Here's How To Put A Mediterranean Spin On A Classic Hamburger

Creating a Mediterranean burger patty

Mediterranean-style hamburgers begin similarly to traditional American burgers—with the choice of meat for your patty. Ground lamb is an excellent option that truly embodies a Mediterranean feast. If lamb isn't your preference, ground chuck with an 80-20 fat ratio is the classic American choice for beef burgers. However, you can also explore alternatives like turkey, chicken, or pork, which can serve as a fantastic foundation for a Greek-inspired backyard burger.

To create an irresistible Mediterranean burger, enhance your meat patty with additional seasonings. Alongside the standard salt and pepper, consider incorporating Mediterranean spices such as parsley, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, and paprika. Some recipes even include cooked kale or spinach in the patties for an extra serving of vegetables. Finely chopped and roasted red peppers can also be added to bring vibrant color and authentic Mediterranean flavors to your burgers. Once your meat is seasoned, elevate your Mediterranean burger by stuffing it with a blend of feta cheese and classic Mediterranean ingredients like lemon, roasted red peppers, diced onions, or herbs such as oregano and thyme.

Serve it up with Mediterranean toppings and sides

One of the most enjoyable and flavorful aspects of crafting a classic Mediterranean burger is selecting condiments inspired by the region. Enhance your burger with feta cheese and sun-dried tomatoes, or incorporate cucumbers along with fresh onion and tomato. For a bolder choice, swap out romaine or iceberg lettuce for arugula and a hint of fresh mint. Replace American cheese with crumbled feta and consider additional toppings like roasted red peppers or a mix of green, black, or Kalamata olives.

A homemade tzatziki sauce instead of mayonnaise brings a delightful Mediterranean flair. This creamy, refreshing blend of cucumber and Greek yogurt is simple to prepare and includes fresh herbs like mint and dill. Allow your tzatziki to chill in the refrigerator before serving your burgers for an extra burst of flavor. Alternatively, you can switch up the taste with a zesty harissa sauce or a lemon pepper yogurt sauce.

You can also give your sides a Mediterranean twist by preparing a tabbouleh salad or bacon-wrapped green beans. Elevate your coleslaw with tzatziki for a Greek-inspired version. Sprinkle some oregano and red peppers on roasted potatoes, or set out hummus with pita bread for snacking while your mouthwatering Mediterranean burgers are grilling.