Summer Cook-Out Idea: Pork Burgers with Plantain Crisps and Mayo-Ketchup {Recipe}

In Puerto Rico, roast pork is one of our staple foods, as are plantains. The two are often combined and served in various ways. In honor of National Hamburger Day coming up on May 28, and the start of summer grilling season, I thought about how to combine these flavors into a savory hamburger. Pork and plantains, wrapped up in a bun with a touch of mayo-ketchup topping it off…sounds amazing, right?

Let me tell you, the crispiness of the fried plantains along with the juicy pork burger, definitely work together. It may not be the same as a plate of pernil and tostones, but it is still a great combination of flavors. Plus, the mayo-ketchup – a popular condiment in Puerto Rico – adds another layer of deliciousness! Check out my pork burgers recipe below and be sure to check out the Walmart Food & Celebrations site for more grilling and summer recipes and ideas. I also have a couple of tips for ensuring you get the best-tasting burger, so be sure to read all the way through!

Pork Burgers with Plantain Crisps and Mayo-Ketchup

*Makes 8 burgers

Ingredients

• 2 lbs ground pork
• 1/3 cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 1 plantain, peeled and sliced into thin strips length-wise
• Blue cheese
• Lettuce or mixed greens
• Potato hamburger buns

For Mayo-Ketchup

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1/8 tsp black pepper

Directions

1. Add onion, Worcestershire sauce, pepper, salt, and paprika to ground pork. Mix thoroughly by hand.
2. Shape pork into burger patties. (Depending on each patty’s size, this should make about 8 burgers.)
3. Grill burgers until cooked to your liking, flipping halfway through.
4. While burgers are cooking, fry plantain strips in an oil-filled pan until golden-brown. Place on a paper towel lined plate and sprinkle with salt.
5. Mix mayo-ketchup ingredients together in a small bowl and spread on top bun.
6. Once burgers are done, layer in the following order: bottom bun, lettuce, burger, blue cheese, plantain crisp, top bun.

These pork burgers give traditional summer cook-outs a great twist. Of course, you can use the mayo-ketchup and plantain crisps on beef burgers as well – it’ll be just as delicious! The tips below have worked for us in cooking a great burger, so try them out and see what you think!

5 Tips for Great Summer Burgers on the Grill

• Add chopped onion to your meat, along with preferred herbs and spices. It’ll add extra taste to your burger.
• If using ground beef for your burgers, consider using an 85/15 quality. It has enough fat to help give you a juicy burger, but it’s not as much as other ground beef.
• When shaping your burger patties, try a medium thickness. It’ll allow for even cooking on the grill, yet you’ll still have juicy burgers.
• For kids, go a little thinner on the burger patty thickness and make them smaller, just right for sliders. Kids will love their mini-burgers and it’s easier for them to handle.
• To save time, season your meat and prep burger patties ahead of time.

What tips for juicy burgers on the grill work for you? I’m sure you have some great tips of your own, so please share them in the comments below!

All photos © Melanie Edwards/modernmami™