My passion for grilling season runs deep. There’s an undeniable joy that comes with gathering loved ones, firing up the grill, and enjoying the great outdoors. These succulent Pork Burgers are a staple in our household when the weather warms up, turning an ordinary evening into a memorable backyard experience.

We love to complement these sweet and spicy marvels with a spread of fresh and vibrant sides. Think crisp salads, creamy dips, and refreshing summer drinks. It’s not just an easy meal; it’s a refreshing and utterly delicious culinary event that everyone looks forward to.

It’s truly surprising how often ground pork is overlooked when it comes to burger recipes. Many home cooks gravitate towards beef or chicken, missing out on the unique tenderness and rich flavor that ground pork brings to the table. Pork provides an excellent foundation for a burger, offering a pleasant change of pace from your usual warm-weather staples.

If you’re a fan of pork, you’ll appreciate the versatility it offers. Beyond these fantastic burgers, consider exploring other delicious pork recipes like these savory BBQ Baked Pork Chops, the vibrant Easy Pineapple Pork Chops, convenient Air Fryer Pork Chops, quick and satisfying Easy Pork Enchiladas, or hearty Pulled Pork Burritos. Each offers a distinct and delightful way to enjoy this versatile meat.

• Ground Pork: The foundation of these incredible burgers. Ground pork is an excellent choice for patties as it’s inherently tender and absorbs flavors beautifully. To ensure your burgers are juicy and succulent, opt for ground pork with at least 15-20% fat content. Leaner pork can result in drier patties, so a little fat goes a long way in creating a moist and flavorful burger.
• Spice Mixture (BBQ Rub): The secret to the “sweet and spicy” profile lies in the BBQ rub. This blend of spices infuses the pork with a complex, aromatic flavor that’s hard to beat. I often use a beloved local rub, but feel free to get creative! You can easily make your own rub at home, tailoring the sweetness, smokiness, and heat to your preference. Look for rubs with brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of cayenne for that perfect balance.
• Spicy Guacamole: This creamy, vibrant topping is a game-changer, adding a refreshing contrast and a kick of heat. Good guacamole starts with ripe avocados, fresh lime juice, finely chopped red onion, and cilantro. For that desirable spicy element, I love to add finely minced jalapeños or serrano peppers. The creaminess of the avocado perfectly complements the grilled pork and peppers.
• Grilled Sweet Peppers: Grilling brings out the natural sweetness of peppers, making them an ideal topping. While mini sweet peppers are incredibly convenient and visually appealing, you can absolutely use any variety you prefer. Sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange for color and sweetness) or even a milder poblano pepper can be grilled to perfection, adding a smoky, sweet, and slightly charred note to each bite.
• Pepper Jack Cheese: What’s a burger without cheese? Pepper jack is the perfect choice here, offering a creamy, melty texture with a subtle, yet noticeable, spicy zing. It harmonizes beautifully with the existing sweet and spicy theme, adding another layer of flavor and richness. If pepper jack isn’t your preference, a sharp cheddar or even a Monterey Jack would also work well.
• Other Essential Flavor Enhancers: Don’t forget the supporting cast! Ingredients like a fresh egg (for binding), finely chopped red onion, Worcestershire sauce (for umami depth), yellow mustard (for tang), olive oil (for moisture), fresh cilantro (for freshness), and a simple dash of salt and pepper all contribute to the overall incredible flavor of these pork burgers.

How to Craft Your Delicious Pork Burgers

Creating these sweet and spicy pork burgers is a straightforward process, but paying attention to each step ensures maximum flavor and juiciness. Follow these instructions for a perfect grilling experience:

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Patties
In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine your ground pork with one egg, a quarter cup of finely chopped red onion, two tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, two tablespoons of your chosen BBQ rub, one tablespoon of yellow mustard, one and a half tablespoons of olive oil, two tablespoons of fresh chopped cilantro, and a dash of salt and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix all the ingredients until they are just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough burgers. Once combined, form the mixture into six to eight uniform patties, each weighing approximately 3 to 3.5 ounces. Aim for a thickness of about 3/4 to 1 inch. Placing a small indentation in the center of each patty can help prevent them from puffing up in the middle during grilling, ensuring an even cook.

