Irresistible Char Siu Pork Burgers with Asian Slaw: Your Ultimate Summer Grilling Recipe
Summer is synonymous with grilling, and there’s nothing quite like a juicy burger to celebrate the season. While classic beef burgers hold a special place in our hearts, this year, we’re taking our grilling game to a whole new level with something truly extraordinary: **Char Siu Pork Burgers**! These Asian-inspired delights combine the succulent flavors of traditional Chinese BBQ pork with the familiar comfort of a homemade burger, all topped with a vibrant, tangy Asian slaw. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a unique and unforgettable meal that will quickly become a favorite.
A Culinary Adventure: Embracing Burger Month with Asian Flavors
We’ve been on a delicious journey this summer, exploring a variety of burger creations as part of Burger Month. From the spicy kick of a Jalapeno Turkey Burger to the fresh zest of a Pesto Chicken Burger, we’ve loved experimenting with different flavors and textures. This Char Siu Pork Burger continues that exciting trend, bringing an exotic twist to the humble patty. It’s a testament to the versatility of burgers and the joy of stepping outside the traditional. A huge thank you to Kita from Pass the Sushi and Girl Carnivore for organizing such a fantastic Burger Month, bringing together talented bloggers to share their incredible recipes!
The inspiration for these magnificent pork burgers struck while I was flipping through an issue of Shape magazine. The moment I saw the recipe, I knew I had to make it. Our family has a deep appreciation for Asian cuisine – Thai, Japanese, and various other Asian dishes are regular fixtures in our meal rotation. Even my 9-year-old son is a huge fan, which makes cooking these types of meals even more rewarding.
Years ago, when I first started my blogging adventure, I attempted a Char Siu Pork Roast. While I remember liking the flavor, I felt it was missing a little something extra. Creating these Char Siu Pork Burgers presented the perfect opportunity to revisit those flavors and elevate them into something truly spectacular. Plus, it was an exciting challenge, as I had never made a pork burger before, opening up a whole new world of possibilities for our grill.
The Secret to Success: A Flavorful Glaze and Fresh Slaw
I can confidently say that making these pork burgers was an absolute triumph. The flavor profile was incredibly rich and satisfying, convincing me that pork is an underrated star in the burger world. What makes these burgers truly stand out is that the meat itself is simply seasoned with salt and pepper, allowing the vibrant flavors of the glaze and the refreshing slaw topping to shine through. This dynamic duo transforms a simple pork patty into a gourmet experience.
Crafting the Irresistible Char Siu Glaze
The Char Siu glaze is undeniably the heart of this recipe. It’s a magical concoction that coats the pork patties with a sticky, sweet, and savory goodness that’s utterly addictive. This glaze is a blend of essential Asian pantry staples: low-sodium soy sauce for umami, sweet honey and brown sugar for that signature Char Siu sweetness, a touch of ketchup for tang, rich hoisin sauce, and the irreplaceable Chinese 5-spice powder. Chinese 5-spice is one of my absolute favorite seasonings, boasting a complex aroma of star anise, cloves, cinnamon, Sichuan pepper, and fennel seeds. Its unique warmth and depth truly elevate the glaze to another level.
You’ll find that this recipe makes more glaze than you might need for just the burgers, but that’s a bonus! Don’t let any of it go to waste. The leftover glaze is fantastic on grilled chicken breasts the next day, brushed over pork chops, or even drizzled on some grilled shrimp for a quick and flavorful meal. If you’re looking for other ways to incorporate this amazing spice blend into your cooking, be sure to check out my 5-Spice Pork Lo Mein recipe – it’s another family favorite!
Even my 9-year-old, initially a bit wary of the glaze, was completely won over in the end. He loved it so much that he kept dipping his Char Siu Pork Burger in more glaze. It’s truly a testament to how universally appealing these flavors are, even for picky eaters!
The Refreshing Cilantro Lime Slaw
To perfectly complement the rich, sticky glaze, a fresh and zesty slaw is essential. This Asian-inspired coleslaw provides a much-needed textural contrast and a burst of bright, tangy flavor that cuts through the sweetness of the Char Siu. It’s incredibly simple to make, combining classic coleslaw mix with fresh, finely chopped cilantro for herbaceous notes, a touch of hoisin for consistency and depth, and the bright, acidic punch of fresh lime juice. A pinch of salt and pepper ties all the flavors together, creating a perfectly balanced topping. This slaw isn’t just an afterthought; it’s an integral part of the Char Siu Pork Burger experience, adding a refreshing crunch with every bite.
Tips for Making the Best Char Siu Pork Burgers
Achieving burger perfection is easier than you think with a few simple tips:
- Quality Ground Pork: Start with good quality ground pork. While some fat is good for flavor and juiciness, you don’t want it excessively greasy.
- Gentle Mixing: When seasoning the pork with salt and pepper and forming the patties, avoid overmixing. Overworking the meat can lead to tough burgers. Mix just enough to combine.
- Even Patties: Form four equally sized patties. For an even cook, make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This prevents them from bulging in the middle during grilling.
- Grill Temperature: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. A hot grill ensures a good sear and prevents sticking.
- Don’t Rush the Flip: Allow the burgers to cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Resist the urge to press down on the patties with your spatula, as this squeezes out valuable juices.
- Warm Glaze: Keep the glaze warm over low heat while the burgers are cooking so it’s ready to spoon over the patties as soon as they come off the grill.
- Toasted Buns: Don’t skip toasting the hamburger buns! This adds a subtle crunch and prevents them from getting soggy, providing a sturdy base for your flavorful burger.
Serving Your Char Siu Pork Burgers
Once your pork patties are perfectly grilled and glistening with that beautiful Char Siu glaze, it’s time to assemble your masterpieces. Place a warm, toasted bun on your plate, layer on a juicy Char Siu pork burger, generously spoon over more of that incredible glaze, and finish with a mound of the fresh, crunchy cilantro-lime slaw. These burgers are best served immediately to enjoy the warmth of the patty and the crispness of the slaw. Pair them with a simple side salad, some crispy sweet potato fries, or even a light cucumber salad to complement the Asian flavors.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, enjoying a casual weeknight dinner, or simply craving something new and exciting, these Char Siu Pork Burgers are guaranteed to be a hit. They offer a delightful fusion of familiar comfort food with vibrant, authentic Asian tastes, proving that sometimes, the best culinary creations are born from unexpected combinations. So, fire up your grill, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a burger experience that’s truly out of this world!
We absolutely loved how these pork burgers turned out and know you will too. They’re packed with incredible flavor, surprisingly easy to make, and offer a fantastic twist on traditional grilling. Give them a try and let us know what you think!
Char Siu Pork Burgers
Pin Recipe
Rate Recipe
Print Recipe
Ingredients
Burgers
- 1 pound ground pork
- salt and pepper
Glaze
- 3 Tablespoons soy sauce, (low-sodium)
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 2 Tablespoons ketchup
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon 5-spice
Slaw
- 1 cup cole slaw mix
- 3 Tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 Tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 lime, , juiced
- salt and pepper
Instructions
-
Preheat grill to medium high heat.
-
Season pork with salt and pepper. Mix, and form into 4 patties.
-
In a small saucepan combine all of the ingredients for the glaze. Heat over low heat.
-
Grill the pork patties for about 5-6 minutes each, until fully cooked through.
-
Meanwhile combine make the slaw. In a bowl combine hoisin sauce and lime juice. Toss with cabbage and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
-
Toast 4 hamburger buns if desired.
-
To serve place cooked pork burgers on a bun. Spoon over glaze and top with slaw.
-
Serve immediately
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!