British BBQs are evolving — and leading the charge is the bold, indulgent hamburger with pulled pork. What started as an American smokehouse favourite is now a fixture on UK menus, from gastropubs and food trucks to garden BBQs across the country.
But why has this meat-loaded marvel captured the attention (and appetites) of the UK public? In this blog, we’ll explore the rise of the hamburger with pulled pork, what makes it so appealing, and how you can recreate it at home with top-quality ingredients.
What Is a Hamburger with Pulled Pork?
In simple terms, it’s a classic beef burger topped with a generous helping of tender, smoky pulled pork — often finished with BBQ sauce, slaw, and gourmet toppings. It’s a mouthwatering mashup of textures and flavours:
- Juicy beef patty with a smoky sear
- Slow-cooked pulled pork, rich and savoury
- Tangy BBQ sauce tying it all together
- Toasted bun for structure and bite
This is not your average cheeseburger — it’s a multi-layered meal in a bun.
Why It’s Gaining Popularity in the UK
1. Big Flavour, Bigger Satisfaction
The hamburger with pulled pork offers a double meat hit that satisfies on every level. It’s smoky, juicy, sweet, salty, and rich — all in one bite.
- Appeals to meat lovers looking for something indulgent
- Combines the comfort of a burger with the depth of BBQ pulled pork
- Perfect for sharing on social media and impressing guests
2. It Feels Gourmet, Without Being Pretentious
One of the reasons this dish works so well on UK BBQ menus is its versatility. It looks premium but feels familiar.
- Easily elevated with pickled onions, apple slaw, or smoked cheddar
- Just as tasty on a paper plate at a garden BBQ as it is in a gastropub
- Allows chefs to be creative without alienating traditionalists
3. It Fits the UK’s Growing Love for BBQ Culture
As British palates warm to slow-cooked meats, smoker recipes, and American-style BBQ techniques, it’s no surprise that pulled pork has become a staple. Combining it with a burger just makes sense — it’s the best of both worlds.
- UK BBQ competitions and smokehouse-style menus are booming
- Pulled pork is readily available pre-prepared, making it easy for home cooks
- Adds a BBQ twist to the familiar burger format
Where You’re Seeing It
The hamburger with pulled pork is cropping up everywhere in the UK:
- Street food stalls: Often loaded with extras like pickles, cheese sauce, and jalapeños
- Food festivals: Served alongside craft beer and gourmet sides
- Pub menus: As a featured “dirty burger” or weekend special
- BBQs at home: With pulled pork sourced from trusted butchers or ready-to-heat packs
Looking for premium pulled pork to try this trend yourself? Check out our BBQ Pulled Pork — tender, smoky, and ideal for burger stacking.
How to Make It at Home
Ingredients:
- 1 quality beef patty (approx. 6oz)
- 100g pulled pork (we recommend Franconian’s Pulled Pork)
- Soft brioche or seeded bun
- BBQ sauce
- Toppings: slaw, pickles, red onion, cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Grill or pan-fry your burger patty to preferred doneness. Let it rest.
- Heat your pulled pork gently in a pan or oven. Add BBQ sauce if desired.
- Toast your bun to prevent sogginess.
- Assemble: Bottom bun, lettuce (optional), beef patty, pulled pork, slaw or onions, sauce, top bun.
- Serve hot with fries, grilled corn, or slaw.
Tips to Perfect the Hamburger with Pulled Pork
- Use high-quality pulled pork: Look for slow-cooked, seasoned pork with good texture.
- Balance richness with crunch: Slaw or pickled elements help cut through the meatiness.
- Choose the right bun: A soft yet structured bun like brioche keeps everything together.
- Don’t over-sauce: Let the pork and beef shine without drowning in condiments.
The hamburger with pulled pork is more than just a trend — it’s a flavour-packed experience that blends the best of BBQ with the satisfaction of a great burger. Its growing popularity on UK menus shows that this fusion isn’t going anywhere.
Whether you’re heading to a food festival, firing up the grill at home, or crafting a menu for a crowd, this meaty masterpiece deserves a spot. And with premium pulled pork from Franconian, you’re already halfway there.
👉 Explore our BBQ Pulled Pork here
📞 Call: 01892 837816
📧 Email: orders@franconian.co.uk
Hamburger With Pulled Pork FAQs
Q1: Can I use other meats instead of beef for the burger base?
A1: Absolutely. Chicken, turkey, or plant-based patties all work well — but the classic beef and pulled pork combo is a fan favourite.
Q2: What kind of BBQ sauce works best with pulled pork?
A2: Smoky, tangy BBQ sauces work best. Try a Kansas-style sauce for sweetness or Carolina-style for vinegar tang.
Q3: Can I prepare the pulled pork in advance?
A3: Yes — pulled pork actually gets better after resting. Cook or reheat in advance and keep warm before assembling your burgers.
