Table of Contents

• Why You’ll Love These Thai Burgers
• Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
• How to Make Thai Pork Burger With Peanut Sauce
• Tips for Perfect Thai Burgers
• Experiment with Thai Cuisine
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Thai Beef and Pork Burger Recipe

• Ground Beef – We recommend an 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio. The beef provides a familiar, robust burger flavor and helps bind the patties together, ensuring they hold their shape beautifully on the grill.
• Ground Pork – The star of our unique blend, ground pork contributes an incredible richness and moisture due to its higher fat content. This makes for an exceptionally juicy burger with a deeper, savory profile. If pork isn’t your preference, ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for a leaner patty, though the flavor and moisture will differ slightly.
• Jalapeños – These provide a vibrant kick of fresh spiciness and a pleasant heat without being overpowering. For those who love more fire, feel free to substitute with hotter fresh chili varieties such as bird’s eye chilies (Thai chilies) or Fresno peppers. Remember to adjust quantities to your spice tolerance!
• Hoisin Sauce – This sweet and savory Chinese barbecue sauce is a powerhouse of umami. It adds depth, a touch of sweetness, and a lovely glaze to the patties. Excellent substitutes include oyster sauce or fish sauce mixed with a small amount of honey for that essential sweet-savory balance.
• Lemongrass Paste – Infusing a distinct, bright citrusy flavor with subtle hints of ginger and mint, lemongrass is quintessential to Thai cuisine. Look for convenient lemongrass paste in the produce section of most supermarkets. If fresh lemongrass stalks are available, finely mince about 2 tablespoons. Alternatively, 1 tablespoon of dried lemongrass can be used, rehydrated slightly before mixing.
• Garlic Cloves – Essential for its pungent, aromatic, and zingy contribution, fresh minced garlic is a must for the authentic Thai flavor profile.
• Cheddar Cheese – While optional, a slice of sharp or mild cheddar cheese adds a comforting, creamy layer that perfectly melts onto the hot patty, enhancing the overall indulgence.
• Peanut Sauce – This creamy, dreamy sauce is a simple yet impactful combination of chunky or smooth peanut butter, hot chili paste (like Sambal Oelek), and soy sauce. For a gluten-free option, simply swap the soy sauce for tamari. You can thin it with a tablespoon or two of water for a drizzly consistency.
• Garnishes – Fresh cilantro leaves add a burst of herbaceous freshness, while additional jalapeño rings (from the reserved pepper) provide a beautiful pop of color and an extra zing of heat and crunch.

1. Prepare the Peppers: Begin by carefully slicing one of the jalapeño peppers into thin rings. These vibrant rings will serve as a fresh garnish, adding both visual appeal and a gentle crunch. Set them aside. With the remaining two jalapeños, cut them in half lengthwise, remove the seeds to control the heat level, and then finely dice them into ¼-inch pieces. These diced peppers will be incorporated directly into the burger patties for an even distribution of flavor and spice.
2. Form the Patties: In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and ground pork. Add the diced jalapeños, hoisin sauce, lemongrass paste, minced garlic, kosher salt, and white pepper. If you choose to add cheddar cheese, incorporate it now. Using your hands, gently but thoroughly mix all the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough burgers. Once mixed, divide the mixture into four equal portions and gently form them into patties about ¾ to 1 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from bulging while cooking.
3. Grill As Desired: Preheat your grill to high heat. Ensure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Place the pork and beef burger patties on the hot grill. Cook the first side for about 3 minutes to achieve a beautiful sear and char marks. Then, reduce the heat to medium, flip the burgers, and cook for another 4 minutes. For an even cook and to reach your desired doneness, give them one final flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. For the safest and most accurate cooking, aim for an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) using a meat thermometer.
4. Make the Peanut Sauce: While the burgers are grilling, prepare the delectable peanut sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the chunky or smooth peanut butter, hot chili paste (like Sambal Oelek), and soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free). If the sauce is too thick for your liking, you can add a tablespoon or two of warm water, whisking until it reaches your desired drizzly consistency. Set the sauce aside; it’s ready to be slathered!
5. Toast Buns & Serve: Lightly toast your chosen hamburger buns (brioche buns work wonderfully here, adding a touch of sweetness and richness). Once toasted, generously spread the prepared peanut sauce on both the top and bottom cut sides of each bun. Place a perfectly grilled Thai burger patty on the bottom bun. Top with fresh cilantro leaves and the reserved sliced jalapeño rings. Cap it with the other half of the bun and serve immediately. Prepare for a flavor explosion!

Tips for Perfect Thai Burgers

• Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients for the patties, mix just enough until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can compact the meat, leading to a tougher, less juicy burger.
• Chill Your Patties: If time allows, chill the formed patties in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes. This helps them firm up and prevents them from falling apart on the grill.
• The Thumbprint Trick: Press a small indentation into the center of each patty. This prevents the burger from puffing up in the middle during cooking, ensuring a flatter, more even patty.
• High Heat for Sear, Lower for Cook: Start with high heat to get a good crust, then reduce to medium to cook through without burning the exterior. This technique locks in juices and flavor.
• Rest Your Burgers: Just like steaks, letting your burgers rest for 2-3 minutes after grilling allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
• Adjust Spice to Taste: Jalapeños can vary in heat. If you prefer less spice, remove more seeds or use fewer chilies. For extra heat, leave some seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the patty mixture.

Thai cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its incredible balance of flavors – spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and umami – and its generous use of fresh, aromatic ingredients. This Thai Beef and Pork Burger recipe offers a fantastic entry point into these vibrant culinary traditions, showcasing the bright and bold flavors of lemongrass, fresh garlic, and spicy chilies.

To truly appreciate the symphony of flavors found in Thai cooking, we encourage you to explore beyond this burger! Dive into dishes like authentic Gai Yang Chicken (Thai BBQ), where chicken is marinated in a complex blend of herbs and spices before being grilled to perfection. Or try a delicate yet flavorful Thai Baked Halibut, which often features ginger, lime, and chilies. Even a playful dish like Thai Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Pizza demonstrates the versatility of these flavors.

The beauty of Thai cooking lies in its freshness and aromatic complexity. Don’t be afraid to fire up your grill – whether it’s an outdoor barbecue or an indoor grill pan – to continue exploring these amazing tastes. Once you master this spicy burger recipe, you’ll feel confident tackling other Thai-inspired dishes and infusing your everyday meals with exotic flair.