Your New Favorite Burger: Juicy Greek Style Lamb Burgers
Hey there! Are you ready to transform your next barbecue into a Mediterranean feast? I can’t tell you how excited I am to share this Juicy Greek Style Lamb Burger recipe. There’s something truly special about the combination of fresh herbs, creamy feta, and that tender ground lamb. Trust me; your taste buds are in for a treat!
Nutritional Benefits of Your Lamb Burgers
Lamb isn’t just delicious; it comes with some great nutritional benefits too! It’s a fantastic source of protein, which helps in building and repairing muscles. Not to mention, it’s rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins—nutrients that your body needs for energy and immune support. Pair this burger with fresh veggies like cucumbers and tomatoes, and you’re getting a wholesome meal that’s both filling and nutritious!
Fun Variations to Try
- Spice it Up: If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the lamb mixture.
- Alternate Proteins: Don’t have lamb? Ground beef or turkey works just as well! Just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
- Add More Greens: Feeling adventurous? Layer on some arugula or radicchio for extra crunch and flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the burger bun for lettuce wraps, and you’ve got a tasty gluten-free option!
Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
Cook Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: 20–25 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Ingredients List
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 burger buns (preferably brioche or sesame)
- Baby kale or baby spinach
- 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
Cooking Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh mint, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is blended. It’s that simple!
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into burger patties, about 1-inch thick. Don’t stress too much about perfection; rustic patties are part of the charm!
- Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or skillet with olive oil. Trust me; this helps prevent sticking and promotes those lovely grill marks!
- Once it’s nice and hot, place the lamb patties on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side until they have a nice sear. Then flip and cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C) for a perfect medium-rare.
- While the burgers cook, prepare the topping by mixing together crumbled feta cheese, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. This mixture is sooo creamy and delicious—it’s the perfect complement!
- Slice the burger buns in half and toast them lightly on the grill or in the skillet for about 1-2 minutes until they’re golden brown.
- Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest for about a minute. This helps keep them juicy!
- To assemble, spread a generous spoonful of your Greek yogurt and feta mixture on the bottom half of each toasted burger bun.
- Layer with fresh baby kale or spinach, followed by sliced tomatoes and diced cucumbers. You can even mix it up with some roasted red peppers if you have them!
- Finally, place your lamb patty on top and finish with the rest of the feta mixture, if you feel like being extra generous, before capping it off with the top bun.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides or a Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Practical Tips for a Great Outcome
- Make sure your patties are uniform in size for even cooking!
- Dicing the cucumber and tomato ahead of time makes assembly super quick and easy.
- Keep an eye on the burgers while they’re cooking; they can go from perfect to overdone quickly!
- Letting the patties rest after cooking helps lock in those delicious juices—don’t skip this step!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make these lamb patties ahead of time? Absolutely! Form the patties, then cover and refrigerate them for a few hours or overnight. Just remember they’ll need a little longer on the grill if they’re cold.
- Is this recipe spicy? No, it’s not spicy unless you add those red pepper flakes! It’s herby and aromatic, thanks to the mint and parsley.
- Can I freeze cooked lamb burgers? Yes, wrap them tightly and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw before reheating.
- What can I serve with these burgers? A Greek salad or roasted veggies pair perfectly, along with some crispy roasted potatoes!
- Can I make these without the bun? Of course! Enjoy them on their own or wrapped in lettuce for a low-carb alternative.
I hope you love these Juicy Greek Style Lamb Burgers as much as I do! If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your creations on Pinterest so we can keep the deliciousness going. Happy cooking!
