savory

Brown Sugar Pork Burger with Bacon Onion Jam

Brown Sugar Pork Burgers with Bacon Onion Jam deliver an irresistible blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavor in every bite. Juicy pork patties caramelized with brown sugar pair perfectly with the rich saltiness of bacon and the deep, jammy sweetness of slow-cooked onions. The result is a bold, flavor-packed burger that feels both comfortingly familiar and deliciously unexpected—proof that pork brings unforgettable flavor to burger night.

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 Servings
Cuts ground pork

Ingredients

Before we get cooking, here’s everything you need. Check items off as you go — at home or in the store.

Directions

In a bowl, combine ground pork with first amount of brown sugar and smoked paprika until evenly distributed. Form into 4 equal sized patties and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld for 30 minutes.
In a skillet over medium low heat, add bacon and roughly ¼ cup of water and cook, stirring occasionally, until fat has rendered and bacon has crisped, about 10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove from pan.
Reduce heat to medium low. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of rendered bacon fat. Add onion and ½ cup of water. Stirring occasionally, cook onions until reduced significantly in size and are beginning to caramelize, about 20-25 minutes.
Add vinegar and second amount of brown sugar. Cook until vinegar has reduced and sugar is dissolved, about 3-5 more minutes. Remove from heat and fold in crisped bacon. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. 5. Preheat grill to 400°F.
Place pork patties on hot grill and season with salt and pepper. Grill burgers until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F, about 3-5 minutes per side. Place cheese slices on patties after flipped to melt if desired.
Toast buns on hot grill. Spread Dijon on one side of bun if desired. Place cooked burgers onto buns and finish with 2 tablespoons of bacon onion jam and a ¼ cup of arugula.