Give pork burgers a glow-up by adding salted apple slaw and smoky aioli

Name: Give pork burgers a glow-up by adding salted apple slaw and smoky aioli
Cook time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Contemporary
Ingredients: 1 green apple; 2 green tomatoes; 1 cup watercress sprigs; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for frying; 500g pork mince; 1 garlic clove, finely chopped; ¼ cup finely chopped parsley; 2 tbs finely chopped basil leaves; 2 spring onions, finely chopped; ⅓ cup store-bought aioli; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 4 burger buns, toasted

This isn’t just a burger; it’s a mouth-watering twist on a classic, designed to satisfy every craving.

Jessica Brook

February 18, 2026

Herby pork + salted apple slaw = big burger energy.James Moffatt, STYLING Steve Pearce

easyTime:< 30 minsServes:4

A herby pork patty meets a zesty salted apple slaw and a smoky aioli for a flavour-packed experience that’s anything but ordinary.

Ingredients

1 green apple
2 green tomatoes
1 cup watercress sprigs
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for frying
500g pork mince
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
¼ cup finely chopped parsley
2 tbs finely chopped basil leaves
2 spring onions, finely chopped
⅓ cup store-bought aioli
1 tsp smoked paprika
4 burger buns, toasted

Method

Step 1
To make the slaw, slice apples and tomatoes very thinly on a mandolin and place them in a colander. Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of flaky sea salt and set aside for 10 minutes to draw out some of the excess moisture and season the produce. Place the salted apples and tomatoes in a bowl with the watercress. Add the lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then toss gently to combine. Set aside.
Step 2
Place the pork, garlic, parsley, basil and spring onion in a medium bowl and mix well to combine. Divide the mixture into 4 equal-sized portions and shape into patties.
Step 3
Heat a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Brush the patties with oil and cook for 4 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
Step 4
Combine the aioli and smoked paprika in a small bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Step 5
Split the burger buns open and lightly toast them. Spread the bun bases with aioli and top each base with a patty. Pile some of the salted apple slaw on each burger. Sandwich with the bun tops, and serve.