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:
- Combine brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne, salt, and black pepper to create a rub.
- Apply the rub generously over the pork steaks.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and sear the pork steaks until browned on both sides.
- Transfer to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the meat is tender enough to shred.
- Once cooked, shred the pork using two forks and set aside, keeping it warm.
Making the BBQ Sauce:
- In a saucepan, combine ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer on low heat for 10-15 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
Preparing the Slaw:
- In a bowl, mix together shredded cabbage, carrot, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Assembling the Burger:
- Toss the shredded pork with the BBQ sauce until well coated.
- Place a generous amount of the BBQ pork on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Top the pork with crispy fried onions and a helping of the tangy slaw.
- Add pickles as desired.
- 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.