Spiced Lamb Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

Serve these spiced lamb burgers at a summer BBQ. They've got a warm Middle Eastern spice and are topped with a deconstructed tzatziki sauce for a refreshing summer meal. Or try this Grilled Lamb Steak with Asparagus.

[This post was sponsored by lamb producers from the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. I have been compensated for my time commitment. However, my opinions are entirely my own and I have not been paid to publish positive comments]

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Why cook with lamb?

I'll be honest, I didn't always love lamb. But after eating lamb in Iceland last summer, and then trying so many different lamb dishes on my sponsored trip to New Orleans with  Nourish with Lamb, I’m excited to share that I’m now a lamb lover.

Many cuts are simple to prepare, and once you understand the flavor profile & which flavors and spices go well with it, lamb is a simple and delicious protein source. I talk about flavors that go well with lamb right here.

Besides, every protein source has a different nutritional make-up, and eating a variety of protein sources is a healthful habit.

Lamb Nutrition

A 3 oz serving of lamb provides about 5 times the amount of the essential omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), compared to a 3-oz. serving of beef.

Lamb is also an excellent source of protein, vitamin B12, niacin, zinc, and selenium and a good source of iron and riboflavin.

How these easy burgers are gonna make your life better

It's important to include social eating when you're cooking for one most nights. For that reason I try to have a monthly dinner party potluck. I usually make a simple main dish and ask friends to bring sides that will go great with that main.

These lamb burgers are so easy and packed with flavor, they'll definitely be a crowd pleaser. Plus it'll allow your guests to bring simple sides like fries, fruit, corn, sliced veggies, or whatever they want.

How to make this lamb dish

Start making your lamb burgers by mixing spices, minced shallot, and breadcrumbs into ground lamb. The breadcrumbs will help bind the spices and lamb together without changing the texture.

Mix together spices and lamb. It's easiest to use your hands and then wash them afterward. 

Once meat mixture is well combined, divide meat into 4-6 portions.

Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it until it's about ¼ inch bigger than the circumference of your hamburger bun. This way your patty will be about the same size of your bun once it's cooked. 

Place each patty on a hot grill, grill pan, or cast iron skillet. Cook first side for 4 minutes, then flip and cook for 4-6 minutes. Cook to 155 degrees and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. 

While your lamb burgers are cooking, make tzatziki sauce by adding mint, lemon juice, and garlic salt to plain yogurt, mix together well. 

Thinly slice cucumbers and tomato, set aside. 

To assemble your burgers, place a slice of tomato on bottom bun, then lamb burger patty, top patty with about a tablespoon (or more!) of tzatziki, and then a couple slices of cucumber on top of that. Place top bun and enjoy. 

Substitutions/Tips:

• If you're using extra lean ground lamb, add ½ tablespoon oil so burgers bind well and don't dry out. 
• Cook to 155 degrees and let it rest for a few minutes before serving, this will allow your burgers to reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees which is recommended by the USDA
• The tzatziki is pretty thin, if you'd rather have it less messy/drippy, use Greek yogurt instead of regular.
• Other great toppings for your lamb burger: sliced red onion, feta cheese to make a lamb and feta burger, or a pinch of kosher salt.

FAQ

Ways to repurpose these ground lamb patties

If you make more than your party eats, or if you want a burger or a few for you I'd recommend:

• Lamb burger salad. Add whatever veggies you have on hand, a heated patty, bulgur or another grain, and the tzatziki as a salad dressing. This is a great bring to work lunch or quick dinner.
• Lamb pita pizza. Chop up the lamb patty, chop up leftover veggies, add some mozzarella or other mild cheese and broil. Drizzle tzatziki over pizza.

What can I make with leftover ingredients?

• Yogurt: Overnight Oats with Yogurt, Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts, Triple Berry Smoothie with Granola.
• Breadcrumbs: Pan Seared Pork Chop and One Pot Chicken Parmesan Pasta
• Mint: Frozen Greek Yogurt with Cherry Concentrate
• Lemon Juice: Sparkling Berry Lemonade, Lemon Carbonara, Banana Blueberry Oatmeal Muffins, and Arugula Basil Pesto.
• Hamburger Buns: Chicken Burgers
• Tomato: Tomato and Cucumber Salad, top your Refried Bean Tacos, or Egg-less Potato Salad.
• Cucumber: Carrot Cucumber Salad or Apple Cucumber Salad.

Did you make these lamb burgers? leave me a comment & rating to share how they turned out!

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