Lamb Burgers With Mint-Yogurt Sauce

Garlic-and-cumin seasoned lamb turns into succulent patties for a welcome twist on burger night.

Lamb-Burgers-with-Mint-Yogurt Sauce.jpg
Photo:

Greg Dupree, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless , Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall

Prep Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
30 mins
Servings:
4

Make burger night a thing in your house and get this lamb burger recipe in rotation stat. A generous amount of garlic, a hint of cumin, lemon zest, and fresh mint season the patties with fragrant, zippy flavor. Then a tart yogurt sauce spiked with mint and lemon provides the perfect balance against the richness of the lamb. It all comes together with a handful of peppery arugula in each burger. Make this one night, then try it with ground chicken or turkey. 

Try rolling the mixture into balls for meatballs instead of burgers, and serve with pita or naan. Or turn this recipe into an appetizer and serve the meatballs with the yogurt sauce on the side.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground lamb

  • 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped (about 1 Tbsp.)

  • 1 tsp. ground cumin

  • 2 tsp. lemon zest plus 4 Tbsp. fresh juice (from 2 lemons), divided 

  • 3 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh mint, divided 

  • 1 3/4 tsp. kosher salt, divided

  • 1/2 cup plain whole-milk strained (Greek-style) yogurt 

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil

  • 4 cups lightly packed baby arugula (from a 5-oz. container)

  • 4 hamburger buns, toasted

  • Potato chips, for serving (optional)

Directions

  1. Mix burger ingredients and shape into patties:

    Mix together lamb, garlic, cumin, lemon zest, 1 tablespoon mint, and 1 teaspoon salt until combined. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a 4-inch-wide, about 1/2-inch-thick patty. 

  2. Make mint-yogurt sauce and refrigerate:

    Stir together yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and remaining 2 tablespoons mint in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to serve. 

  3. Cook patties in skillet:

    Heat oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high. Add patties; cook until a thermometer inserted in center reads 160°F, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.

  4. Toss arugula with dressing:

    Toss arugula with remaining 2 tablespoons lemon juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a medium bowl. 

  5. Assemble burgers:

    Spread about 1 tablespoon yogurt sauce over cut sides of each bun. Place patties on bottom buns. Top each with 1 cup dressed arugula and place tops of buns over arugula. Serve with potato chips, if desired.

Make-Ahead: Stir the yogurt sauce together up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate until serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

617 Calories
35g Fat
36g Carbs
38g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 4
Calories 617
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 35g 45%
Saturated Fat 12g 58%
Cholesterol 114mg 38%
Sodium 984mg 43%
Total Carbohydrate 36g 13%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 38g 75%
Vitamin C 8mg 8%
Calcium 202mg 16%
Iron 5mg 29%
Potassium 688mg 15%

*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

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