Thai Basil Grilled Pork Burgers
Experience a taste of Southeast Asia with these Thai Basil Grilled Pork Burgers. Crafted from fresh ground pork infused with aromatic herbs like basil and cilantro, these burgers are elevated with a savory dressing that combines the umami of fish sauce and the creaminess of peanut butter. Toasted French rolls provide the perfect vessel, while crisp butter lettuce adds a refreshing crunch. This culinary delight not only won the prestigious $10,000 prize at the Build A Better Burger Challenge but is sure to impress at your next cookout, turning an ordinary lunch into an extraordinary feast.
N/A
Servings
430
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Mayonnaise
3/4 cup (None)
Fresh Thai basil
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Fresh cilantro leaves
1/4 cup (finely chopped)
Green onions
2 (finely chopped)
Fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (None)
Vietnamese fish sauce (nuoc mam)
1/4 cup (None)
Jaggery (or brown sugar)
4 teaspoons (None)
Asian hot chili sauce (sriracha)
1 teaspoon (None)
Fresh ground pork
2 lbs (None)
Chunky peanut butter
1/4 cup (None)
Fresh ginger
2 teaspoons (grated)
Garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
Ground star anise
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Vegetable oil
as needed (for brushing the grill rack)
French rolls
6 (split)
Butter lettuce leaves
6 (interior leaves)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing your grill: If using a charcoal grill, create a medium-hot fire, ensuring to leave one side clear for indirect heat. If using a gas grill, preheat it to medium-high.
2
For the dressing, whisk together the mayonnaise, chopped Thai basil, cilantro, green onions, and fresh lime juice in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld.
3
To make the patties, combine fish sauce, jaggery, and sriracha in a medium bowl. Add the ground pork, chunky peanut butter, grated ginger, minced garlic, and star anise. Gently mix with a fork until just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
4
Form the mixture into 6 equal patties, slightly larger than the rolls, and create a small indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
5
Brush the grill grates lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Place the patties on the grill, ensuring they are spaced apart. Close the grill lid and cook for about 4 minutes.
6
Flip the patties and continue to grill for an additional 4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
7
During the last 2 minutes of grilling, place the split French rolls cut side down on the grill to toast lightly.
8
To assemble the burgers, spread a thin layer of the prepared dressing on the bottom half of each roll. Place a leaf of butter lettuce on top, followed by a grilled pork patty. Generously dollop more dressing on top before adding the roll tops. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
29.5g
Fat
22.3g
Carbs
22g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What award did the Thai Basil Grilled Pork Burgers win?
This recipe won the prestigious $10,000 prize at the Build A Better Burger Challenge.
How many patties does this recipe make?
The recipe makes 6 equal patties, slightly larger than the rolls.
What kind of meat is used in these burgers?
This recipe uses 2 lbs of fresh ground pork.
What ingredients are in the special dressing?
The dressing consists of mayonnaise, finely chopped Thai basil, cilantro, green onions, and fresh lime juice.
How should I prepare the grill if using charcoal?
Create a medium-hot fire, making sure to leave one side clear for indirect heat.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the pork patties?
The burgers should be cooked until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C).
What provides the umami flavor in the patty mixture?
Vietnamese fish sauce (nuoc mam) provides the primary savory umami flavor.
How long do the patties need to grill on each side?
The patties should be grilled for about 4 minutes on the first side, then another 4 minutes after flipping.
Why should I make an indentation in the center of the patties?
Creating a small indentation prevents the patties from puffing up while cooking.
What type of bread is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 6 split French rolls.
Can I use a substitute for jaggery?
Yes, if you do not have jaggery, you can use brown sugar.
What type of peanut butter is used in the patties?
The recipe specifies using 1/4 cup of chunky peanut butter.
What herbs are used in the burgers and dressing?
The recipe uses fresh Thai basil and cilantro leaves.
How many calories are in one burger?
Each burger contains approximately 430 calories.
What spice is used to add heat to the meat?
Asian hot chili sauce, specifically sriracha, is used for heat.
What type of lettuce is used for assembly?
The recipe recommends using interior leaves of butter lettuce.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 29.5g of fat per serving.
How should the ginger be prepared?
The recipe requires 2 teaspoons of fresh grated ginger.
When should the French rolls be toasted?
Place the split rolls cut side down on the grill during the last 2 minutes of grilling.
What is the protein content per burger?
Each burger contains 22g of protein.
How do you prevent the burgers from sticking to the grill?
Brush the grill grates lightly with vegetable oil before placing the patties on the grill.
What unique ground spice is added to the pork mixture?
1/2 teaspoon of ground star anise is added to the patty mixture.
How much carbohydrate is in this recipe per serving?
Each burger has 22.3g of carbohydrates.
Why should the dressing be refrigerated before use?
Refrigerating the dressing allows the aromatic flavors of the herbs and lime to meld together.
What is the preparation for the garlic?
The garlic should be minced before being added to the meat.
How should the ground pork be mixed with the ingredients?
Gently mix with a fork until just combined, taking care not to overwork the meat.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 16 distinct ingredients in the Thai Basil Grilled Pork Burger recipe.
How much mayonnaise is needed for the dressing?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of mayonnaise.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch or snacks?
Yes, it is tagged as both a lunch and a snack recipe.
What is the first step in assembling the burger?
Spread a thin layer of the prepared dressing on the bottom half of each toasted roll.