These sweet and spicy Pork Burgers are a crowd pleaser in grilling season. Ground pork creates a tender, flavorful burger that is topped with grilled sweet peppers and spicy guacamole.
My love for grilling season is deep.
One of my favorite things to do during the warmer months is to put burgers, like today’s Pork Burgers, on the grill and enjoy a night with my family in the backyard.
We always set out a variety of salads, dips and summer drinks to enjoy alongside these sweet and spicy Pork Burgers. It is not only an easy meal, it is fresh and delicious.
When people think of burgers they often overlook using ground pork which is a shame.
The Ohio Pork Council and I are teaming up today to bring you this mouthwatering Pork Burger recipe.
Ground pork creates a great base for a burger and offers a nice change from the typical burgers that are made in the warm months.
If you like pork check out this BBQ Pork Chops, Easy Pineapple Pork Chops, Air Fryer Pork Chops, Quick and Easy Pork Enchiladas, or these Pulled Pork Burritos.
Recipe Ingredients You’ll Need
- Ground Pork: The star of this burger recipe is ground pork. Ground pork packs great protein and is lean.
- Spice Mixture: The flavor of this burger comes from the bbq rub that you use. I have a favorite local rub that I use but you can also make your own rub to use.
- Guacamole: The topping for this burger is the guacamole. There’s nothing like topping a pork burger with creamy guacamole. I like to add jalapeños to mine for some heat.
- Grilled Sweet Peppers: I love grilling baby sweet peppers to add to my burgers. You can use any pepper you like — poblanos or any color bell pepper work nicely.
- Pepper Jack Cheese: The pepper jack cheese is a great addition to this burger. It offers the creaminess of the cheese along with a bit of spice.
How to Make Pork Burgers
When making these pork burgers you will have three main parts to the burger: the ground pork burgers, the guacamole and the grilled mini sweet peppers.
Step 1: Create Pork Patties: In a large mixing bowl combine the ground pork, egg, red onion, Worcestershire sauce, rub, yellow mustard, olive oil, cilantro and salt and pepper and use your hands to mix everything together. Form the pork into 3 to 3 1/2 oz. burgers.
Step 2: Grill: Heat the grill to medium high heat. Lightly oil your grill so the pork burgers don’t stick to it. Place the pork burger patties on the hottest part of the grill and cook for 2 minutes on each side, so the pork burgers get a nice sear on them.
Move them to the cooler part of the grill and cook for another 8-10 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through and reach a temperature of 160 degrees F.
Step 3: Create Guacamole: Before grilling the pork burgers make your guacamole by putting the avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice and salt in a molcajete or medium bowl and mash the ingredients together until combined.
Step 4: Grill Sweet Peppers: If you can find mini sweet peppers they work great for burgers.
If you can’t then use poblanos or bell peppers. Cut them in thing strips, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. When you flip the pork burgers the second time add the mini sweet peppers. Grill the sweet peppers for 4 minutes on one side and then flip and grill the other side of the peppers.
Recipe FAQ
I suggest using pork with at least 15-20% fat for juicy burgers. Leaner pork can result in dry patties.
Pork burgers should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be safe to eat.
Yes you can pre-make these burgers! Store them raw in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Other Burgers to Try:
Pork Burgers
Ingredients
For the pork burgers
- 1 1/2 pounds ground pork
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons rub {use your favorite}
- 1 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- Dash of salt and pepper
- 6-8 slices of pepper jack cheese
- 4 mini sweet peppers, roasted, chopped
- 6-8 Hamburger Buns
For the guacamole
- 2 Avocados, seeds removed
- 1/3 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 lime, juiced
- A few pinches of salt
Instructions
- Heat the grill to medium high heat.
- In a large mixing bowl combine the ground pork, egg, red onion, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, olive oil, cilantro, salt and pepper. Use hands to combine everything together.
- Form the ground pork mixture into 3 to 3 1/2 oz. pork burger patties and set on a large platter.
- Before grilling the pork burgers make your guacamole by putting the avocado, red onion, cilantro, lime juice and salt in a molcajete or medium bowl and mash the ingredients together until combined. Set aside.
- 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 or until they are cooked through and reach a temperature of 160 degrees F. Meanwhile, spread the cut sides of the buns with butter and toast on the grill.
- When you flip the pork burgers add the mini sweet peppers to the grill. Grill the sweet peppers for 4 minutes on one side and then flip and grill the other side of the peppers or until they are soft.
- When the pork burgers are done grilling add the pepper jack cheese and let the burgers sit for two minutes so the cheese can melt. Remove the peppers from the grill and slice into small strips.
- Place the pork burger on the bottom of the bun; place the sliced mini sweet peppers on top of the pepper jack cheese. Spread the guacamole on the top half of the bun and close the bun.
We really enjoyed this. Nice and light compare to a beef hamburger. I did add bread crumbs as I was nervous they would break up and it did not. I had a spicy salsa verde that I made last year and it was delish on top. Also a skinny whole wheat bun. Thank you
Wonderful ideas! I like the breadcrumb idea-I often will add that to turkey burgers. Glad you enjoyed them.