Mediterranean Feta Lamb Burgers with Refreshing Cucumber-Tomato Salsa
Indulge in the rich flavors of the Mediterranean with these succulent feta lamb burgers, perfect for any grilling occasion. The combination of juicy ground lamb and creamy feta cheese produces a deliciously moist patty, elevated further by the aromatic hints of fresh mint. This burger is complemented by a vibrant cucumber-tomato salsa that adds a refreshing crunch and tangy finish, making it a delightful twist on the classic burger. Whether you prefer the bright notes of mint or the subtle warmth of cilantro, this recipe invites you to personalize it to your taste. Ideal for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners, these burgers are sure to impress family and friends alike.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground lamb
1 1/2 lbs (raw)
Crumbled feta cheese
2/3 cup (crumbled)
Fresh mint
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Salt
to taste (ground)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (ground)
Olive oil
1 to 2 teaspoons (for cooking)
Tomatoes
2 medium (cut into 1/2-inch pieces, seeded if desired)
Cucumber
1 medium (peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch pieces)
Fresh mint (for salad)
2 tablespoons (finely chopped)
Red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon (none)
Olive oil (for salad)
2 teaspoons (none)
Salt (for salad)
to taste (none)
Fresh ground black pepper (for salad)
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, crumbled feta cheese, finely chopped fresh mint, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix until just combined.
2
2. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, ensuring each is no thicker than 3/4 inch to promote even cooking.
3
3. Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add enough olive oil to lightly coat the bottom.
4
4. Once the skillet is hot, gently place the lamb patties in the pan. Cook for about 10 minutes, reducing the heat if the burgers are browning too quickly.
5
5. After 10 minutes, flip the patties carefully and continue cooking for an additional 10 minutes. Adjust the heat as necessary to ensure that the burgers are cooked through, reaching a minimum internal temperature of 160°F.
6
6. While the burgers are cooking, prepare the cucumber-tomato salsa by combining diced tomatoes, chopped cucumber, additional mint, red wine vinegar, and olive oil in a separate bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and set aside.
7
7. To serve, place the cooked lamb burgers on individual plates and generously spoon the cucumber-tomato salsa over each burger.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Feta Lamb Burgers?
They are succulent burgers made with ground lamb and feta cheese, served with a fresh cucumber-tomato salsa.
What meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 lbs of raw ground lamb.
How much feta cheese is required?
You will need 2/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese for the patties.
Which herbs provide the main flavor?
Fresh mint is the primary herb used in both the burger patties and the refreshing salsa.
What should the patty thickness be?
Each patty should be no thicker than 3/4 inch to ensure even and thorough cooking.
How long should I cook the lamb burgers?
Cook the patties for about 10 minutes on the first side and an additional 10 minutes after flipping.
What is the target internal temperature for the burgers?
The burgers should reach a minimum internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I make the cucumber-tomato salsa?
Combine diced tomatoes, chopped cucumber, fresh mint, red wine vinegar, and olive oil in a separate bowl.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What should I do if the burgers brown too quickly?
Reduce the heat of the skillet as necessary to ensure the burgers cook through without burning the outside.
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one medium cucumber that has been peeled and seeded.
What kind of oil is used for cooking the patties?
Olive oil is used to lightly coat the bottom of a large nonstick skillet.
Is there an alternative to mint?
The recipe mentions that you can personalize the dish by using cilantro if you prefer its subtle warmth.
What size should the tomato pieces be?
The tomatoes should be cut into 1/2-inch pieces, and seeded if you prefer.
Can I make these for a barbecue?
Yes, these feta lamb burgers are ideal for summer barbecues and grilling occasions.
How is the salsa served?
The cucumber-tomato salsa should be generously spooned over each burger after they are plated.
What equipment is needed for the burgers?
You will need a large mixing bowl for the meat and a large nonstick skillet for cooking.
How much vinegar is used in the salsa?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of red wine vinegar for the salsa mixture.
Should I seed the tomatoes?
Seeding the tomatoes is optional based on your preference when cutting them into pieces.
Is the feta mixed directly into the meat?
Yes, the crumbled feta is combined with the ground lamb and mint before the patties are shaped.
What ingredients are used for seasoning?
Salt and freshly ground black pepper are used to season both the burger mixture and the salsa.
How many patties does the recipe make?
The mixture should be divided into four equal portions to create four burger patties.
What type of skillet is recommended?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended to prevent the burgers from sticking while cooking.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy dinner recipe suitable for weeknights.
What provides the tangy finish to the dish?
The red wine vinegar and fresh tomatoes in the salsa provide a refreshing and tangy finish.
How much mint goes into the burger meat?
Two tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint are mixed into the lamb and feta.
How much mint is used in the salsa?
An additional 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh mint are added to the cucumber-tomato salad.
How much olive oil is added to the salsa?
Two teaspoons of olive oil are mixed into the salsa along with the vinegar.
What makes the patties moist?
The combination of juicy ground lamb and creamy feta cheese ensures the patties stay deliciously moist.
What is the preparation for the feta?
The feta cheese should be crumbled before being mixed into the ground lamb.