Description
This lamb burger recipe features a Harissa brush for smoky, spicy flavor and a cooling cucumber raita topping. It is a quick, wholesome, and balanced meal perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground lamb
- 2 Tbsp (30ml) Harissa paste
- 4–6 burger buns
- 1 medium (200g) cucumber
- 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt
- 0.25 cup (60ml) chopped fresh mint
- 0.5 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 0.25 small onion, finely minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 0.5 tsp coriander
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Combine Patty Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine 1 lb (450g) ground lamb, finely minced onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp cumin, 0.5 tsp coriander, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp pepper. Mix gently with hands for about 30 seconds until just combined.
- Form Patties: Divide the mixture into 4-6 evenly sized patties, each about 0.5 inch (1.25 cm) thick.
- Prepare for Cooking & Brush Harissa: Heat a grill or 10-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat (around 375°F (190°C)). Lightly brush one side of each patty with Harissa paste.
- Cook Burgers: Place Harissa-brushed patties onto the hot surface. Cook for 4-6 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness, brushing the uncooked side with more Harissa before flipping. Ensure an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
- Prepare Cucumber for Raita: While burgers cook, grate the medium cucumber and gently squeeze out excess water using a clean kitchen towel.
- Make Cucumber Raita: In a small bowl, combine the grated cucumber, 1 cup (240ml) plain yogurt, 0.25 cup (60ml) minced fresh mint, a squeeze from 0.5 lemon, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Toast Buns: Lightly toast burger buns for 1-2 minutes until golden brown and fragrant, if desired.
- Assemble and Serve: Place a cooked Harissa lamb burger on the bottom bun. Top generously with the refreshing cucumber raita, and add any other desired toppings. Serve immediately.
Notes
For substitutions, ground beef or turkey can be used for patties, and sumac can be added to the raita for extra zing. When preparing, avoid overmixing the lamb to prevent tough burgers and do not overcook as lamb can dry out quickly. Ensure you squeeze excess water from the grated cucumber for a creamy raita. Patties can be formed ahead of time for faster preparation. If burgers stick to the pan, add a small amount of high-smoke point oil.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, Middle Eastern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (220 g)
- Calories: 620 calories
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: lamb burger, Harissa, cucumber raita, weeknight dinner, easy, quick, savory, spicy, refreshing, family favorite