There are many reasons why people are turning to pork at the grocery store. Not only is pork accessible in most places, but it's also affordable, flavorful and a great substitute for beef. But is it easy to prepare? And how do you make pork burgers on the stove?
Tip
To cook pork burgers on the stove, make 1/2 inch think round patties from ground pork adding salt and pepper as desired. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the patties for four to five minutes on each side until the internal temperature is 160 degrees.
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Why Eat Pork?
Before you throw it into the pan and eat it, it's important to understand what you are consuming. Pork is the flesh of a domestic pig and can be prepared in numerous ways and has been enjoyed for centuries. Today, the pork you find at the grocery story is nutrient-rich and can be incorporated into a balanced diet.
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According to Pork.org, pork is 27 percent lower in saturated fat and 16 percent leaner compared to 26 years ago. In fact, many cuts of pork are as lean or leaner than chicken. But it doesn't stop there — pork is also an excellent source of thiamin, selenium, protein, niacin, vitamin B6 and phosphorus. It's rich in riboflavin, zinc and potassium, too.
You can purchase pork in many forms at the meat counter, too, from chops and tenderloin to loin roast, spareribs and shoulder. You can also purchase it ground. The texture is ideal for cooking pork patties to perfection.
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Cooking Pork Patties
When it comes to cooking pork burgers on the stove, the instructions are really quite simple.
- Take the ground pork out of the package and place it in a medium-sized bowl.
- Add salt and pepper, as desired, and mix it in well with the ground meat.
- Divide into ½ inch thick, round patties and place them to the side.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and and a few drops of a healthy oil such as olive oil.
- Once the pan is hot, place the patties in the skillet and cook for approximately four to five minutes on each side until the sides are golden brown.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of 160 degrees, per food safety recommendations made by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
- Allow meat to rest for about three minutes before serving and enjoy!
Tip
To reduce carbohydrates and add fiber to your meal, try wrapping your patties in lettuce instead of a bun and include other vegetables like tomatoes, cucumber, pickles and onion.
According to the USDA, one pork patty has approximately 295 calories and 25.5 grams of protein.
How Much Pork?
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) lists pork in a lineup of protein-dense foods which also includes chicken, turkey, salmon and tuna, as well as a number of different plant-based legumes, nuts and seeds. Try mixing up your protein sources to meet your daily requirements.
The AND adds that most healthy adults should aim for at least the recommended dietary allowance of protein for their age and sex. For instance, females between 31 and 50 years of age should consume at least 5 ounces of protein per day, while men in that same age bracket should consume at least 6 ounces. Most common servings of protein, including pork patties, exceed this minimum.
Finally, it's also a good idea to cook the pork you purchase at the grocery store sooner rather than later. While ground pork will last a few days in the refrigerator, you don't want to consume spoiled meat of any kind.
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- Pork.org: “Nutrition”
- United States Department of Agriculture: “Fresh Pork From Farm to Table”
- U.S. Department of Agriculture: “Food Data Central: Pork, Ground or Patty, Cooked”
- Oregon State Linus Pauling Institute's Micronutrient Information Center: “Micronutrients for Health”
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: “How Much Protein Should I Eat?”