Carnivore Sausage Patties

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

• Intensity: Easy (Perfect for beginners)

• Servings: 8 patties

• Course: Breakfast, Snack, Main Course

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground pork (or ground beef for a variation)

• 1 ½ teaspoons sea salt

• 1 teaspoon dried sage

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional, for flexible carnivore)

• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

• 1 tbsp butter, tallow, or lard (for cooking, if needed)

For the strictest carnivore version, simply use salt and skip the herbs and spices.

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground pork, sea salt, dried sage, dried thyme, and optional garlic powder and red pepper flakes. Use your hands to mix everything together until the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the meat. Be careful not to overwork the meat, as this can make the patties tough.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten it between your palms to form a patty about ½-inch thick. For perfectly round and even patties, you can use a burger press or a large jar lid lined with plastic wrap.

Step 3: Cook the Patties

Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Since the pork will render its own fat, you may not need to add oil to the pan. However, if you are using a very lean meat or a stainless steel pan, add 1 tablespoon of butter or tallow.

Place the patties in the skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (cook in batches if necessary). Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side, until a deep golden-brown crust forms. Flip carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the patties are cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) .

Step 4: Rest and Serve

Transfer the cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess grease. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.

Pro Tips for Success

• Keep the Meat Cold: Slightly chilled meat is much easier to handle and shape than meat at room temperature.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding lowers the temperature of the pan and steams the patties instead of searing them, preventing that delicious crust from forming.

• Ensure Even Thickness: Make sure all patties are the same thickness so they cook evenly. You can make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up in the middle.

Meal Prep & Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Freezing Uncooked Patties: This is the ultimate meal prep hack. Place uncooked patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they aren’t touching. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer the frozen patties to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. Cook them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes per side, or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Carnivore Plate: Serve alongside fried eggs and crispy bacon.

• The “No-Bun” Sandwich: Use two patties as the “buns” for a breakfast sandwich, layering them with a fried egg, cheese, and bacon in between.

• Quick Protein Snack: Enjoy a cold patty straight from the fridge for a quick, satisfying snack.

Recipe Variations

• Spicy Breakfast Sausage: Add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and an extra ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the mix.

• Maple Sage Sausage: For a sweeter profile (flexible carnivore), add 2 tablespoons of sugar-free maple syrup to the meat mixture.

• Beef Patties: Substitute ground beef (80/20) for the pork and add 1 tablespoon of tallow to the pan for cooking.

Nutrition Information

The following nutrition information is an estimate per serving (1 patty, based on 8 servings using ground pork and optional seasonings) and can vary based on the specific ingredients used.