Pork Banh Mi Burger

The Pork Banh Mi Burger is a sizzling fusion of East meets West, transforming the iconic Vietnamese sandwich into a grill worthy handheld feast. This burger takes the savory depth of seasoned ground pork and pairs it with fiery sriracha mayo, cooling cucumber slices, and punchy pickled vegetables all served on a toasted brioche bun.

Perfectly balanced with herbs, spice, and tang, this dish is a flavor packed twist on your usual BBQ fare. Whether you’re entertaining friends or treating yourself to a gourmet weeknight dinner, this burger delivers bold tastes and unforgettable textures in every bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Pork Patties:

• 1 pound ground pork

• ¼ cup finely chopped fresh basil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 3 green onions, white and green parts, finely chopped

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (to taste)

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

For the Sriracha Mayo:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 green onions, finely chopped

• 2 teaspoons sriracha (or more to taste)

For Assembly:

• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil (optional)

• 4 brioche buns, toasted

• ½ cup quick pickled vegetables, drained

• ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro

• 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)

• 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground pork, basil, garlic, green onions, fish sauce, sriracha, sugar, cornstarch, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly and form into 4 equal patties (about ⅓-inch thick).

2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, green onions, and sriracha to make the sriracha mayo. Set aside.

3. Heat sesame oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add pork patties. Cook 5 minutes per side, or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.

4. Spread 1 tablespoon of sriracha mayo on the toasted side of each top and bottom bun.

5. Layer pickled vegetables, cilantro, and jalapeños on the bottom buns. Top with the pork patties, cucumber slices, then the top buns (sauce side down).

6. Serve warm and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 889 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Pork Banh Mi Burger: A Cultural Collision of Flavor and Comfort

The Pork Banh Mi Burger is a modern culinary creation that seamlessly merges two globally loved food traditions Vietnamese street food and American backyard grilling. What results is a vibrant, flavor packed sandwich that pays tribute to both its cultural roots while delivering the kind of satisfying comfort that only a burger can bring.

At its heart, this burger is inspired by the banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich that dates back to French colonial times. Traditionally served on a crusty baguette with meats (often pork), pickled vegetables, cilantro, spicy chili, and a smear of creamy spread, the banh mi is an iconic fusion of Vietnamese ingredients and French culinary influence. By translating this into a burger format, the Pork Banh Mi Burger elevates the casual burger into something with international flair, balancing heat, acid, herbs, and richness in every bite.

The Origins of Banh Mi

To appreciate the brilliance of the Pork Banh Mi Burger, it’s helpful to understand the dish that inspired it. The banh mi originated in Vietnam in the 1950s but was influenced by French colonization, particularly the baguette and pâté, which are cornerstones of French cuisine. Vietnamese cooks began to adapt these European elements using local ingredients like pickled daikon and carrots, pork belly, fish sauce, chili peppers, and cilantro.

The word “banh mi” itself simply means “bread” in Vietnamese, but over time, it has come to refer to the full sandwich. As the banh mi grew in popularity worldwide, chefs and home cooks began experimenting with variations swapping proteins, changing sauces, and altering the bread.

The Pork Banh Mi Burger is one such evolution. Rather than sandwiching traditional banh mi fillings into a baguette, it builds them onto a toasted brioche bun with a seasoned ground pork patty as the star.

Why Pork? Flavor and Tradition

Pork is the most common protein found in traditional banh mi sandwiches, usually in the form of grilled pork, pork belly, or cold cuts like cha lua (Vietnamese pork roll). Pork pairs wonderfully with Vietnamese herbs and condiments its richness is a perfect foil for pickled vegetables and the sharp heat of fresh chili.

In this recipe, ground pork is seasoned with fish sauce, garlic, green onions, basil, and sriracha to capture the essence of Vietnamese cooking. Unlike a standard beef burger, the pork patty is herby, aromatic, slightly sweet, and layered with umami a flavor bomb that anchors the other toppings.

