Pulled Pork Smash Burgers: Easy Recipe for BBQ Lovers

Author

Big Ks Que

Hey yall ! My name is Kevin , but just Call me Bigk ! Backyard bbq is my passion, so back in 2020 we turned on the camera and started sharing our journey with yall. Come on in fix ya a plate , and welcome to the family -Big K

A man wearing a brown apron, gray shirt, and blue gloves cooks on a flat-top grill. He shapes a ball of ground meat next to a cast iron press, with a brick wall in the background.

If you're looking to take your BBQ game to the next level, let me introduce you to the magic of Pulled Pork Smash Burgers. These bad boys are the perfect combination of smoky, juicy pulled pork and crispy, cheesy beef patties that will have your taste buds dancing. Trust me, once you take a bite, you'll be hooked.

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What makes this recipe a winner is its simplicity and the way it beautifully combines two of my favorite BBQ staples: pulled pork and burgers. You get that gooey cheese melt, the tender pulled pork, and a crunchy coleslaw all piled high on a soft brioche bun. It’s the kind of meal that’ll disappear faster than a cold beer on a hot summer day.

Now, let’s dive into why you’ll absolutely love this recipe. First off, it's incredibly versatile. Whether you're having a backyard BBQ with friends or just looking to satisfy your own cravings, these smash burgers are a hit every time.

Plus, if you’ve got leftover pulled pork, this is the ultimate way to repurpose it. It's all about maximizing flavor and minimizing waste, folks!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

One of the best things about these Pulled Pork Smash Burgers is how easy they are to whip up. You can have them on the table in no time, making them a perfect weeknight dinner option or a crowd-pleaser for game day. The blend of flavors is out of this world, and each bite is a delightful mix of textures.

The crispy edges of the smashed burger patty paired with the tender pulled pork and crunchy slaw? It’s a flavor explosion.

Another reason to love this recipe is that it invites creativity. Want to add some pickles or jalapeños? Go for it!

You can also play around with your favorite sauces or rubs. The base recipe is super adaptable, so you can make it your own. Plus, who doesn't love a meal that looks just as good as it tastes?

Get your cameras ready, because these burgers are Instagram-worthy!

Ingredients & Tools You'll Need

Alright, let’s talk about what you’ll need to make these delicious burgers. You’ll start with 8 brioche buns, which are perfect for holding all that goodness together. They’re soft, slightly sweet, and toast up beautifully.

A person wearing a brown apron and blue gloves cooks two pieces of meat on a large outdoor griddle, holding a metal spatula; a brick wall is in the background.

Next up, we have 5 to 6 tablespoons of bacon grease. Yes, you heard that right! It adds a rich flavor that you can’t beat.

You’ll also need about 3 pounds of pulled pork. If you’ve got leftovers from your last BBQ, this is the perfect way to use them up. We’ll be dusting it with a 1/4 cup of your favorite BBQ rub to amp up the flavor.

A bottle of white BBQ sauce is essential for that tangy touch, and you can’t forget about the 1/4 cup of sugar to balance it all out. Lastly, a bag of coleslaw will add that crunch we all love. You can buy it pre-made or whip up your own.

Either way, you’re set for a fantastic meal!

How To Make It

Now that we’ve got our ingredients lined up, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these Pulled Pork Smash Burgers. The process is as fun as it is delicious. You’ll want to start by preparing your slaw to let those flavors mingle.

Preparation

About an hour before you start cooking, mix together your white BBQ sauce, sugar, and coleslaw in a bowl. Give it a good stir and toss it in the fridge to chill. This step is crucial because it allows the flavors to meld together, creating that delicious slaw that complements the burgers perfectly.

Once that’s done, it’s time to get your griddle or skillet heated up to medium-high. You’ll want to put down about 2 tablespoons of bacon grease to get that sizzle going. While the grease heats up, take your burger press and let it warm up too.

This is key for achieving those crispy edges on your smash burgers.

Cooking

Now comes the fun part! Grab a 1/3 pound ball of pulled pork and place it on the hot griddle. Dust it generously with BBQ rub, and that’s when the magic happens – you’ll want to smash it down.

Press it firmly but don’t go overboard; you want to create a nice, even patty with crispy edges.

A person wearing a brown apron uses tongs to place coleslaw onto a piece of cooked meat on a toasted sandwich bun, preparing sandwiches on a patterned wooden cutting board.

Let it cook for about three minutes, and you should hear that satisfying sizzle. After three minutes, flip it over and let it cook for another three. At this point, you’ll start to smell the smoky goodness, and the edges will be getting nice and crispy.

While that’s happening, toss a little more bacon grease on the griddle and pop your buns on there to toast. You’ll want them golden brown for the perfect burger base.

Once everything is cooked and looking fantastic, it’s time to build your sandwiches. Start with a toasted bun, layer on the cheesy smashed pork patty, and top it off with that crisp coleslaw. Trust me, you’re in for a treat.

Serving & Variations

Now that you’ve got your burgers assembled, let’s talk about how to serve them up. These Pulled Pork Smash Burgers are fantastic on their own, but you can kick it up a notch with some sides. Think sweet potato fries, potato salad, or even some grilled corn on the cob.

A man wearing a brown apron and cap pours bagged coleslaw mix into a glass bowl on a kitchen counter, preparing food in a home kitchen setting.

A common consensus among home cooks is that adding a slice of pickle or jalapeños can take these burgers to the next level. Feel free to experiment with different types of BBQ sauces as well. If you want to change things up, try using a different kind of bun or even swap out the pulled pork for brisket or chicken.

The options are endless!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of meat is best for pulled pork?

Pork shoulder, also known as pork butt, is the best cut for pulled pork due to its fat content and flavor.

Can I make the pulled pork in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the pulled pork in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for longer storage.

What toppings work well with pulled pork smash burgers?

Popular toppings include coleslaw, pickles, barbecue sauce, and cheese. Feel free to customize based on your preference.

How do I smash the burgers for the best results?

Place the formed patties on a hot grill or skillet, then use a spatula to press down firmly to create a nice crust.

What side dishes pair well with pulled pork smash burgers?

Fries, onion rings, and a simple salad are great sides that complement the flavors of pulled pork smash burgers.

Wrapping Up

So there you have it, folks! Pulled Pork Smash Burgers that are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor. Perfect for any BBQ lover looking to impress friends and family.

A person wearing a brown apron and blue gloves presses a metal tool onto food cooking on a flat-top grill, with a brick wall in the background.

I hope you give this recipe a try because it’s bound to become a favorite in your household.

Recipe created by Big Ks Que for Trust Me Try It.

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