Mediterranean Lamb Burgers Recipes

GREEK LAMB BURGERS

Steps:

• Heat an outdoor gas grill or an indoor griddle to medium (if working with an indoor griddle or skillet, you can just heat it once you prepare the meat mixture).
• Add the ground lamb (or mix of lamb and beef) to a mixing bowl. Add grated onions, garlic, fresh herbs, oregano, cumin, paprika and cayenne. Season with kosher salt and pepper. Add a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and mix until everything is well combined.
• Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal balls. Using both hands, work meat into smooth spheres, then lightly press to form into patties. Arrange the patties on a large tray or dish, and with the tip of your thumb, press lightly to form a shallow, somewhat wide, depression into the center of each patty. (see cook's tip #2 below) Cover and refrigerate, if you have the time.
• Lightly oil the grill grates (or indoor griddle) and arrange the burger patties on top. Grill over medium heat, covered, for 3 to 5 minutes on each side, turning once midway through cooking (internal temperature for a medium burger should register 160 degrees F. Adjust cooking time according to your desired doneness.)
• Allow the lamb burgers to rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Serve in pita pockets (or buns), with tztaziki sauce, tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions. If you like add kalamata olives and a sprinkle of feta.

MEDITERRANEAN LAMB BURGERS

Steps:

• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat, and lightly oil the grate.
• Mix the ground lamb, ground beef, mint, ginger, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper in a large bowl until just combined. Divide evenly into four portions and shape in to large patties. Set aside. Mix Greek yogurt, lemon zest, 1 clove garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a bowl; cover and refrigerate.
• Cook the lamb and beef patties on the preheated grill until the burgers are cooked to your desired degree of doneness, 3 to 4 minutes per side for well done. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read 160 degrees F (70 degrees C). Place the slices of onion and green tomato on the grill. Cook until lightly charred, about 1 minute on each side.
• Spread yogurt sauce over the sliced ciabatta rolls. Assemble each burger by placing the patty on the the roll, and dividing the feta cheese slices over the patties. Top with a slice of grilled tomato, grilled onion, and 2 leaves of arugula, followed by the top half of the roll.

MEDITERRANEAN LAMB BURGERS

Steps:

• Cut each pita bread in half, crosswise, to form a pocket. Wrap pitas in foil and warm in a 300 degree oven while preparing burgers.
• Make sauce by combining yogurt, cucumber, and lemon juice to serve as a sauce.
• Thoroughly combine remaining ingredients by gently kneading with your fingers. Shape into 8 1/2-inch thick, oval patties to accommodate the pita halves. Barbecue or broil, leaving them a little pink in the middle keeps the burgers from tasting dry.
• Let your diners fill each pita half with a burger and choices of sliced pickles, tomatoes, and red onion,then a dollop of sauce.

MEDITERRANEAN LAMB BURGER WITH GREEK GARNISHES

Steps:

• In a large bowl, use a fork to gently combine lamb, onion, Dijon, parsley, mint, oregano, salt and pepper. Gently form into four 1-inch thick patties.
• Heat grill to high. Place patties on the hottest part of the grill and sear until browned 1-2 minutes per side.
• Move patties to the cooler part of the grill and continue grilling until desired doneness, 4-8 minutes per side.
• Place burger on split bun and garnish as desired.