PORK-FENNEL BURGER

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Pork-Fennel Burger image

For this burger, you need fat. Pork shoulder is almost imperative for the correct balance of lean and fat. You need strong spices; as a starting point, you cannot beat fennel seeds and black pepper. And you need adequate salt, an essential in any good burger. Variations, of course, are not just possible but advisable. Chopped fresh fennel or chopped onion are spectacular additions. When it is cooked over high heat, whether on a grill or in a pan or broiler, until just done, the result is consistently juicy, super flavorful and sublimely tender. And it browns, developing a dark, crisp crust like no beef burger I've ever had.

Provided by Mark Bittman

Categories     dinner, easy, quick, weekday, burgers, main course

Time 30m

Yield 8 patties

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 fennel bulb, trimmed and cut into large chunks
3 to 4 garlic cloves
2 1/2 pounds boneless pork shoulder, with some of the fat, cut into 1-inch cubes
1 tablespoon fennel seeds
1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper, or more to taste
Peeled orange slices to garnish (optional)
chopped olives to garnish (optional)
chopped parsley to garnish (optional)
chopped roasted red pepper to garnish (optional)
fennel slices, to garnish (optional)

Steps:

  • If grilling or broiling, heat should be medium-high and rack about 4 inches from fire. Put fennel and garlic into a food processor and pulse until just chopped; remove to a large bowl. Put pork fat in processor and grind until just chopped; add to bowl. Working in batches, process meat with fennel seeds, caraway, if using and salt and pepper, until meat is just chopped (be careful not to over-process). Add to bowl and mix well. Shape mixture into 8 patties.
  • To broil or grill, cook about 5 minutes on each side, turning once after 4 or 5 minutes and again as necessary, 8 to 10 minutes total. For stovetop, heat a large skillet over medium heat for 2 or 3 minutes, then add patties; cook undisturbed for about 3 minutes, then rotate them so they brown evenly. When browned, turn. Total cooking time is about 10 minutes. (They can remain ever-so-slightly pink in the center.)
  • Garnish with peeled orange slices, chopped olives, chopped parsley, chopped roasted red pepper and fennel slices, to taste.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 279, UnsaturatedFat 11 grams, Carbohydrate 2 grams, Fat 21 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 20 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 319 milligrams, Sugar 1 gram

Nizam deen Mohamed
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Overall, these burgers were a hit! They were easy to make, flavorful, and juicy. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a new burger recipe.


Roshna Samad
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These burgers were a bit too fennel-forward for my taste. I think I would have preferred a more balanced flavor profile. Otherwise, they were good.


Sacdiyo Cabdiwaaxid xuseen
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I'm a big fan of fennel, so I was excited to try these burgers. I wasn't disappointed! The fennel flavor was subtle but it really added something special to the burgers. I'll definitely be making these again.


Bipul Xetrri
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These burgers are a great way to use up leftover pork. I made them with some leftover pork shoulder and they were amazing. The fennel and other spices really complemented the pork.


Rockthor Thor
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I've made these burgers a few times now and they're always a hit. They're so easy to make and they're always juicy and flavorful. I love the combination of pork and fennel.


Funmilayo Morenikeji
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These burgers were amazing! I made them exactly as the recipe said and they turned out perfectly. I served them with a side of roasted potatoes and a green salad.


Ketorwosorgbor Moses
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These burgers were a bit too dry for my taste. I think I might add some more moisture next time, maybe by using a different type of breadcrumb or by adding some grated zucchini.


Alexander Davis
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I'm not a huge fan of pork, but these burgers were surprisingly good. The fennel and other spices really helped to balance out the flavor of the pork. I'd definitely make these again.


Patrick Pressley
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I've made these burgers several times now and they're always a hit with my family and friends. They're so easy to make and they're always juicy and flavorful. I love the combination of pork and fennel.


Shawn Weldon
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These burgers were a bit too fennel-forward for my taste. I think I would have preferred a more balanced flavor profile. Otherwise, they were good.


Nameere Shamsa
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I'm a big fan of fennel, so I was excited to try these burgers. I wasn't disappointed! The fennel flavor was subtle but it really added something special to the burgers. I'll definitely be making these again.


Ike Addo
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These burgers are a great way to use up leftover pork. I made them with some leftover pork shoulder and they were amazing. The fennel and other spices really complemented the pork.


yasir naeem
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I've made these burgers a few times now and they're always a hit. They're so easy to make and they're always juicy and flavorful. I love the combination of pork and fennel.


Shiesty Season
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These burgers were delicious! I made them exactly as the recipe said and they turned out perfectly. I served them with a side of roasted potatoes and a green salad.


Declan Mccauley
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These burgers were a bit too dry for my taste. I think I might add some more moisture next time, maybe by using a different type of breadcrumb or by adding some grated zucchini.


M Jutt
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I love the combination of flavors in these burgers. The fennel and onion give them a nice sweetness, while the mustard and Worcestershire sauce add a bit of tang. I'll definitely be making these again soon.


Mas kal Sadat
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These burgers were so easy to make and they turned out so delicious! I used ground turkey instead of pork and they were still amazing. Thanks for sharing this recipe!


Sumit Mandal
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I'm not a huge fan of pork, but these burgers changed my mind. The fennel and other spices really balanced out the flavor of the pork. I'll definitely be making these again!


Tristin Vaters
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These pork fennel burgers were a hit at my last BBQ! Everyone loved the unique flavor and juicy texture. I'll definitely be making them again.