AIP Friendly Apple Sage Pork Burger

Total time30 min

Prep time15 min

Cook time15 min

Burger night gets a serious upgrade when grated apple and fresh sage go into the mix — the result is a juicy, fragrant pork patty with a subtle sweetness that makes every bite genuinely interesting. Ground ginger and turmeric add warmth and a golden hue without relying on any of the nightshades, grains, or legumes that make so many burger recipes off-limits on an elimination-style protocol. Coconut oil gives the patties a beautifully caramelized crust in a hot skillet, no grill required. Instead of a bun, crisp butter lettuce leaves do the wrapping, keeping things light and completely grain-free while still giving you that satisfying handheld experience. The quick apple cider vinegar slaw — just cabbage, carrot, olive oil, and a touch of honey — adds crunch and brightness that cuts right through the richness of the pork. Everything comes together in one bowl and one skillet, making this a weeknight-friendly meal that serves four without a lot of fuss. It's the kind of recipe that proves eating within tight parameters doesn't have to mean eating boring food.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the patties

1 lb ground pork
Private Selection Natural Duroc Ground Pork Kroger Ground Pork Open Nature Pork Ground Pork 80% Lean 20% Fat - 16 Oz 90% Lean Ground Pork Meyer 80% Lean 20% Fat Ground Pork, Gluten Free
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½ medium apple (such as honeycrisp or fuji), peeled and finely grated
2 tbsp fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh ginger, finely grated
½ tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp fine sea salt
1 tbsp coconut oil

For the slaw

2 cups green cabbage, thinly shredded
1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned or coarsely grated
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp honey
Ingredient note
AIP restricts added sweeteners, but small occasional amounts of unrefined honey are accepted on the protocol; the ~1/4 teaspoon per serving here likely stays within that limited allowance. If you prefer to always avoid honey, please tap it and change its rating to Red.
¼ tsp fine sea salt

For serving

8 large butter lettuce leaves, for wrapping
1 tbsp fresh parsley, roughly chopped (optional)

Instructions

1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, grated apple, sage, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and 1 tsp salt. Mix with your hands until just combined — do not overwork the meat. Divide into 4 equal portions and press each into a patty about 3/4 inch thick, making a slight indent in the center of each with your thumb to prevent doming.
2
In a separate bowl, toss the shredded cabbage and carrot with the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, and 1/4 tsp salt until evenly coated. Set aside to lightly soften while you cook the patties.

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