Zesty Greek Lamb Burger Recipe: A Mediterranean Delight

Sizzling on the grill, these mouthwatering Greek lamb burgers pack a punch of Mediterranean flavors that transport you straight to the sun-drenched islands.

Each juicy patty bursts with classic Greek ingredients that dance across your taste buds with incredible zest.

Aromatic herbs and spices blend seamlessly into tender ground lamb, creating a burger experience that’s far beyond ordinary.

Tangy feta cheese and bright tzatziki sauce add layers of creamy complexity to every delectable bite.

The combination of fresh ingredients and robust lamb creates a culinary masterpiece that’s both rustic and refined.

Summer cookouts or weeknight dinners will never be the same once you master this irresistible Mediterranean-inspired burger.

One taste, and you’ll be hooked on this flavor-packed meal that celebrates the best of Greek cuisine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20min

Cook Time: 10min

Total Time: 30min

Calories: 429 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredient Roundup for Greek Lamb Burger

• Ground Lamb: Provides rich, robust flavor with a tender texture; choose fresh, high-quality meat with good marbling for juiciness.
• Grated Onion: Adds moisture and subtle sweetness; select firm, aromatic onions for best results.

• Parsley, Mint: Fresh herbs bring bright, zesty notes and authentic Mediterranean character; choose vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Dried Oregano: Delivers classic Greek seasoning with earthy undertones; ensure herbs are fragrant and not stale.
• Ground Cumin, Paprika: Warm spices that create depth and complexity; opt for high-quality, recently ground versions for maximum flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper: Optional heat booster that adds gentle kick; use sparingly for controlled spiciness.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing natural meat flavors; freshly ground pepper provides superior taste.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps bind ingredients; select cold-pressed, high-quality olive oil for authentic Greek taste.

Cooking Tools for Lamb Burger Success

• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all burger ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Measuring spoons: Perfect for accurately portioning spices and seasonings.
• Grater: Needed to grate onion finely for the burger mixture.
• Grill or griddle: Critical for cooking lamb patties with perfect char and flavor.
• Tongs: Helpful for flipping burgers and moving them on the cooking surface.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures burgers reach safe internal temperature.
• Cutting board: Used for chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise herb and garlic chopping.

Building and Grilling a Greek Lamb Burger

• Lamb Burger Mixture

Gather fresh ground lamb and aromatic herbs in a spacious mixing bowl. Blend ingredients with care, allowing flavors to mingle naturally. The key is gentle mixing to maintain meat’s tender texture.

• Patty Preparation

Shape meat into smooth, uniform rounds. Create a gentle indent in each patty’s center to ensure even cooking. This technique prevents burgers from puffing up during grilling.

• Grill Setup

Heat cooking surface to medium temperature. A well-seasoned grill or griddle will provide perfect caramelization and rich flavor development.

• Cooking Process

Place patties on hot surface. Cook each side carefully, allowing gorgeous golden-brown crust to form. Monitor internal temperature for perfect doneness.

• Serving Style

Let burgers rest briefly after cooking to seal in delicious juices. Nestle in warm pita or soft bun. Top with fresh Mediterranean-inspired garnishes like crisp cucumber, tangy tzatziki, or bright herb salsa.

Tips for Juicier Greek Lamb Patties

• Enhance the burger's taste by marinating the ground lamb in yogurt, lemon juice, and herbs for 30 minutes before mixing, which tenderizes the meat and deepens Mediterranean flavors.
• Let burger patties sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before grilling to ensure even cooking and prevent tough, dry meat by reducing temperature shock.
• Crumble tangy feta cheese directly into the meat mixture or melt a slice on top during the last minute of grilling for an authentic Greek cheese experience.
• Swap outdoor grilling with stovetop cast-iron skillet or oven broiling, ensuring you maintain medium heat and monitor internal temperature for perfect doneness.

How to Serve Greek Lamb Burgers Creatively

• Mediterranean Mezze Plate: Create a colorful spread with hummus, tzatziki, olives, cucumber salad, and feta cheese around the lamb burger for a true Greek feast experience.
• Pita Pocket Perfection: Stuff the lamb burger inside warm, soft pita bread with a generous dollop of cool yogurt sauce, sliced tomatoes, and crisp lettuce for a handheld delight.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Complement the rich lamb flavor with a glass of robust Greek red wine like Agiorgitiko or a crisp white Assyrtiko to elevate the entire meal's Mediterranean essence.
• Fresh Side Salad: Toss together a light Greek salad with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of oregano to balance the burger's hearty profile.

Storage and Meal Prep Notes for Lamb Burgers

• Smart Batch Preparation: Create multiple burger patties in advance and store them layered between parchment paper in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze uncooked patties for maximum 1 month, separating each layer with wax paper to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerator Smart Storage: Keep cooked lamb burgers in sealed containers for 3-4 days. Wrap individually in aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer with other foods. Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to retain juiciness.
• Flavor Enhancement Technique: Allow raw burger mixture to marinate in refrigerator for 1-2 hours before cooking. This method helps spices penetrate deeply, creating more intense Mediterranean-inspired taste profiles and tenderizing meat fibers.
• Portion Control Strategy: Pre-form patties in standard sizes for consistent cooking. Use kitchen scale for precise measurements, ensuring each burger cooks evenly and maintains ideal texture. Store portioned raw mixtures in individual wrapped packages for quick meal preparation.

Succulent Greek Lamb Burger Recipe

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• Total Time: 30min
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean zest elevates this Greek lamb burger with tangy feta and fresh herbs. Grilled patties nestled in warm pita create a delicious experience that connects you to Greek culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) ground lamb
• ½ cup (120 ml) tzatziki sauce
• 4 burger buns or pita bread
• ¼ cup (60 g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 red onion, sliced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 tomato, sliced
• ¼ cup (40 g) pitted Kalamata olives, sliced

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Instructions

1. Mixture Preparation: Combine ground lamb with grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, mint, dried oregano, cumin, and paprika in a large mixing bowl. Integrate extra virgin olive oil, kosher salt, and black pepper, gently blending until the mixture achieves a uniform consistency.
2. Patty Formation: Divide the seasoned meat into equal portions, molding each into smooth, round patties. Create a subtle thumb indentation in the center to ensure even cooking and prevent bulging during grilling.
3. Preheating and Preparation: Lightly oil the grill or cooking surface, heating to medium temperature. Remove patties from refrigeration and allow them to approach room temperature for more consistent cooking.
4. Grilling Process: Place lamb patties on the heated surface, cooking 4-5 minutes per side. Aim for an internal temperature of 160°F, ensuring a perfectly cooked medium burger with a golden-brown exterior.
5. Resting and Serving: Transfer grilled patties to a resting area for 3-4 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute. Nestle the aromatic lamb burgers in warm pita pockets or crusty buns, complementing with tzatziki, fresh tomatoes, red onions, and crisp lettuce.

Notes

• Herb Harmony: Balance the blend of parsley and mint carefully to prevent overpowering flavors, ensuring a subtle, authentic Greek taste profile.
• Moisture Management: Grated onion adds crucial moisture and prevents dry burger texture, creating a juicier and more tender lamb patty.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee food safety and optimal doneness, preventing undercooked or overcooked results.
• Resting Ritual: Allow burgers to rest after grilling, enabling juice redistribution and maintaining maximum tenderness and flavor integrity.

• Prep Time: 20min
• Cook Time: 10min
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 429
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 737 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg