Pork Banh Mi Burger

Pork Banh Mi Burger came together in my kitchen on a cool fall afternoon while my grandchildren worked through their homework and my husband set the table near the window. Fresh basil and cucumbers rested on the counter beside soft brioche buns, waiting their turn. As green onions hit the cutting board, questions floated through the room, and dinner felt close at hand.

The inspiration for blending banh mi flavors into a burger grew from a conversation with my daughter about meals she had enjoyed while traveling. The pork mixture took shape as garlic, fish sauce, and a touch of sriracha were folded in carefully. Patties rested on the counter as the skillet warmed, and the kitchen settled into a calm, familiar rhythm.

When the Pork Banh Mi Burger was ready, everyone drifted back into the kitchen. Toasted buns, bright pickled vegetables, and fresh cilantro brought color and freshness to each plate. The meal felt generous and welcoming, bringing together new flavors with the steady comfort of home cooking.

Short Description

A flavorful Pork Banh Mi Burger made with seasoned ground pork, fresh herbs, crisp vegetables, and sriracha mayo, all served on toasted brioche buns for a satisfying and vibrant main dish.

Key Ingredients

Pork Patties

• 1 lb ground pork
• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp fish sauce
• 1 to 2 tsp sriracha
• 1 Tbsp sugar
• 2 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 tsp kosher salt

Sriracha Mayo

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 2 tsp sriracha, plus more to taste

Burger Assembly

• 2 tsp toasted sesame oil, optional
• 4 brioche buns, toasted
• ½ cup quick pickled vegetables, drained
• ¼ cup roughly chopped cilantro
• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced, optional
• 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced

Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Cast iron skillet
• Spatula
• Instant read thermometer
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Mixture
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, basil, garlic, green onions, fish sauce, sriracha, sugar, cornstarch, black pepper, and salt.

Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Form the mixture into 4 even patties about ⅓ inch thick. Press lightly so they hold together without becoming dense.

Step 2: Make the Sriracha Mayo
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, green onions, and sriracha until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat if needed. Set aside in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Step 3: Cook the Pork Patties
Heat the sesame oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once the oil begins to glisten, place the patties in the skillet.

Cook for about 5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 160°F. If the patties brown too quickly, lower the heat slightly.

Step 4: Toast the Buns
Lightly toast the brioche buns until golden and warm. This helps them hold up to the juicy patties and toppings.

Step 5: Assemble the Burgers
Spread 1 Tbsp of sriracha mayo on the top and bottom of each bun. Layer pickled vegetables, cilantro, and jalapeño on the bottom bun.

Add the pork patty, top with sliced cucumbers, and finish with the top bun sauce side down. Serve warm.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold flavors balanced with fresh herbs and crisp vegetables

Juicy pork patties that stay tender

Simple preparation with restaurant style results

Customizable spice level

A fresh twist on a classic burger

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Dry Pork Patties
Overmixing or overcooking can dry out the meat.
Solution: Mix gently and cook only until the patties reach 160°F.

Patties Falling Apart
Loose mixture may not hold its shape.
Solution: Ensure the cornstarch is fully mixed in and press patties lightly before cooking.

Overly Spicy Burgers
Too much sriracha can overpower the flavors.
Solution: Start with 1 tsp and increase gradually.

Soggy Buns
Excess moisture from toppings can soak the bread.
Solution: Drain pickled vegetables well and toast buns before assembling.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with sweet potato fries or a light slaw

Pair with iced green tea or sparkling water

Present as plated burgers or family style on a serving board

Add extra pickled vegetables on the side

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store cooked patties in an airtight container for up to 3 days

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat

Store sauce separately to keep buns fresh

Assemble burgers just before serving

FAQs

1. Can I use ground chicken instead of pork?
Yes, ground chicken works well but may require an extra teaspoon of oil during cooking.

2. Are these burgers freezer friendly?
Uncooked patties can be frozen for up to 2 months and thawed overnight before cooking.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sriracha mayo can be prepared up to 2 days in advance.

4. What if I do not have pickled vegetables?
Quickly pickle carrots and daikon with vinegar, sugar, and salt for a simple substitute.

5. How do I keep the patties juicy?
Avoid pressing down on them while cooking and remove from heat once fully cooked.

Tips & Tricks

Chill patties for 15 minutes before cooking to help them hold shape

Slice cucumbers thin for better texture

Warm buns just before serving for best results

Recipe Variations

Spicy Ginger Pork Burger: Add 1 tsp grated fresh ginger to the pork mixture and increase sriracha slightly for extra warmth.

Lettuce Wrap Version: Skip the buns and serve patties wrapped in butter lettuce with all toppings.

Sweet Chili Burger: Replace sriracha in the sauce with sweet chili sauce for a milder, sweeter flavor.

Final Thoughts

Pork Banh Mi Burger often brings a light, lively feeling to the table while still remaining easy to enjoy. Forming the patties and layering each burger naturally draws people into the kitchen, with curious glances toward the skillet and hands reaching for fresh toppings. The combination of seasoned pork with crisp vegetables keeps the meal balanced and appealing.

Placing Pork Banh Mi Burger on the table shows how home cooking can welcome new flavors without losing its sense of ease. A handful of thoughtfully prepared ingredients can encourage conversation and shared time, and those quiet moments around the meal continue to shape the way I cook and gather each day.