Can You Mix Ground Pork And Beef For Burgers? Here’s The Surprising Answer!
What To Know
- Burgers can be cooked on a grill, in a skillet, or in the oven.
- Mixing ground pork and beef for burgers is a great way to add flavor, moisture, and tenderness to your patties.
- However, turkey is a leaner meat than pork, so you may want to add some extra fat to the mixture, such as olive oil or butter.
Are you tired of the same old beef burgers? If you’re looking for a way to add some extra flavor and moisture to your patties, consider mixing ground pork with beef. But before you dive in, there are a few things you need to know.
Benefits of Mixing Ground Pork and Beef
There are several benefits to mixing ground pork with beef for burgers:
- Flavor: Pork has a richer, more flavorful taste than beef, so adding it to your burgers will give them a boost of umami.
- Moisture: Pork is also higher in fat than beef, which helps keep burgers moist and juicy.
- Texture: Mixing pork and beef creates a more tender and juicy texture than using either meat alone.
- Cost: Ground pork is typically cheaper than ground beef, so mixing the two can save you money.
How to Mix Ground Pork and Beef
The ratio of pork to beef you use is a matter of personal preference. However, a good starting point is to use a 50/50 mix. You can adjust the ratio to your liking, depending on how much flavor and moisture you want.
To mix the ground pork and beef, simply combine the two meats in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix the meats together until they are evenly combined.
Seasoning Your Burgers
Once you have mixed the ground pork and beef, it’s time to season it. There are many different ways to season burgers, but here is a basic recipe that you can use:
- 1 pound ground pork and beef mixture
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Mix the seasonings into the ground meat until they are evenly distributed.
Forming Your Burgers
Once your meat is seasoned, it’s time to form the burgers. The size of your burgers is up to you, but a good starting point is to make them about 1/2 pound each.
To form the burgers, simply take a handful of meat and shape it into a patty. Make sure to press down on the patty to form a seal.
Cooking Your Burgers
Burgers can be cooked on a grill, in a skillet, or in the oven.
To grill burgers:
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the burgers on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.
3. Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving.
To cook burgers in a skillet:
1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the burgers to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through.
3. Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving.
To bake burgers:
1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Place the burgers on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
4. Let the burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Serving Your Burgers
Burgers can be served with a variety of toppings, such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles. You can also serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Final Thoughts:
Mixing ground pork and beef for burgers is a great way to add flavor, moisture, and tenderness to your patties. So next time you’re grilling or cooking burgers, don’t be afraid to experiment with this delicious combination.
Questions You May Have
- Can I use ground turkey instead of ground pork?
Yes, you can use ground turkey instead of ground pork. However, turkey is a leaner meat than pork, so you may want to add some extra fat to the mixture, such as olive oil or butter.
- What other meats can I mix with ground beef for burgers?
You can mix ground beef with a variety of other meats, such as ground lamb, ground veal, or ground venison.
- How do I know when my burgers are cooked through?
The best way to tell if your burgers are cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the burgers should be 160 degrees Fahrenheit.