Grilled Pork Smash Burger​

  • Cooking Time: 10mins-12mins
  • Serving: 4
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients:

For the Patties:

  • 1.5 lbs ground pork (80/20 for juiciness)

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • ½ tsp smoked paprika

  • Optional: pinch of chili flakes or cumin for a flavor boost

For the Burgers:

  • 4 burger buns, toasted
  • 4 slices cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, or American work great)
  • Sliced pickles
  • Lettuce, tomato, red onion
  • Burger sauce or spicy aioli

Estimated Nutrition (Per Burger with Bun & Cheese)

  • Calories: ~620 kcal
  • Protein: ~35g
  • Fat: ~38g
  • Saturated Fat: ~13g
  • Carbs: ~30g
  • Sugars: ~5g
  • Fiber : ~2g
  • Sodium: ~750mg 

Note: Nutrition varies depending on toppings, cheese, and sauces.

 Instructions:

1. Preheat Pellet Grill:

  • Preheat grill to 450–500°F with oak, cherry, or hickory pellets.

  • Place a cast iron griddle or flat-top directly on the grill grates.

2. Form the Pork Balls:

  • Divide the ground pork into 4 equal balls (~6 oz each). Don’t flatten yet!

3. Smash & Sear:

  • Place pork balls on hot griddle or flat top.

  • Use a spatula or burger press to smash them flat (about ¼ to ½ inch thick).

  • Season with salt, pepper, and spices.

4. Cook & Flip:

  • Cook for 3–4 minutes, then flip and add cheese.

  • Cook another 3–4 minutes, until internal temp hits 160°F and edges are crispy. 5. Toast Buns & Build:

  • Toast buns on the grill for 1–2 minutes.

  • Assemble with burger sauce, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onion, and the smash patty.

Pro Tips:

  • Smash early and don’t move the patties to build that crispy crust.

  • For double-stack burgers, make smaller patties (4 oz) and stack two with cheese between.

  • Add a fried egg, grilled jalapeños, or pineapple for extra flair.