Day 6 Lunch:
Prep Time:
V
Cook Time:
10-12 minutes
Serves:
1
Level:
Beginner
About the Recipe
Juicy, flavorful ground pork patties served with tender zucchini sautéed in olive oil or butter. This easy, nutrient-packed meal is high in protein and healthy fats, making it a satisfying and budget-conscious lunch.
Ingredients
Ground Pork Patties:
6 oz ground pork (80/20 for extra flavor)
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for added depth)
1 tablespoon bacon grease or butter (for frying)
Sautéed Zucchini:
1 small zucchini, sliced into rounds or half-moons
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Pinch of sea salt
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
Prepare the Pork Patties:
Season the Pork:
Place ground pork in a mixing bowl.
Add sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika (if using).
Mix gently with your hands until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
Form Patties:
Divide the seasoned pork into 2 small patties (about 3 oz each).
Flatten slightly to ensure even cooking.
Cook the Pork Patties:
Heat Skillet:
Heat 1 tablespoon of bacon grease or butter in a skillet over medium heat.
Add Patties to Skillet:
Place the pork patties in the skillet.
Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side until a golden crust forms.
Flip & Finish Cooking:
Flip the patties and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
Remove from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.
Sauté the Zucchini:
Prepare Zucchini:
Slice zucchini into rounds or half-moons.
Heat Oil or Butter:
In the same skillet (or a clean skillet), heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add Zucchini to Skillet:
Add sliced zucchini to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned.
Season Lightly:
Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper before serving.
Assemble & Serve:
Plate Patties & Zucchini:
Transfer the pork patties and sautéed zucchini to a plate.
Optional Garnish:
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for added aroma.
Ways to Make it Budget Friendly:
Buy Ground Pork in Bulk: Purchase larger packs of ground pork when on sale and freeze extra portions for future meals.
Use Leftover Zucchini: If you have zucchini leftover from previous meals, slice and sauté it to reduce waste.
Render Bacon Grease for Cooking: Save and store bacon grease from breakfast to use as a free, flavorful cooking fat for future dishes.
Stretch with Extra Veggies: Add sliced mushrooms or bell peppers to the zucchini to increase the meal’s volume without adding significant cost.
Make Extra Patties for Meal Prep: Double the patty recipe and refrigerate or freeze extras for easy, reheatable meals later.
Use Ground Beef or Chicken for Variety: Substitute ground beef or ground chicken if pork isn’t available or is more expensive.
Simple Flavor Boost Options (Optional):
Garlic Butter Drizzle: Melt garlic butter over the patties and zucchini before serving for extra richness.
Parmesan & Herb Sprinkle: Add grated Parmesan and chopped fresh herbs over the zucchini for a salty, aromatic boost.
Chili Flakes & Paprika Dust: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes and smoked paprika over the pork patties for a touch of heat.
Dijon Mustard Dipping Sauce: Serve the patties with a side of Dijon mustard for a tangy, flavorful contrast.
Lemon Zest & Olive Oil Finish: Drizzle olive oil and sprinkle lemon zest over the zucchini for a fresh, zesty finish.
Smoked Paprika & Thyme Rub: Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika and thyme to the pork mixture before forming the patties for deeper flavor.
Recipes Created by BloodSugarChef.com
Meal Plan by American Diabetes Society