These Bánh Mì-Inspired Pork Burgers combine the bold, fresh flavors of a classic Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich with the comfort of a juicy burger. Tender pork patties are topped with quick pickled vegetables, cucumber, cilantro, and sriracha, all tucked into a soft hamburger bun.
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If you love the flavors of bánh mì, this burger version is a fun and easy twist for weeknight dinners, summer grilling, or casual entertaining.
Why you'll love this recipe
Delicious: juicy, flavorful pork patties, inspired by the classic Vietnamese bánh mì sandwich.
Easy to make: it's simple enough to whip up on a weeknight.
Versatile: perfect for summer grilling or stovetop cooking.
What is a bánh mì?
Bánh mì is a traditional Vietnamese sandwich layered with savory cold cut protein (eg. cha lua - steamed pork roll), pate, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, cucumber and chili, all served on a light, crusty baguette.
This burger keeps those signature elements while swapping the filling for a juicy pork burger patty.
Ingredients you'll need
For the pork patties:
- ground pork: 80/20 for the best flavor
- egg: beaten, optional: acts as a binder and keeps the patty together
- garlic cloves: chopped
- shallot: or green onion, finely chopped
- fresh lemongrass: finely chopped
- fish sauce: enhances savory, umami flavor
- soy sauce: adds salty flavor to the pork
- brown sugar: balances the flavor
- Thai chili or jalapeno: finely chopped; optional, omit if you don't like spicy
- cilantro: chopped; optional
For serving:
- burger buns or brioche buns
- do chua (Vietnamese pickled daikon and carrot)
- sliced cucumber
- extra cilantro
- sliced jalapeño
- sriracha
Where to find?
You can find these ingredients at Asian supermarkets.
How to make banh mi pork burgers
In a bowl, combine ground pork, egg, garlic, shallot, lemongrass, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, chili and cilantro (if using). Mix until just combined.
Divide into 4 equal patties and rest in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
Preheat a grill or skillet over high heat.
Grill the pork patties for 3-5 minutes per side, until cooked through and lightly caramelized.
Serve the banh mi pork patties on lightly toasted buns, with your desired toppings such as cucumber slices, pickled daikon and carrot, cilantro, and jalapeno. Drizzle with sriracha, if desired.
Enjoy immediately.
Variations
Try adding:
- a layer of pâté for a more traditional bánh mì flavor
- spicy mayo: mix a little mayonnaise with sriracha
- fried egg: for a variation on banh mi trung op la
What to serve with bánh mì burgers
These burgers pair well with:
- potato wedges, tater tots or sweet potato fries
- Vietnamese iced coffee
- cucumber salad
- crispy spring rolls
How to store
Store leftover cooked pork patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
The pickled vegetables can be made ahead and stored for up to 1 week in the fridge.
Expert tips
Don't overmix the pork or the patties may become dense.
Use soft buns rather than crusty Vietnamese baguette for easier eating and better texture balance.
Other delicious Vietnamese recipes you may like
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Banh Mi-Inspired Pork Burgers
For accuracy and precision in baking recipes, use weight (metric) measurements when available.
Ingredients
For the pork patties:
- 500 g ground pork
- 1 egg beaten
- 3 garlic cloves chopped
- 1 small shallot or green onion finely chopped
- 1 stalk lemongrass finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- ½ tablespoon soy sauce
- ½ teaspoon brown sugar
- 1 red Thai chili or jalapeno finely chopped, optional
- 3 tablespoon chopped cilantro optional
For serving:
- 4 burger buns or brioche buns
- do chua Vietnamese pickled daikon and carrot
- sliced cucumber
- fresh cilantro
- sliced jalapeño
- sriracha
Instructions
Prepare the pork patties:
- In a bowl, combine ground pork, egg, garlic, shallot, lemongrass, fish sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, chili and cilantro (if using). Mix until just combined.
- Divide into 4 equal patties and rest in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over high heat.
- Grill the pork patties for 3-5 minutes per side, until cooked through and lightly caramelized.
Assemble:
- Serve the banh mi pork patties on lightly toasted buns, with your desired toppings such as cucumber slices, pickled daikon and carrot, cilantro, and jalapeno. Drizzle with sriracha, if desired.
- Enjoy immediately.
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided should be considered as approximate and is not guaranteed. Please use your best judgment to ensure food is safely prepared and/or a good fit for your diet.
David @ Spiced
We've been playing with bánh mì variations and flavors here recently, and I'm loving your idea of using ground pork to make a bánh mì burger! So creative for summer grilling season!