SESAME PORK BURGERS WITH SWEET AND SPICY SLAW

Sesame Pork Burgers with Sweet and Spicy Slaw image

Provided by Tara O'Brady

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

For the Dressing and Slaw:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. rice or white vinegar
1 Tbsp. Sriracha, hot chili paste (sambal oelek), or sweet Thai chili sauce (optional)
2 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided
4 cups shredded cabbage
4 scallions, thinly sliced
For the Burgers:
1 lb. ground pork
1 garlic clove, finely grated
1 tsp. Sriracha, hot chili paste (sambal oelek), or sweet Thai chili sauce (optional)
1 tsp. toasted sesame oil
1/2 tsp. fish sauce
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped, plus more for serving
1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
4 English muffins, toasted
Freshly ground black pepper
Bread-and-butter pickles or quick-pickled carrots (for serving; optional)

Steps:

Make the Slaw:
Whisk mayonnaise, vinegar, Sriracha, sugar, and 1 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Transfer about 1/4 cup dressing to a small bowl; set aside.
Add cabbage and scallions to remaining dressing and toss to evenly coat. Season with remaining 1/2 tsp. salt. Cover and chill both the salad and dressing until ready to serve.
Do Ahead: Dressing and slaw can be made 8 hours ahead. Keep chilled.
Make the Burgers:
Using your hands or a wooden spoon, mix pork, garlic, Sriracha (if using), sesame oil, fish sauce, 1/4 cup cilantro, and 1/2 tsp. salt in a large bowl until well combined.
Shape pork mixture into 4 patties, slightly larger in diameter than English muffins (about 4").
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Working in batches if necessary, fry patties until browned on both sides and cooked through, 6-8 minutes.
Spread reserved dressing on muffins. Place a patty on bottom halves. Season with salt and pepper. Pile on some slaw, pickles, and cilantro, then close muffins. Serve with remaining slaw alongside.
Do Ahead: Patties can be made 1 day ahead. Separate with parchment if stacking. Cover and chill, or freeze up to 1 month.