Name: italian pork burgers with broccoli rabe
Ingredients: 3/4 cup mayonnaise ((about 7 ounces0); 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce ((or gluten-free low-sodium tamari sauce)); 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar, packed; 1 tablespoon worcestershire sauce; 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 slice hearty white sandwich bread, torn into pieces ((or gluten-free bread - about 1.5 ounces)); 1 shallot, minced; 2 tablespoons milk; 4 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce ((or gluten-free low-sodium tamari sauce)); 1 teaspoon ground fennel; 1 teaspoon minced fresh rosemary; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/2 pounds ground pork; 4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided; 2 garlic cloves, sliced thin; 8 ounces broccoli rabe, trimmed & cut into 1/2" pieces; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; pinch of red pepper flakes ((optional)); 2 teaspoons honey; 4 hamburger buns, toasted if desired

We’ve all had that wonderful combination. Pulled pork sandwiches topped off with melted provolone and a generous layer of broccoli rabe. It’s a definite Italian favorite. Let’s switch it up a bit with these Italian Pork Burgers with Broccoli Rabe.

Imagine the combination of pork, fennel, rosemary, and garlic all coming together in a moist charred burger. We’ll stick with the layer of broccoli rabe since it’s a no-brainer. Now top it off with a homemade burger sauce …like a secret sauce. It’s official. You now have a winner.

Let’s start with that burger sauce…

This is a pub-worthy sauce with intense salty, sweet and umami flavors. It will remind you of one of those secret sauces that they offer at the burger joints. It mixes up easily in one bowl.

Make this sauce gluten-free by replacing the soy sauce with gluten-free tamari sauce. Also be sure to choose a Worcestershire sauce that is certified gluten-free.

This yummy sauce can be made ahead of time then stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It really does have the best flavor after hangin’ out for a day in the fridge.

One more thought on toppings…

If you’re not a fan of mayo-based sauces, give this Amazing Smoked Red Pepper Sauce a try on this one.

Let’s move on to the main event…

Get the burgers formed…

To keep the pork burgers moist, start off with a bread mixture that is infused with ground fennel and fresh minced rosemary. If you have difficulty finding ground fennel as I have in the past, you can try this one on Amazon.

Once again, you can make the switch to gluten-free bread here if need be.

Set those formed patties aside while you work on the broccoli rabe. Keep in mind that you can always prepare the broccoli rabe a day ahead if you prefer.

Some broccoli rabe talk…

This is not my typical way of preparing broccoli rabe. I would normally trim the ends then cut into pieces of about an inch-and-a-half …then immerse them briefly in boiling water to blanch them before sautéing.

According to the folks at America’s Test Kitchen, the broccoli rabe is cut into half-inch pieces then added directly to the pan with the sautéed garlic. The result is refreshing. The just-right al dente freshness perfectly paired with the moist tenderness of the pork burger.

Your Italian Pork Burgers With Broccoli Rabe are almost ready…

Time for the final event. The pork burgers can be either sautéed or grilled. The important thing to remember is that since this is made of pork, it cannot be served on the rare side. Be sure that the internal temperature registers at 150 degrees before removing it from the heat. I find my digital meat thermometer to be invaluable when making these burgers. Best to be safe.

While the burgers are cooking, you may want to consider giving those buns a quick charring. It can be done easily by lightly brushing the cut sides with a bit of olive oil then placing them cut-side-down in a hot skillet or directly on the grill. It adds so much flavor and texture to final burger.

Why not serve these gems when hosting your next barbecue? Your guests will be pleasantly surprised when they bite into one of these amazing burgers. Be sure to offer some Homemade Cole Slaw as a delicious side along with some roasted potatoes and Barbecued White Beans.