Mediterranean Lamb & Beef Gyro Burgers
Elevate your burger game with these Mediterranean Lamb & Beef Gyro Burgers that perfectly blend the flavors and textures of two culinary worlds. Combining juicy ground lamb and lean beef with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients, these burgers are marinated to perfection, ensuring each bite is infused with flavor. Serve them tucked in warm pita pockets alongside a refreshing tzatziki sauce and vibrant salad toppings. Ideal for a casual lunch or a delightful dinner with friends and family, these burgers bring a taste of Greece to your tabletop. Experience the joy of grilling while enjoying a meal that celebrates both tradition and innovation.
4-6 servings
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
lean ground lamb
3/4 lb (raw)
lean ground beef
1/2 lb (raw)
fresh breadcrumbs
1 cup (prepared)
minced onion
1/2 cup (raw)
garlic clove, minced
1 clove (fresh)
ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
salt
1 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon (dry)
ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (dry)
red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (liquid)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dry)
olive oil
1/3 cup (liquid)
plum tomatoes, chopped
4 (fresh)
small onion, slivered
1 (raw)
small cucumber, seeded & chopped
1 (raw)
romaine lettuce, shredded
1/2 head (raw)
tzatziki (homemade or purchased)
1 cup (dipping sauce)
pita pockets
4 (bread)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean ground lamb, lean ground beef, fresh breadcrumbs, minced onion, minced garlic, ground allspice, ground coriander, ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper.
2
Mix together thoroughly using your hands or a spoon until all ingredients are well incorporated.
3
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty. Cover the patties with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the dressing is well blended.
5
Add the chopped plum tomatoes, slivered onion, and chopped cucumber to the dressing. Stir gently to coat the vegetables and allow them to marinate for at least 2 hours (up to 8 hours in the refrigerator).
6
Preheat your grill and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Cook the chilled burger patties on the grill for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (70°C) and the patties are no longer pink but remain juicy.
7
While the burgers are cooking, warm the pita pockets by placing them on the grill for a few moments until heated through.
8
Once cooked, carefully open the pita pockets from the side and place a burger inside each pocket.
9
Serve with bowls of the marinated vegetable topping, shredded romaine lettuce, and tzatziki sauce, allowing guests to customize their gyros to taste.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Mediterranean Lamb & Beef Gyro Burgers?
These burgers are a fusion dish that combines the flavors of traditional Greek gyros with the format of a burger, featuring a blend of ground lamb and beef seasoned with aromatic spices like cumin and coriander.
What meats are used in this gyro burger recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 lb of lean ground lamb and 1/2 lb of lean ground beef for a balanced, flavorful patty.
Can I use only beef for these burgers?
Yes, you can use only beef, though using lamb provides the authentic, gamey flavor profile associated with Mediterranean gyros.
What spices are included in the meat mixture?
The meat is seasoned with ground allspice, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper.
Why are fresh breadcrumbs added to the meat?
Breadcrumbs act as a binder and help keep the burgers moist and juicy during the grilling process.
How long should the burger patties be refrigerated before cooking?
It is recommended to refrigerate the shaped patties for 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the patties to firm up.
What ingredients are in the vegetable marinade dressing?
The dressing consists of red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and olive oil.
Which vegetables are marinated for the topping?
The topping includes chopped plum tomatoes, slivered onion, and seeded, chopped cucumber.
How long should the vegetable topping marinate?
The vegetables should marinate for at least 2 hours, but can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 8 hours.
What type of vinegar is best for this recipe?
Red wine vinegar is recommended for its tangy and slightly fruity profile which complements Mediterranean flavors.
To what internal temperature should the burgers be cooked?
The burgers should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (70°C) to ensure they are fully cooked but still juicy.
How long does it take to grill the burger patties?
On a preheated grill, the patties typically take about 10 to 15 minutes to cook through.
How do I serve the gyro burgers?
The burgers are served inside warmed pita pockets with marinated vegetables, shredded romaine lettuce, and tzatziki sauce.
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, you can use either homemade or purchased tzatziki sauce for this recipe.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 4 to 6 servings depending on the size of the portions.
What kind of lettuce is recommended for topping?
Shredded romaine lettuce is recommended for its crisp texture.
What is the best way to warm the pita pockets?
You can place the pita pockets directly on the grill for a few moments until they are heated through and pliable.
Do I need to peel the cucumber?
The recipe suggests seeding and chopping the cucumber; peeling is optional based on your preference for the skin's texture.
Can I prepare the meat mixture a day ahead?
While 2 hours is recommended, you can prepare the patties the night before and keep them covered in the refrigerator.
What type of onion should I use for the meat mixture?
The recipe calls for minced onion in the patties; a yellow or white onion works well for this purpose.
What should I do if my pita pockets tear?
To prevent tearing, ensure they are properly warmed to make them flexible, then use a sharp knife to carefully slit the side open.
Is fresh garlic required for this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for one minced garlic clove to provide a fresh, pungent aromatic base for the meat.
Can these burgers be cooked on a stovetop?
Yes, if a grill is unavailable, you can cook them in a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium heat.
What is the role of allspice in this burger?
Allspice adds a warm, slightly sweet complexity that is characteristic of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean meat dishes.
How do I make the patties uniform in size?
Divide the total meat mixture into 4 equal portions before shaping them to ensure even cooking times.
What type of tomatoes should be used for the topping?
Plum tomatoes (also known as Roma tomatoes) are recommended because they are meaty and have less water content.
Can I freeze the raw burger patties?
Yes, you can freeze the raw patties. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
What kind of oil is used in the dressing?
The recipe specifies 1/3 cup of olive oil for the vegetable marinade.
Is this recipe considered a fusion dish?
Yes, it is a fusion of a traditional Greek gyro and a classic American grilled burger.
How should I store leftovers?
Store the cooked patties and the marinated vegetable topping in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.