📝 About This Recipe
Ditch the store-bought links for these incredibly juicy, flavor-packed patties that bring the warmth of a farmhouse kitchen to your keto lifestyle. Crafted with a balanced blend of ground pork, aromatic fresh herbs, and a hint of sugar-free maple for that classic sweet-savory profile, these patties are free from the hidden fillers and sugars found in commercial brands. They sear up with a beautiful golden crust, offering a satisfying snap and a succulent interior that makes them the ultimate low-carb protein star for any brunch spread.
🥗 Ingredients
The Meat Base
- 2 pounds Ground Pork Shoulder (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for maximum juiciness)
- 2 slices Bacon (very finely minced to add smoky fat)
Aromatic Herb & Spice Blend
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Sage (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme (leaves stripped and chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh Rosemary (finely needles only, minced)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (for color and depth)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a subtle heat)
- 1.5 teaspoons Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Keto Flavor Enhancers
- 2 tablespoons Sugar-Free Maple Syrup (monk fruit or erythritol based)
- 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar (to brighten the fats)
- 2 tablespoons Cold Water (helps emulsify the fat and spices)
For Cooking
- 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil or Ghee (for the skillet)
👨🍳 Instructions
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1
Place the ground pork and minced bacon in a large chilled mixing bowl. Keeping the meat cold is essential for a better texture.
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2
In a small ramekin, whisk together the sugar-free maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and cold water until combined.
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3
Sprinkle the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes evenly over the meat.
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4
Add the freshly chopped sage, thyme, and rosemary to the bowl.
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5
Drizzle the liquid maple mixture over the herbs and spices.
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6
Using clean hands or a stand mixer with the paddle attachment on low, gently mix the ingredients just until incorporated. Do not overwork the meat, or the patties will become tough.
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7
To test the seasoning, heat a tiny bit of oil in a pan and fry a small morsel of the mixture. Taste it and adjust salt or spices if necessary.
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8
Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions (about 2.5 to 3 ounces each) and roll them into balls.
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9
Flatten each ball into a patty about 1/2 inch thick. Use your thumb to create a slight indentation in the center of each patty; this prevents them from bulging while cooking.
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10
Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is best) over medium heat and add the avocado oil or ghee.
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11
Place 4-5 patties in the skillet at a time, being careful not to crowd the pan.
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12
Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side until a deep golden-brown crust forms.
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13
Flip the patties and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
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14
Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to drain briefly.
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15
Repeat with the remaining patties and serve immediately while hot and juicy.
💡 Chef's Tips
For the best texture, ensure your ground pork has a high fat content; lean pork will result in dry, crumbly patties. If you have time, let the meat mixture rest in the fridge for 2-4 hours before forming patties to allow the flavors to marry deeply. Avoid pressing down on the patties with a spatula while they cook, as this squeezes out the delicious juices. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken, but you must add an extra tablespoon of oil or butter to the mix to compensate for the lower fat content. These freeze beautifully—flash freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a bag for easy weekday breakfasts.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Serve alongside two eggs over-easy so the yolks can act as a natural sauce for the meat. Pair with a side of sliced avocado seasoned with lime and sea salt for healthy fats. Place a patty inside a warm keto-friendly biscuit or between two 'chaffles' for a low-carb breakfast sandwich. Serve with a side of sautéed spinach or kale with garlic to add a punch of micronutrients. Enjoy with a cup of buttery Bulletproof coffee or a crisp cold-brew coffee.