Minted Lamb Burgers

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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If you're looking for a delicious twist on a classic burger, these Minted Lamb Burgers are a must-try. Bursting with flavor, they're perfect for a summer cookout or a cozy dinner at home. Plus, the fresh mint and Greek yogurt sauce add a refreshing touch you won't want to miss.

Ingredients for Minted Lamb Burgers

Ground lamb is the star here, bringing a rich and savory flavor that's a great alternative to beef. The mint leaves add a refreshing burst that pairs beautifully with the lamb. Ground cumin and coriander are the aromatic backbone of the patties, while paprika and cayenne pepper add just a hint of heat. A bit of salt and black pepper is essential to bring all these flavors together. The burger buns provide the necessary base, ideally toasted to add a bit of crunch. The simple yogurt sauce made with Greek yogurt and lemon juice offers a tangy, cooling contrast. Fresh cucumber and red onion slices lend crispness and color, while lettuce leaves add a fresh, leafy layer.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra flavor, let the lamb mixture rest for 30 minutes before forming patties.
  • If you prefer a milder burger, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether.
  • Experiment with different buns, such as brioche or whole wheat, for a different taste and texture.

Serving Suggestions

These Minted Lamb Burgers pair wonderfully with sweet potato fries or a light, tangy coleslaw. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous, try serving them with a side of tabbouleh or a simple Greek salad to keep with the Mediterranean theme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of meat instead of lamb?
Yes, ground beef or turkey can be substituted, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
What if I don't have fresh mint?
Dried mint can be used in a pinch, but use about half the amount as it is more concentrated.
Can I make the patties ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the patties a day in advance and keep them refrigerated until you're ready to cook.

Minted Lamb Burgers Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large bowl to mix your ingredients. Add the ground lamb, then sprinkle in the chopped mint, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything together until it's just combined. You want all those spices to be evenly distributed throughout the meat.

Once mixed, divide the lamb mixture into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then gently flatten them into patties about 1/2 inch thick. They should all be roughly the same size for even cooking.

Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, place the patties on and let them cook. You'll want about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Aim for a nice, brown crust on the outside.

While the patties are cooking, make the yogurt sauce. In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and set aside.

Toast your burger buns either on the grill or in a toaster until they're lightly golden. This step adds a lovely crunch to your burger.

Now, assemble your burgers. Start by spreading a generous amount of the yogurt sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Place a cooked lamb patty on top, followed by a few cucumber slices, some red onion slices, and a couple of lettuce leaves. Cap it off with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Aromatic spices like cumin and coriander make the lamb patties irresistibly flavorful.
  • Fresh mint adds a unique, vibrant twist to the traditional burger.
  • The creamy Greek yogurt sauce balances the spices perfectly.
  • It's a simple recipe that feels gourmet without the fuss.

Ingredients

1 lb ground lamb
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
4 burger buns
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
Lettuce leaves

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, chopped mint, cumin, coriander, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to incorporate all the ingredients evenly.
2. Divide the lamb mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty, about 1/2 inch thick.
3. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they reach your desired doneness.
4. In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt and lemon juice to make the yogurt sauce.
5. Toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster.
6. Assemble the burgers by spreading a generous amount of yogurt sauce on the bottom half of each bun, then layer with a lamb patty, cucumber slices, red onion slices, and lettuce. Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately.

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