Mediterranean Lamb Burger with Whipped Feta and Mint

20

Transport your taste buds to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean with this aromatic lamb burger that perfectly balances rich flavors with bright, fresh accents.

The Mediterranean Way

Mediterranean cuisine celebrates simplicity, fresh ingredients, and the joy of outdoor dining. This lamb burger embodies that spirit – combining the region’s beloved lamb with herbs, spices, and accompaniments that create a harmonious symphony of flavors.

Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving something beyond the ordinary beef burger, this recipe delivers a sophisticated yet approachable alternative that’s sure to impress.

Recipe At-A-Glance

Active Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 4 hungry people

Behind the Recipe

Growing up in a Greek-American household, Sunday gatherings always featured lamb in some form. While traditional souvlaki and moussaka were staples, my yiayia (grandmother) would occasionally surprise us with these incredible lamb patties served with warm pita and tzatziki.

Years later, while traveling through coastal Turkey and the Greek islands, I discovered similar lamb creations – each region adding its unique twist. This recipe is my homage to those Mediterranean flavors, combining elements from various coastal cuisines into one spectacular burger.

Ingredients

For the Lamb Patties:

• 1½ pounds (680g) ground lamb (shoulder meat if available)
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 small red onion, very finely diced (about ½ cup)
• 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Zest of one lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for cooking)

For the Whipped Feta:

• 8 ounces (225g) feta cheese, at room temperature
• 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Pinch of red pepper flakes

For the Quick-Pickled Red Onions:

• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 5 whole black peppercorns

For Assembly:

• 4 ciabatta rolls or pita pockets, lightly toasted
• 1 Persian cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 cup arugula or baby spinach
• 2 ripe tomatoes, sliced
• Extra fresh mint leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling
• Lemon wedges for serving

Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Quick-Pickled Onions (make at least 1 hour ahead)

1. Place the sliced red onions in a clean jar or container.
2. In a small saucepan, combine the red wine vinegar, sugar, salt, bay leaves, and peppercorns.
3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
4. Pour the hot liquid over the onions, ensuring they’re completely submerged.
5. Allow to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (these will keep for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator).

2. Make the Whipped Feta

1. Crumble the feta cheese into a food processor.
2. Add the Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, grated garlic, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes.
3. Process until completely smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides occasionally.
4. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Prepare the Lamb Patties

1. In a large bowl, combine all patty ingredients except the olive oil.
2. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – be careful not to overwork the meat.
3. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties about ¾-inch thick.
4. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb (this prevents the burger from puffing up in the middle).
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Cook the Lamb Burgers

1. Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Brush the patties lightly with olive oil on both sides.
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your lamb more done.
4. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.

5. Assemble the Burgers

1. Slice the ciabatta rolls or warm the pita pockets.
2. Spread a generous layer of whipped feta on the bottom half.
3. Top with arugula or spinach leaves.
4. Place the lamb patty on top.
5. Add sliced cucumber, tomato, and pickled red onions.
6. Scatter fresh mint leaves over the toppings.
7. Drizzle with a little extra virgin olive oil.
8. Close the sandwich and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Cook’s Notes

• Temperature matters: For the juiciest lamb burgers, aim for medium-rare to medium doneness (an internal temperature of 145°F-160°F).
• Don’t skip the rest: Allowing the patties to rest after cooking lets the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
• Make ahead: The whipped feta and pickled onions can be prepared up to three days in advance.
• Ground lamb options: If you can’t find pre-ground lamb, ask your butcher to grind lamb shoulder, or pulse cubed lamb in a food processor until coarsely ground.
• Spice adjustment: The cinnamon adds authentic Mediterranean flavor but can be reduced if you find it too pronounced.

Variation Ideas

Deconstructed Burger Bowl

Skip the bread and serve the patty over a bed of greens, cucumber, tomatoes, and pickled onions, with dollops of whipped feta and a lemon-olive oil dressing.

Slider Version

Form smaller patties and serve on mini pita rounds for a perfect appetizer at your next gathering.

Beef Alternative

If lamb isn’t available or to your taste, substitute with ground beef – preferably with at least 15% fat content for juiciness.

Dairy-Free Option

Replace the whipped feta with a tahini-based sauce: blend ½ cup tahini with lemon juice, garlic, and enough water to reach a creamy consistency.

Serving Suggestions

These Mediterranean-inspired burgers pair beautifully with:

• Greek-style roasted potatoes with lemon and oregano
• Simple tomato and cucumber salad dressed with olive oil and herbs
• Grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers
• Warm chickpea salad with parsley and lemon

Wine Pairings

• Red: A medium-bodied Grenache or Syrah from the Mediterranean coast
• White: A crisp Assyrtiko from Santorini or Vermentino from Italy
• Rosé: A dry Provençal-style rosé perfectly complements the lamb and fresh herbs

A Note on Ingredients

The quality of your lamb makes a significant difference in this recipe. Look for grass-fed lamb if possible, which has a cleaner, less gamey flavor. Similarly, use authentic Greek or Bulgarian feta packed in brine rather than pre-crumbled versions for the best flavor and texture in your whipped feta.

Fresh herbs are non-negotiable here – they bring brightness that balances the richness of the lamb. If your herb garden is flourishing, this is the perfect recipe to showcase those aromatic treasures.

The Art of Lamb Burger Cooking

Lamb has a lower melting point for its fat compared to beef, which means it can go from juicy to dry rather quickly. To ensure perfect doneness:

1. Start with room temperature meat: Take the patties out of the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking.
2. Use high initial heat: This creates a flavorful crust that seals in juices.
3. Reduce to medium: After the initial sear, lower the heat to allow the inside to cook without burning the exterior.
4. Trust the touch test: Gently press the center of the patty – it should have some give but feel slightly firm for medium doneness.
5. Remember carryover cooking: The temperature will continue to rise slightly after removing from heat.

From My Table to Yours

There’s something magical about gathering friends around a table on a warm evening, the air filled with the aroma of herb-infused lamb and the bright tang of lemon and feta. These Mediterranean-inspired burgers aren’t just food – they’re an invitation to slow down, savor each bite, and enjoy the company around you.

Whether served in your backyard or on a patio overlooking distant olive groves (we can all dream!), these burgers capture the essence of Mediterranean dining – simple ingredients, treated with respect, combining to create something greater than the sum of their parts.

---

What’s your favorite Mediterranean ingredient? Share in the comments below!