Why You’ll Love this Carolina Pulled Pork Inspired Hamburgers Recipe
Why will you love this Carolina Pulled Pork Inspired Hamburgers recipe?
First off, it’s a mouthwatering fusion of flavors that brings together the smoky richness of pulled pork and the satisfying bite of a juicy burger.
You’ll appreciate how the crispy bacon and tangy honey-mustard sauce elevate every bite, creating a taste experience unlike any other.
Plus, grilling the patties brings out a delicious smokiness that’s simply irresistible.
The crispy cabbage adds a crunch that balances the richness of the meat perfectly.
Trust me; this isn’t just another burger recipe—it’s a celebration of southern barbecue flavors that’ll impress your friends and family.
Get ready for a new barbecue favorite that’s sure to become a staple at your gatherings!
Ingredients of Carolina Pulled Pork Inspired Hamburgers
Creating the perfect Carolina Pulled Pork Inspired Hamburgers is all about gathering the right ingredients to bring that smoky, savory goodness right to your grill. If you’re anything like me, you might get a little excited when you see a list of ingredients that promises a flavor explosion.
So, let’s plunge into what you’ll need to whip up this delicious dish that combines the best of BBQ with the classic burger experience.
Here’s a handy list of everything you’ll need:
- 5 slices of smoky bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce or your favorite hot sauce
- 1 dash Worcestershire sauce
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon hot paprika
- 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed
- 1 1/2 lbs ground lean pork, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke (optional)
- Vegetable oil, for brushing
- 8 slices of thick-cut sandwich bread (like Texas Toast) or 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded green cabbage
Now, before you run off to the store, let’s talk about a few things. First, the quality of your ingredients really matters. For instance, using thick-cut bacon not only gives a satisfying crunch, but it also infuses that smoky flavor into the burger.
And while I’ve provided a recipe that includes some optional liquid smoke, it can really amp up that BBQ vibe if you’re not firing up the grill. Also, don’t hesitate to play around with the spices. If you like it spicier, toss in a bit more hot sauce or paprika.
The beautiful thing about cooking is that it’s all about making it your own. So gather your ingredients, and get ready for a flavor-packed adventure that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
How to Make Carolina Pulled Pork Inspired Hamburgers
Making Carolina Pulled Pork Inspired Hamburgers is a delightful journey into flavor town, and trust me, you’re going to want to take this trip. Start by taking 5 slices of smoky bacon and cutting them into 1/4-inch pieces. Fry half of these pieces along with 1 small finely chopped onion in 1 tablespoon of melted unsalted butter. You’ll want to keep an eye on them, letting the onions get that beautiful golden hue, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes.
Once they’re looking good, add in 1/3 cup of honey, 1/3 cup of Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup of cider vinegar, and a splash of Tabasco sauce or your favorite hot sauce. Simmer this concoction for 8 to 10 minutes until it thickens up a bit. Don’t forget to season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
While that’s bubbling away, you can take the rest of the bacon and fry it until it’s crispy before draining it on paper towels.
Now, let’s get to the meat of the matter—literally. In a bowl, combine 1 1/2 lbs of ground lean pork (make sure it’s at room temperature for even cooking) with the crispy bacon and if you’re feeling adventurous, toss in 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke for that BBQ flavor. You’ll want to mix it gently; we’re not making meatballs here!
Form four patties, about 3/4 inch thick, and place them on a plate covered with saran wrap. Grab a small mixing bowl to combine 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, 1/4 teaspoon hot paprika, 1 teaspoon dark brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon celery seed with 1 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. You’ll sprinkle this spice mixture all over your patties, patting it in so it sticks.
Before you fire up that grill, brush both sides of the patties and your choice of 8 slices of thick sandwich bread (Texas Toast is a winner here) or 4 hamburger buns with the remaining melted butter.
Once your grill is heated, brush the grate with vegetable oil, and place the burgers on it. Grill for about 12 minutes, flipping once, until they’re just cooked through. After that, throw the bread on the grill until it’s toasted and has those lovely grill marks.
To assemble, place each burger on a slice of toasted bread, top it with a generous helping of shredded green cabbage, and don’t forget that sweet honey-mustard sauce you whipped up earlier. Cover it with another piece of toasted bread, and voila! You’ve got a Carolina Pulled Pork Inspired Hamburger that’s just begging to be devoured.
Just don’t be like me and forget to pass around the extra sauce—you’ll want that extra drizzle for sure. Enjoy your feast!
Carolina Pulled Pork Inspired Hamburgers Substitutions & Variations
While experimenting with Carolina Pulled Pork Inspired Hamburgers, you can easily adapt the recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs.
For a lighter option, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of pork. If you’re vegetarian, substitute the meat with a plant-based burger or even grilled mushrooms for that hearty texture.
Don’t have honey? Maple syrup works well for sweetness. For a spicier kick, add jalapeños or switch to a spicier hot sauce.
You can also play with the toppings—think pickled onions or a tangy slaw to elevate the flavors.
Finally, if you’re gluten-free, use lettuce wraps instead of bread. These variations let you customize your burger while keeping that delicious Carolina essence!
What to Serve with Carolina Pulled Pork Inspired Hamburgers
When it comes to serving Carolina Pulled Pork Inspired Hamburgers, side dishes can elevate your meal and enhance those smoky flavors.
I love pairing these juicy burgers with classic coleslaw; its crunch and tangy dressing balance the rich pork perfectly.
For something heartier, baked beans bring a sweet and savory touch that complements the dish.
If you’re craving a lighter option, a fresh cucumber and tomato salad can cut through the richness, providing a revitalizing contrast.
Don’t forget about crispy sweet potato fries; their sweetness pairs wonderfully with the smoky notes of the burgers.
Finally, a selection of pickles or pickled jalapeños adds a zesty kick, making each bite even more enjoyable.
Enjoy your meal!
Additional Tips & Notes
To guarantee your Carolina Pulled Pork Inspired Hamburgers turn out perfectly, it’s essential to pay attention to a few key details.
First, make sure your ground pork is at room temperature; this helps it bind better with the bacon and spices.
Don’t skip the resting time for the patties; it allows the flavors to meld.
When grilling, watch the heat closely to avoid overcooking. I like to use a meat thermometer; aim for an internal temperature of 160°F.
Finally, remember to toast your bread or buns—this adds a lovely crunch and prevents sogginess.
Serve extra honey-mustard sauce on the side for those who want more flavor.
Enjoy every bite of this delicious creation!