This Easy Pork Banh Mi Burger packs a punch! With juicy pork, crisp veggies, and a zesty sauce, it’s a fun twist on the classic Vietnamese sandwich!
Trust me, your taste buds will do a happy dance! 🍔 I can never resist adding extra pickled veggies—it makes every bite even better!
Making this burger is a breeze. Just grill the pork, pile on the toppings, and enjoy! It’s a perfect meal for a sunny day or a cozy night in.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Pork: This is the star of your burger! If you want a healthier option, lean turkey or chicken can work too, but it may slightly change the flavor. Beef could also be an option if you’re looking for something different!
Fish Sauce: It adds a salty, umami kick. If you’re avoiding fish sauce, try using soy sauce or coconut aminos for a similar effect, but it will change the flavor profile a bit.
Shallot: If you don’t have shallots, finely chopped onion can be a good substitute. Just be mindful that onions are stronger in flavor, so use a bit less.
Sriracha: It’s great for heat! Feel free to swap it with your favorite hot sauce or reduce the amount for a milder taste. For a unique twist, try adding a bit of hoisin sauce for sweetness instead!
How Do I Make the Pork Patties Tender?
To ensure your pork patties are tender, mixing the ingredients gently is key. Overworking the meat can make them tough. Here’s a simple way to get it just right:
- In a large bowl, gently combine the ingredients with your hands or a fork until mixed.
- Shape the patties without compacting the meat too tightly. Think of forming them like snowballs!
- Cooking over medium-high heat helps them brown nicely while keeping the inside juicy.
Taking these steps will help maintain the delightful texture and flavor of your banh mi burger! Enjoy every bite of your creation!
How to Make Easy Pork Banh Mi Burger
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pork Patties:
- 1 lb ground pork
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small shallot, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
For Assembling the Burger:
- 4 burger buns (preferably soft brioche or similar)
- 1 cup shredded carrots (or julienned)
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced fresh jalapeño
- Fresh cilantro leaves
For the Spicy Mayo:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or to taste)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pork banh mi burger takes about 15 minutes of preparation and 15 minutes of cooking, giving you a total of about 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick lunch or a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pork Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, minced garlic, finely chopped shallot, fish sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, and sugar. Use a fork or your hands to mix gently until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the patties tender!
2. Shape the Patties:
Once the mixture is ready, divide it into four equal portions and shape each portion into a burger patty. Make sure they are slightly larger than your buns, as they will shrink while cooking.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the pork patties in the pan and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked through and have a nice golden-brown color. You can check for doneness by cutting into one to ensure it’s no longer pink in the center.
4. Make the Spicy Mayo:
While the patties are cooking, mix the mayonnaise and sriracha together in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the heat level with more sriracha if desired.
5. Toast the Burger Buns:
Lightly toast the burger buns in a separate pan or in the oven until they are golden brown. This will help add a nice texture and prevent them from getting soggy.
6. Assemble Your Burger:
Spread a generous amount of the spicy mayo on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a cooked pork patty on top of the mayo, then add a layer of shredded carrots, sliced jalapeños, and a handful of fresh cilantro leaves.
7. Top It Off:
Cover the burger with the top half of the bun. Make sure it’s nice and snug! You can even press down gently to hold everything together.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your delicious pork banh mi burgers immediately while they’re hot, and enjoy this vibrant meal full of flavor. Your taste buds will be thanking you!
This burger combines savory, juicy pork with the bright, fresh crunch of added veggies and mayo, giving you a quick, delicious Vietnamese-inspired meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Pork?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for the pork! Just keep in mind that turkey is leaner, so the burgers may need a bit more seasoning or moisture to ensure they remain juicy.
How Do I Make the Pickled Veggies for the Burger?
For a classic banh mi flavor, quick-pickle some carrots and daikon radish. Simply mix equal parts vinegar, water, sugar, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Add thinly sliced veggies and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. You can make them ahead and store them in the fridge for up to a week!
Can I Prepare the Patties in Advance?
Absolutely! You can shape the patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap or parchment paper to keep them fresh. They’re quick to cook right before you’re ready to eat!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet or microwave. If the buns get a bit soggy, consider toasting them again before serving!
