There’s something almost poetic about biting into a juicy lamb burger fresh off the grill. It’s like a symphony of flavors in your mouth—a perfect harmony of savory, smoky, and just a hint of spice. And speaking of spice, remember that viral TikTok challenge last summer? Yeah, these burgers could totally be the star of your next backyard cook-off.
Steps
- Combine the minced lamb with grated onion, three minced garlic cloves, four tablespoons of chopped mint, ground coriander, and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Mix everything thoroughly and shape the mixture into four burger patties. Place them in the fridge to chill until cooking.
- Prepare the herb aioli by mixing mayonnaise with lemon juice, the remaining two minced garlic cloves, a pinch of paprika, and the rest of the mint, parsley, and dill in a separate bowl. Refrigerate this mixture until it’s ready to be used.
- Preheat your grill to a high temperature and lightly oil the lamb patties just before grilling. Cook the patties for about four minutes on each side, ensuring they reach an internal temperature of 160°F for safe consumption.
- While the patties cook, toast the halved burger buns under the grill for 30 seconds to a minute until they are lightly browned. Toasting the buns is optional but recommended.
- To assemble the burgers, spread some of the herb aioli on the bottom bun, place a cooked patty on top, add a few red onion rings, more aioli, and some salad leaves. Complete the burger with the top bun and serve.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb shoulder
- 2 red onions (1 finely grated, 1 sliced into rings)
- 5 garlic cloves, finely crushed, divided
- 5 tablespoons fresh mint, finely chopped, divided
- 3 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 8 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 pinch paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon cooking oil
- 4 burger buns
- 1/4 cup salad leaves
FAQ
- How can I prevent lamb burgers from falling apart?
- To help maintain their shape, consider adding breadcrumbs or an egg to the burger mixture. Refrigerating the patties before cooking also helps them hold together better. Alternatively, you can add oats and an egg, which will act as a binder.
- Is it safe to eat lamb burgers rare?
- It is not recommended to consume lamb burgers rare. The USDA advises cooking ground lamb to an internal temperature of 160 F, ensuring the burger is well-done and safe to eat.
- How should leftover lamb burgers be stored and reheated?
- Allow the patties to cool to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It’s best to store the components separately. Reheat in the microwave, on the stovetop, or on the grill. Alternatively, freeze the patties for a few months, reheating them in the oven for best results.
- What ingredients enhance the flavor of lamb burgers?
- Fresh mint, ground coriander, garlic, Dijon mustard, and a herb aioli made with mayonnaise, lemon juice, and fresh herbs can significantly enhance the flavor of lamb burgers.
- What is a suggested method for grilling lamb burgers?
- Preheat the grill to a high heat, lightly oil the patties, and cook them for about four minutes per side. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 160 F for a perfectly cooked lamb burger. Toast the buns lightly for added texture.
Tips
- To ensure your lamb burgers hold together well, consider adding a small amount of breadcrumbs or an egg to the meat mixture. Refrigerating the formed patties before cooking also helps maintain their shape.
- Always cook your lamb burgers to an internal temperature of 160°F for safety. This ensures they are well-done but still juicy, thanks to the flavorful ingredients mixed into the patties.
- When storing leftover lamb burgers, allow them to cool to room temperature before placing them in the fridge. Keep the components separate to avoid soggy buns and uneven reheating.
- For the best texture and flavor, reheat leftover patties in the oven or on the stovetop rather than in the microwave. If freezing, consume within a month for optimal taste.
Equipment
- Grill Thermometer: To ensure the burgers reach the recommended internal temperature of 160 F.
- Grill: If you don’t already have one, a grill is necessary for cooking the burgers as described.
- Burger Press: Useful for forming evenly shaped burger patties.
- Mixing Bowls: While most homes have basic mixing bowls, you might consider upgrading to a set if needed for convenience.
- Oil Brush: For lightly oiling the patties before grilling.
- Herb Chopper: If you don’t have a suitable tool for finely chopping herbs like mint, dill, and parsley.
