If you’re looking to elevate your burger game, these Spiced Lamb Burgers with Mint Yogurt are exactly what you need. I’ve perfected this recipe to combine aromatic Middle Eastern spices with juicy lamb, all complemented by a cooling mint yogurt sauce. It’s the perfect balance of flavors that’ll make your taste buds dance.
Ingredients
For the lamb burgers:
- 2 pounds ground lamb
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 brioche burger buns
For the mint yogurt sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped
- 1 small cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb with diced onion, minced garlic, and all the spices. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – don’t overmix, or the burgers will become tough.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form them into patties about 1-inch thick. Make a slight depression in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
- While the patties rest, prepare the mint yogurt sauce. Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, or adjust to your preferred level of cooking.
- Toast the brioche buns lightly, then assemble your burgers with a generous dollop of mint yogurt sauce.
Cook Time and Serving Size
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Recipe Notes
Here are some crucial tips to ensure your Spiced Lamb Burgers turn out perfectly:
- Don’t skip the resting step – let the formed patties sit in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes if time allows. This helps them hold together better during cooking.
- Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well for the sauce. Excess moisture will make your yogurt sauce too runny.
- For the best flavor, bring the lamb to room temperature about 30 minutes before cooking.
- If you can’t find brioche buns, any sturdy burger bun will work, but avoid very soft ones as they might get soggy.
- These burgers pair beautifully with simple sides like grilled vegetables or a crisp Mediterranean salad.
- Leftover mint yogurt sauce keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and makes a great dip for vegetables or pita bread.
Spiced Lamb Burgers with Mint Yogurt
Elevate your burger game with these Spiced Lamb Burgers with Mint Yogurt. Aromatic Middle Eastern spices combine with juicy lamb, complemented by a cooling mint yogurt sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground lamb
- 1 medium onion finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 brioche burger buns
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves finely chopped
- 1 small cucumber grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb with diced onion, minced garlic, and all the spices. Mix gently with your hands until just combined – don't overmix, or the burgers will become tough.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form them into patties about 1-inch thick. Make a slight depression in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
- While the patties rest, prepare the mint yogurt sauce. Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Heat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side for medium doneness, or adjust to your preferred level of cooking.
- Toast the brioche buns lightly, then assemble your burgers with a generous dollop of mint yogurt sauce.
