This is a pan-fried hamburger patty built around ground pork and grated vegetables — carrot, onion, and zucchini — bound with egg and cooked rice or oatmeal. The result is a moist, mild patty that works as a burger or on its own. It comes together in 20 minutes and makes four patties, which means it’s genuinely useful for getting ahead on the week’s meals.
Why this recipe works
Two things carry this recipe. First, grating the vegetables rather than chopping them means they release moisture directly into the meat as it cooks, which keeps the patty from drying out even with lean pork. Second, cooked rice or oatmeal acts as a binder that also absorbs excess liquid — without it, the mix is too wet to hold a shape. The ratio matters: add the rice or oatmeal gradually, a spoonful at a time, until the mixture just holds together when pressed. Stop there. Over-binding makes the patty dense and starchy instead of tender.
Troubleshooting
- Patties fall apart in the pan: The mix is still too wet. Refrigerate it for 15 minutes before forming — cold fat firms up and the binder tightens, making the patties much easier to handle.
- Outside browns but center stays raw: The patties are too thick. Press them to about ¾ inch and use medium heat, not high. Ground pork must reach 160°F (71°C) internal — use an instant-read thermometer to be sure, especially for thicker patties.
- Patties shrink and dome in the middle: The indentation in the center needs to be deeper than you think — about ½ inch. A shallow dimple closes up quickly once the meat hits heat.
- Vegetables make the patty taste watery: Squeeze the grated zucchini in a clean towel before adding it to the mix. Zucchini holds a surprising amount of water and releasing it beforehand keeps the flavor concentrated.
- Patties stick to the pan: Let them cook undisturbed for at least 3 minutes before attempting to flip. If they resist, they need another minute. A well-set crust releases cleanly; forcing the flip tears the patty.
Keeping and reheating
Cooked patties keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip bag — they’ll keep for up to 3 months. Reheat from the fridge in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water for about 3 minutes per side; the steam prevents them from drying out. From frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating the same way. Microwaving works in a pinch — cover with a damp paper towel and use 50% power in 60-second intervals — but the texture suffers. Raw, unseasoned patties can also be frozen before cooking: layer them with parchment, freeze solid, and bag them for up to 2 months.
Pork & Veggie Burger Patties
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Box grater
- 10-inch non-stick skillet
- Spatula
- Baking sheet (for freezing)
Ingredients
- 14 oz ground pork 400g — use lean beef or ground turkey as an alternative
- ½ medium carrot about 40g / 1.5 oz, peeled
- ¼ medium onion about 30g / 1 oz
- ¼ medium zucchini about 40g / 1.5 oz
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup cooked rice, rolled oats, or plain breadcrumbs about 40g — add gradually until the mixture just holds together
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Using a box grater, coarsely grate the carrot, onion, and zucchini. Add the grated vegetables to a large mixing bowl with the ground pork and mix until evenly combined.14 oz ground pork, ½ medium carrot, ¼ medium onion, ¼ medium zucchini
- Crack the egg into the bowl and mix until fully incorporated.1 large egg
- The mixture will be wet at this stage. Add the cooked rice, oats, or breadcrumbs one spoonful at a time, mixing after each addition, until the mixture just holds together when pressed into a patty. Stop as soon as it holds its shape — over-binding will make the patties dense.¼ cup cooked rice, rolled oats, or plain breadcrumbs
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about ¾ inch (2 cm) thick. For toddlers, roll the mixture into small meatballs instead for easy finger food.
- Press a shallow dimple into the centre of each patty with your thumb — this prevents the patty from puffing up and ensures even cooking. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a 10-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Notes
Nutrition
Common questions
Can I use ground beef instead of ground pork?
Yes, ground beef works well here. Use 80/20 or 85/15 for the best moisture; leaner blends can turn dry with the pan-fry method. Ground beef patties also need to reach 160°F (71°C) internal temperature.
Do I have to use both rice and oatmeal, or just one?
Either one works on its own — you don’t need both. Cooked rice gives a slightly lighter texture; oatmeal binds a little more firmly. Use whichever you have, or substitute plain breadcrumbs in the same quantity.
Can I add salt and seasoning without making it too salty for kids?
Make the full batch unseasoned, then season individual patties at the table or after pulling the kids’ portions. A light sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and a few drops of Worcestershire sauce on the adult patties before the second flip works well.
How do I know when the patties are fully cooked through?
An instant-read thermometer is the reliable answer — ground pork and ground beef both need to hit 160°F (71°C) at the center. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest patty: the juices should run clear and there should be no pink remaining.
Can I make the mix ahead and refrigerate it before forming the patties?
Yes, and it actually helps. The mix can sit covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before forming. Chilling firms the fat and makes the patties easier to shape without falling apart.
Can I use ground turkey instead of pork or beef?
Ground turkey works as a substitute and produces a leaner patty. Turkey patties must reach 165°F (74°C) internal — higher than pork or beef — so use a thermometer and don’t pull them early based on color alone.
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