Sizzle Up Your Summer with These Juicy Homemade Chorizo Burgers

Summer is just around the corner, and there's nothing quite like the aroma of a barbecue to bring friends and family together. If you're eager to impress your guests and tantalize their taste buds, try making these juicy homemade chorizo burgers. Packed with flavour and made from scratch, they are guaranteed to be a hit at your next outdoor gathering!

The secret to these moist, juicy burgers lies in combining pork mince with seasoned sausages. Add a mix of spices, fresh ingredients, and a splash of port, and you’ll create a flavour profile that's both rich and refreshing. With the right mix of ingredients and a little love, you’ll craft a burger that transports your taste buds to barbecue bliss.

Homemade Chorizo Burgers - The Recipe

To make 4 large burgers or 8 smaller ones, gather the following ingredients:

Ingredients

• 450g pork mince

• 6 Italian sausages, casing removed (look for those with a high meat content)

• 1 tbsp sweet smoked paprika

• 1 tbsp fennel seeds, lightly crushed

• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated

• The zest of half a lemon

• 1/4 of a red onion, finely grated

• 10g/2 tsp flaky sea salt

• Freshly ground black pepper to taste

• 1½ tsp fennel seeds

• 50ml port

• 1 egg

  
  

Method

Preparing Your Burger Mixture

Begin by combining the pork mince and the meat from the sausages in a large mixing bowl, making sure to remove the sausage casings first. Add the sweet smoked paprika, crushed fennel seeds, grated garlic, lemon zest, and grated red onion.

Mix everything gently with your hands or a wooden spoon until combined. Avoid overworking the meat, as this can lead to tough burgers. Season with flaky sea salt and a good grind of black pepper.

Now, add the port and the egg to the mixture. The port will add a hint of sweetness and help keep the burgers tender. Combine everything until just mixed, then divide the mixture into your preferred sizes—4 large or 8 smaller burgers.

Shaping Your Burgers

After dividing the mixture, it’s time to shape the patties. Lightly dampen your hands to prevent the mixture from sticking as you form each burger. Aim for about 2-3 cm in thickness for even cooking.

If you plan on grilling your chorizo burgers, press your thumb into the centre of each patty. This technique helps them maintain their shape and prevents puffing during cooking.

Grilling to Perfection

For grilling, preheat your BBQ or grill to medium-high heat before placing the patties on it. A preheated grill ensures beautiful grill marks and a caramelized crust, locking in juicy flavours.

Cook the burgers for about 4-5 minutes on each side. If you like them medium rare, adjust the cooking time slightly. Since these burgers contain pork, it's crucial to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F) for safe consumption.

Building the Ultimate Burger

Now comes the fun part: building your gourmet chorizo burger! Start with a soft, toasted bun—opt for something light, like brioche or ciabatta.

Spread a layer of your favourite mayonnaise, aioli, or chimichurri sauce on the bottom half of the bun. Place the grilled burger patty on top, then it’s time to layer on your toppings.

Consider classic options like fresh lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and tangy pickles. Elevate your burger with slices of avocado, caramelized onions, or even some spicy jalapeños for a kick. Don’t forget cheese; a slice of aged cheddar or pepper jack complements the chorizo beautifully.

Top it off with the other half of your bun, and voila! You’ve created the ultimate juicy burger that will have everyone coming back for seconds (or thirds).