Description
Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Greek Lamb Burger topped with creamy tzatziki and refreshing cucumber. It’s a simple yet unforgettable meal that elevates your dinner routine.
Ingredients
- ground lamb (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- ground beef (optional, 80/20)
- ground turkey or chicken (optional)
- Full-fat Greek Yogurt
- Cucumber (grated and squeezed bone-dry)
- Fresh Garlic (finely minced)
- Fresh Dill
- Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Finely Grated Onion
- Minced Garlic
- Fresh Oregano
- Fresh Mint
- Lemon Zest
- Panko Breadcrumbs
- Egg
- Fresh Cucumber (thin slices)
- Buns (or pita bread)
- crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- sliced red onion (optional)
- fresh tomato (optional)
- ground cinnamon (optional)
- nutmeg (optional)
- red wine vinegar (optional)
- Greek salad (for serving suggestion)
- lemon-roasted potatoes (for serving suggestion)
- marinated olives and feta (for serving suggestion)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tzatziki (Best Made Ahead!): Grate your cucumber. Place it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. In a bowl, mix the squeezed cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix and Form the Lamb Patties: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground lamb, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped oregano, chopped mint, lemon zest, panko breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix just until everything is combined, using your hands. Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions and form each into a 3/4-inch thick patty, creating a small indentation in the center of each.
- Cook the Lamb Burgers: Preheat grill to medium-high (approx. 400°F / 200°C) or heat a skillet with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook patties 4-6 minutes per side for desired doneness. Transfer cooked burgers to a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Assemble and Serve: While burgers rest, lightly toast your pita bread or burger buns. Spread a generous dollop of chilled tzatziki on both halves of your toasted bun. Place a lamb patty on the bottom bun, top with fresh, thinly sliced cucumber and any other desired toppings like feta or tomato. Place the top bun and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling or Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Drain the grated cucumber thoroughly for a thicker tzatziki. Allow the tzatziki to chill to enhance the flavors. Avoid overmixing the lamb mixture to keep the patties tender.