cucumbers if you prefer those flavors. Both add a nice zing!
Fish Sauce: This ingredient adds a unique umami flavor. If you’re avoiding fish, tamari or coconut aminos can be a nice substitute, or just add more soy sauce.
Sriracha: Adjust the spice level to your liking! If sriracha isn’t available, a mix of hot sauce and ketchup can give a similar kick.
How Do You Make Perfect Pork Patties?
Making juicy patties is all about mixing and cooking them right! Here’s how to do it effectively:
- In a bowl, combine all ingredients gently; mix until just combined to prevent tough patties.
- Divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into patties. Make them slightly larger than the buns, as they shrink when cooking.
- Heat your pan or grill to medium-high to get that nice brown crust—this helps lock in flavor!
- Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, checking that they reach 160°F (71°C). This ensures they’re both safe and juicy.
Remember, the goal is to keep them tender. Enjoy your cooking experience and don’t hesitate to experiment with the flavors!
Easy Pork Banh Mi Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Burger Patties:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- For the Pickled Carrots:
- 1 cup shredded carrots (about 2 medium carrots)
- 1/2 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- For Assembly:
- 4 sandwich buns (brioche or soft buns work well)
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
- A handful of fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust for spice preference)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll need around 10-15 minutes to get everything ready, including pickling the carrots, and then another 15 minutes to cook the burgers and assemble them. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Pickling the Carrots:
In a small bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, and salt until everything is well dissolved. Add the shredded carrots into the mix and make sure they’re all coated. Let these marinate for at least 15 minutes—this will give them a nice quick pickle flavor!
2. Preparing the Pork Patties:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground pork with the minced garlic, soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together—but be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the patties tough!
3. Forming the Patties:
Divide the pork mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a burger patty that’s slightly larger than the buns. This way, they’ll fit just right after cooking.
4. Cooking the Patties:
Heat a skillet or a grill over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, place the patties on it. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C). You want them nicely browned and cooked through!
5. Preparing the Sauce:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and sriracha sauce to create a delicious spicy mayo. Taste it and adjust the spice by adding more sriracha if you like it spicier!
6. Toasting the Buns:
While your patties are cooking, lightly toast the sandwich buns on the skillet or grill until they are golden and warm. This will give them a nice crunchy texture.
7. Assembling the Banh Mi Burger:
Spread a generous layer of the spicy mayo on the bottom bun. Place the cooked pork patty on top of that, followed by a handful of the pickled carrots, sliced jalapeños, and some fresh cilantro leaves. Finally, cover with the top bun.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
It’s time to enjoy your homemade Easy Pork Banh Mi Burger! Serve immediately with extra pickled carrots or sriracha on the side for those who like an extra kick. Enjoy the burst of flavors!
FAQ for Easy Pork Banh Mi Burger
Can I Use Different Types of Meat for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use ground chicken, turkey, or beef if you prefer. Just ensure that the meat you choose has a bit of fat to keep the patties juicy. If using lean turkey or chicken, consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the mixture for moisture.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through. The pickled carrots can be refrigerated for up to a week!
Can I Make the Patties Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties a day in advance! Just shape them, cover them with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. This makes weeknight dinners even easier!
What Should I Serve with the Banh Mi Burger?
These burgers are delicious on their own, but you can serve them with sweet potato fries, a fresh avocado salad, or any other vegetable side of your choice for a complete meal. Enjoy experimenting!