What Makes It “Banh Mi”?

For a burger to retain the soul of a banh mi, it must include the key ingredients that give the original sandwich its distinctive identity:

1. Pickled Vegetables: Usually a quick pickle of daikon and carrot, these crunchy, tangy vegetables cut through the richness of the meat and add brightness to the dish. Some variations include radish, cucumber, or red onion.

2. Fresh Herbs: Cilantro is non-negotiable it brings a signature herbal freshness that’s deeply Vietnamese.

3. Chili Heat: Thinly sliced jalapeños or bird’s eye chilies add spice. This element is adjustable for those who prefer a milder dish.

4. Creamy Spread: Traditionally, banh mi includes mayonnaise or pâté. In the burger version, a sriracha mayo delivers the same creamy richness with an added spicy kick.

5. Bread: Instead of a French baguette, the burger uses a soft but sturdy toasted brioche bun, which cradles the ingredients without overpowering them.

Together, these components reimagine the banh mi in a way that’s approachable, cookout-friendly, and supremely delicious.

Texture is Key

One of the reasons the Pork Banh Mi Burger is so satisfying is the variety of textures it offers in a single bite:

• The juicy pork patty gives a tender, savory base.

• The crisp pickled vegetables bring crunch and acidity.

• Cucumber slices offer a cooling contrast.

• The toasted brioche bun is soft yet firm enough to hold everything together.

• Sriracha mayo delivers a creamy, spicy richness that ties it all into one cohesive dish.

This harmony of textures is not just a nice bonus it’s a fundamental characteristic of banh mi, and something this burger manages to capture and translate effectively.

The Perfect Dish for Entertaining

One of the best things about this burger is that it’s ideal for entertaining. The components can be made ahead of time, allowing you to simply grill and assemble when your guests arrive.

Here’s a practical entertaining strategy:

• Three days in advance: Prepare the pickled vegetables.

• The night before: Mix and shape the pork patties.

• A few hours ahead: Whisk the sriracha mayo, slice cucumbers, jalapeños, and chop cilantro.

• Just before serving: Grill the burgers and toast the buns.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings an element of surprise to the table far more exciting than a standard cheeseburger but not overly complicated or exotic for casual eaters.

Health & Nutrition: A Balanced Indulgence

While burgers often get a reputation for being unhealthy, this particular recipe strikes a better balance between flavor and nutrition. The use of pork instead of red meat reduces saturated fat, and the generous addition of vegetables especially pickled ones adds fiber and essential micronutrients.

It’s also easy to customize:

• Use lettuce wraps instead of buns for a low-carb version.

• Make it gluten-free by swapping in gluten-free buns or bread.

• Turn it into sliders for appetizers or party platters.

• Add an egg on top for a brunch-style twist.

This flexibility makes it accessible for a wide range of diets and preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your Pork Banh Mi Burger with:

• Sweet potato fries or crispy wonton chips for crunch.

• A light Vietnamese noodle salad or cucumber slaw to echo the Southeast Asian theme.

• Limeade, iced jasmine tea, or a lager to balance the spice.

For dessert, keep it light and fresh maybe mango sticky rice or coconut sorbet.

A Global Burger Worth the Hype

The Pork Banh Mi Burger is more than a recipe it’s a delicious conversation between cultures. It embodies how modern food trends allow us to borrow inspiration from across the globe while making dishes our own. This burger is bold, exciting, and a fantastic way to introduce your friends and family to Vietnamese flavors without leaving the comfort of a familiar format.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking to shake up your next burger night, the Pork Banh Mi Burger is a must-try. It combines the savory depth of pork with the tangy crunch of pickled vegetables, the freshness of herbs, and the heat of sriracha into one crave-worthy sandwich. Whether you’re grilling outdoors, hosting a dinner party, or simply indulging in something flavorful on a weeknight, this dish promises satisfaction and surprise with every bite.

So go ahead take the leap into a global fusion of flavors. Your tastebuds will thank you.