Grilled BBQ Pork Patties with Smoky Rub
Juicy ground pork patties seasoned with a smoky BBQ rub and basted with tangy barbecue sauce while grilling for a flavorful cookout favorite. This american-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 25 minutes pairs ground pork, smoked paprika, brown sugar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb ground pork with 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix gently until well incorporated without overworking the meat.
- Step 2: Shape the pork mixture into 4 evenly sized patties, about 1/2 inch thick. Lightly brush each patty with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 3: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Place the patties on the grill and cook for 4 minutes on the first side until grill marks appear and the edges begin to firm.
- Step 4: Flip the patties and immediately baste the cooked side with 1/4 cup of the barbecue sauce. Grill for another 4 minutes, basting the other side with the remaining 1/4 cup barbecue sauce during the last 2 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F and the sauce is caramelized and sticky.
- Step 5: Remove the patties from the grill and rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled BBQ Pork Patties with Smoky Rub take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Grilled BBQ Pork Patties with Smoky Rub?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground pork from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled BBQ Pork Patties with Smoky Rub?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled BBQ Pork Patties with Smoky Rub for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Grilled BBQ Pork Patties with Smoky Rub?
American bbq & smoked like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