Step 2: Grill the Pork Burgers to Perfection
Preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. It’s crucial to lightly oil the grill grates before placing the patties to prevent sticking. Place the pork burger patties on the hottest part of the grill to achieve a beautiful sear; cook for about 2 minutes per side. This initial high heat creates a delicious crust. After searing, move the patties to a cooler part of the grill or reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking for another 8-10 minutes per side, or until the burgers are cooked through. The internal temperature should reach a safe 160 degrees F (71 degrees C). Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy. While the burgers are cooking, you can also lightly butter and toast your hamburger buns on the grill for a minute or two until golden brown.

Step 3: Whip Up Your Spicy Guacamole
Prepare your guacamole before the burgers are off the grill to allow the flavors to meld. In a molcajete (for an authentic touch) or a medium-sized bowl, combine two ripe avocados (pits removed and flesh scooped out), one-third cup of finely chopped red onion, a quarter cup of fresh chopped cilantro, the juice of one lime, and a few generous pinches of salt. Mash the ingredients together with a fork or a potato masher until you reach your desired consistency – some prefer it smooth, others chunky. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lime or salt if needed, and don’t forget those diced jalapeños for an extra kick! Set it aside.

Step 4: Grill the Sweet Peppers
Grilling the sweet peppers adds another layer of smoky sweetness to your burgers. If you’re using mini sweet peppers, they work wonderfully. Otherwise, slice bell peppers or poblanos into thin strips. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. When you flip the pork burgers for the second time (after the initial sear and moving to cooler heat), add the prepared sweet peppers to the grill. Grill the peppers for about 4 minutes on one side until slightly charred and softened, then flip and grill for another 3-4 minutes on the other side. They should be tender-crisp and nicely caramelized. Once done, remove them from the grill and slice any larger pieces into strips if they aren’t already.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve!
Once the pork burgers are fully cooked and have reached 160°F, place a slice or two of pepper jack cheese on top of each patty during the last minute or two of grilling. Cover the grill or let them sit directly on the hot grates for about two minutes to allow the cheese to melt into gooey perfection. Remove the burgers from the grill. Place a cheesy pork patty on the bottom half of a toasted hamburger bun. Pile the grilled sweet pepper strips generously on top of the melted cheese. Finally, spread a dollop or two of your spicy guacamole on the top half of the bun and gently close your burger. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy the incredible blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors!

For the most succulent and flavorful pork burgers, I highly recommend using ground pork with at least 15-20% fat. This fat content is crucial for keeping the patties moist and tender during grilling. Leaner pork, while healthier, tends to dry out more quickly and can result in a less satisfying burger experience.

Pork burgers, like other ground meats, must be cooked to a safe internal temperature to ensure they are safe to eat. They should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Always use a reliable meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the patty to confirm doneness.

Absolutely! These pork burgers are excellent for meal prep. You can form the raw patties up to 24 hours in advance and store them in the refrigerator, covered. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just be sure to separate patties with parchment paper before freezing to prevent them from sticking together. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.

These flavorful pork burgers pair wonderfully with a variety of classic summer sides. Consider serving them with a fresh coleslaw, crispy sweet potato fries, a light pasta salad, grilled corn on the cob, or a simple green salad. The robust flavors of the burger can stand up to hearty sides, while lighter options provide a refreshing balance.

While grilling adds a fantastic smoky flavor, these pork burgers can also be cooked indoors. To pan-fry, heat a little oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through to 160°F. For baking, place patties on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach the safe internal temperature.

The spice level is easily customizable! For more heat, add extra cayenne pepper to your BBQ rub, or include more finely minced jalapeños (or even a serrano pepper) in your guacamole. If you prefer a milder burger, opt for a sweeter BBQ rub with less chili, and omit the jalapeños from the guacamole entirely. You can also use a milder cheese like Monterey Jack instead of pepper jack.