Lamb Burger Recipe: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Favorite

• Lamb has a bold yet slightly sweet flavor that sets it apart from beef, chicken, or turkey. It’s especially popular in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian cuisines, where herbs and spices enhance its natural richness. When ground, lamb has the perfect fat content for juicy burgers that don’t dry out on the grill or stovetop.
• Compared to beef, lamb pairs exceptionally well with seasonings like garlic, cumin, mint, rosemary, coriander, and chili. This makes lamb burgers not just a substitute for beef but a unique dish all on their own.

Choosing the Right Ground Lamb

The first step to a great lamb burger recipe is selecting quality ground lamb. Here’s what to look for:

1. Fat Content: Aim for a lean-to-fat ratio of approximately 80/20, similar to ground beef. Too lean and the burgers can dry out; too fatty and they may shrink excessively.
2. Freshness: Fresh ground lamb should be bright pink to red with a clean, slightly grassy aroma. Avoid anything that looks gray or has an off smell.
3. Source: Grass-fed or pasture-raised lamb tends to have a cleaner, less gamey flavor. If possible, buy from a butcher or a farmers’ market.

Essential Ingredients for Lamb Burgers

A basic lamb burger recipe doesn’t need to be complicated. Here’s a classic lineup:

• 1 ½ pounds ground lamb
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small red onion, finely grated or chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped (optional but highly recommended)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Olive oil (for brushing or cooking)

For serving:

• Burger buns (brioche, sesame seed, or whole wheat)
• Toppings: feta cheese, tzatziki, arugula, sliced tomatoes, pickled onions, or caramelized onions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat Mixture

Place the ground lamb in a large mixing bowl. Add garlic, onion, parsley, mint, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Gently mix until just combined—avoid overworking the meat, as this can make the burgers tough.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions, depending on your preferred burger size. Shape each portion into a patty about ¾ inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this prevents them from puffing up while cooking.

Step 3: Chill the Patties (Optional)

For better structure, place the patties on a tray lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape during cooking.

Step 4: Cook the Burgers

You can cook lamb burgers in several ways:

1. Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush patties lightly with olive oil. Grill for 4–5 minutes per side for medium doneness, or longer if you prefer a well-done steak.
2. Stovetop: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of oil, then cook the patties for about 4–5 minutes per side, until they are golden brown on both sides.
3. Oven-Broiled: Place patties on a foil-lined baking sheet under a broiler set to high. Cook for 4–6 minutes per side, turning once.

Step 5: Assemble the Burgers

Lightly toast the buns on the grill or skillet. Spread a layer of tzatziki or garlic aioli on the bottom bun, add the lamb patty, then top with crumbled feta, arugula, tomatoes, and pickled onions. Finish with the top bun and serve hot.

Variations on Lamb Burgers

The beauty of lamb burgers lies in their versatility. Here are a few flavor-packed variations:

1. Mediterranean-Style Lamb Burger

• Toppings: feta cheese, tzatziki, cucumber slices, tomato, and red onion.
• Seasoning: a blend of oregano, garlic, and lemon zest added to the lamb.

2. Spicy Moroccan Lamb Burger

• Toppings: harissa mayo, roasted red peppers, and caramelized onions.
• Seasoning: cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.

3. Greek Lamb Burger

• Toppings: kalamata olives, crumbled feta, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of olive oil.
• Seasoning: dill, garlic, and oregano.

4. Indian-Inspired Lamb Burger

• Toppings: raita, sliced red onion, and cilantro.
• Seasoning: garam masala, turmeric, and fresh ginger.

Best Toppings for Lamb Burgers

The toppings can make or break your burger. With lamb, bold and tangy flavors work best:

1. Cheeses: Feta, goat cheese, or halloumi.
2. Sauces: Tzatziki, harissa mayo, mint yogurt, chimichurri.
3. Greens: Arugula, spinach, or shredded lettuce.
4. Vegetables: Grilled eggplant, roasted peppers, and cucumber slices.
5. Pickled Items: Pickled red onions or jalapeños for a zesty punch.

1. Don’t Overmix: Handle the meat gently to keep the patties juicy.
2. Cook to Medium: Lamb is best at medium doneness (around 160°F internal temp). Overcooking can make it dry.
3. Rest Before Serving: Let the patties rest for 2–3 minutes before assembling. This keeps the juices from running out.
4. Balance Flavors: Since lamb is rich, pair it with tangy or fresh toppings, such as yogurt sauce, pickles, or herbs.

What to Serve with Lamb Burgers

Pair your lamb burger recipes with sides that complement their bold flavors:

1. Greek Salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta.
2. Sweet Potato Fries with garlic aioli or harissa dip.
3. Grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant.
4. Tabbouleh or Couscous Salad for a Mediterranean flair.
5. Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary and Sea Salt.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

1. Make-Ahead Patties: Shape the patties and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
2. Freezing: Wrap uncooked patties in parchment paper and store them in a sealed bag in the freezer for up to 2 months. Cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
3. Leftovers: Cooked lamb smash burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the oven.

About One Stop Halal

Welcome to the Home of Halal Lamb. We carry various lamb cuts that are hard to find elsewhere. We deliver to your doorstep anywhere in the United States within 1-2 business days.