Pork Shoulder BBQ Burger

The Pork Shoulder BBQ Burger is a succulent masterpiece that tantalizes the taste buds with its deep, smoky flavors and tender texture.

This burger is not just a meal but an experience, as the slow-cooked, spice-rubbed pork shoulder melts in your mouth, complemented by a rich, homemade BBQ sauce that boasts a perfect balance of sweetness, tang, and heat.

Served on a toasted brioche bun and crowned with crispy onions and a tangy slaw, it’s a burger that commands attention and satisfies the most serious of carnivorous cravings.

Ingredients:

For the Pork:

  • 2 lbs pork shoulder, trimmed and cut into thick steaks
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil, for searing

For the BBQ Sauce:

  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Slaw:

  • 2 cups shredded cabbage
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrot
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Additional:

  • 4 brioche buns, halved and toasted
  • Crispy fried onions
  • Pickles

Preparation:

Cooking the Pork:

  1. Combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper to create a rub.
  2. Apply the rub generously over the pork steaks.
  3. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the pork steaks until browned on both sides.
  4. Transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender enough to shred.
  5. Once cooked, shred the pork using two forks and set aside, keeping it warm.

Making the BBQ Sauce:

  1. In a saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.

Preparing the Slaw:

  1. In a bowl, mix together shredded cabbage, carrot, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  2. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Assembling the Burger:

  1. Toss the shredded pork with the BBQ sauce until well coated.
  2. Place a generous amount of the BBQ pork on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
  3. Top the pork with crispy fried onions and a helping of the tangy slaw.
  4. Add pickles as desired.
  5. Place the top half of the bun to finish the burger.

Serving:

  • Serve the Pork Shoulder BBQ Burgers immediately, with extra BBQ sauce on the side and your choice of accompaniments like seasoned fries or a garden salad.

Time:

  • Preparation time: 30 minutes (plus 6-8 hours slow cooking time)
  • Cooking time: 20 minutes
  • Total time: 6 hours 50 minutes to 8 hours 50 minutes

Serves:

  • This recipe serves 4 people, perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering of friends who appreciate the hearty comfort of a well-crafted burger.

Description:

The Pork Shoulder BBQ Burger is a celebration of the all-American barbecue in a bun. It’s a homage to the backyard cookouts and the smoky aroma of wood chips.

It’s a bite of tradition with a side of innovation, where every ingredient is chosen to complement the main act – the tender, slow-cooked pork. This burger is not just a dish; it’s a story of flavors, technique, and passion—a story that’s savored with each and every bite.