Mini Guinness Pork Burgers with Guinness BBQ Sauce

Recipe by The Gourmet RD

How do you feel about mini food? Even more importantly, how do you feel about mini burgers?  There is just something so charming about a mini version of any food.  And I just love burgers

Ingredients

• ¾ cup Guinness stout
• ¾ cup ketchup
• ½ cup molasses
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp lemon, lime or orange juice
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• dash hot sauce or ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp Guinness stout
• 1 tbsp minced garlic {or 1 tsp. garlic powder}
• 1 egg
• ½ cup panko bread crumbs
• ¼ tsp coarse salt
• ¼ tsp ground black pepper
• 2 slices Muenster or other white cheese
• 5 mini buns
• burger toppings, as desired

Method

1. Whisk together BBQ sauce ingredients in a medium saucepan set on high heat. When it begins to boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20-22 minutes, until sauce has thickened. Taste and adjust seasonings, as necessary. While BBQ sauce cooks, prepare burgers. Combine ground pork, mustard, stout, garlic, egg, bread crumbs, salt and pepper in a bowl. Work with your hands until all ingredients are incorporated. Form 5-6 small patties. Heat cast iron skillet {or sauté pan} to medium-high heat. Add cooking spray or a little oil to the pan. When hot, add patties and cook on each side about 4-5 minutes, until a nice crust is formed and pork is cooked to 145°F. When burgers are almost done on the second side, add the cheese slices to each burger; allow to melt. Remove patties and toast the buns for 30-60 seconds each in the hot pan. Build the burgers with desired toppings and BBQ sauce.

View the recipe instructions at The Gourmet RD