These grilled lamb burgers are juicy and packed with flavor! Topped with creamy feta cheese, they’re a delightful twist on your regular burger. Perfect for weekend barbecues!
Honestly, who can resist a burger with feta? It adds a fancy touch without all the extra work. I love serving mine with a side of crispy fries—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Lamb: This is the star of your burger! It has a distinctive flavor. If you’re not a fan of lamb, ground beef or turkey can work as substitutes, but the flavor will be quite different. I love the juiciness that lamb provides.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a tangy creaminess. If you can’t find feta, try goat cheese or a mild blue cheese for a different twist. I personally enjoy the crumbled texture of feta; it blends nicely with the lamb.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a great aroma and flavor. You could use garlic powder in a pinch, but fresh really elevates the dish. I can’t imagine making burgers without fresh garlic!
Dried Oregano & Cumin: These spices add depth. If you want a milder flavor, use Italian seasoning instead of oregano. Cumin can be swapped with coriander for a slightly different taste, which I find refreshing.
Fresh Parsley: This adds brightness. If you’re not a fan, cilantro works well too, or you can even leave it out. I love the freshness parsley brings to the burgers.
How Do I Keep My Lamb Burgers from Falling Apart on the Grill?
It’s crucial to ensure your patties hold together during grilling. Here are some straightforward tips:
- Mix ingredients gently; over-mixing can make them tough.
- Form patties about 3/4 inch thick and create a slight indent in the center. This helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing up.
- Chill the patties for about 30 minutes before grilling. This helps them firm up.
- Preheat the grill properly and brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking. This step is a must!
- Be patient while cooking; don’t flip them too soon. Wait for a nice crust to form before turning.
Following these tips, you will have delicious, perfectly grilled lamb burgers every time! Enjoy your grilling!
How to Make Grilled Lamb Burgers With Feta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Lamb Burgers:
- 1 pound ground lamb
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
For Serving:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
- Optional: side of tabbouleh or fresh salad
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to grill, making it a quick and tasty option that you can enjoy in under 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burger Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground lamb, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, and finely chopped red onion. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until all the ingredients are well combined.
2. Shape the Patties:
Once everything is mixed, divide the lamb mixture into 4 equal portions. Use your hands to shape each portion into a patty that’s about 3/4 inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb – this helps them cook evenly.
3. Grill the Patties:
Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the grill gently with olive oil to keep the patties from sticking. When the grill is hot, place the lamb patties on it and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. You want them to reach 160°F for a medium doneness, but you can adjust the cooking time if you prefer them more or less done.
4. Rest and Serve:
After grilling, remove the lamb patties from the grill and let them rest for a couple of minutes to keep them juicy. Serve the grilled lamb burgers topped with a generous dollop of Greek yogurt and garnish with lemon wedges on the side. For a complete meal, consider adding a side of tabbouleh or a fresh salad!
Enjoy your delicious Grilled Lamb Burgers with Feta!
Can I Substitute Ground Lamb with Another Meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or chicken can be used instead of lamb. However, keep in mind that the flavor will change; lamb has a distinct taste that complements the feta and spices. If using turkey or chicken, consider adding a bit more seasoning to enhance the flavor.
How Do I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
This recipe is already gluten-free as it doesn’t include any bread or gluten-containing ingredients. Just make sure that the feta cheese and any accompanying sauces, like the Greek yogurt, are also gluten-free by checking the labels!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Lamb Burgers?
Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently on the grill, or in a skillet over medium heat, making sure to heat them through without drying them out!
Can I Prepare the Patties in Advance?
Yes! You can mix the lamb mixture and form the patties up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator on a plate or in an airtight container until you’re ready to grill. Just be sure to let them come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before grilling for even cooking.
