Description
These Perfect Homemade Harissa Lamb Burgers combine the rich, juicy flavor of fresh ground lamb with the spicy, smoky kick of North African harissa paste. Enhanced with garlic, onion, and fresh parsley, then grilled to perfection and served on toasted buns with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a cooling cucumber yogurt sauce, this recipe is an irresistible twist on the classic burger.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground Lamb (Fresh ground lamb for rich flavor and moisture.)
- 2 tablespoons Harissa Paste (North African chili paste for complex flavor.)
- 2 cloves Garlic (Minced for depth of flavor.)
- 1 small Onion (Finely chopped for sweetness and moisture.)
- ¼ cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped for brightness and herbal flavor.)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavors.)
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (Freshly ground for warmth.)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (For cooking the burgers.)
For Serving
- 4 pieces Burger Buns (Soft buns for serving.)
- Fresh Lettuce (For freshness.)
- Sliced Tomatoes (For added flavor.)
- Cucumber Yogurt Sauce (For a cooling contrast.)
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients on a clean surface to prepare efficiently and ensure nothing is missed.
- Prepare Lamb Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, add the ground lamb and break it up gently to prepare for seasoning.
- Add Harissa Paste: Add the harissa paste to the ground lamb to infuse the meat with its distinctive North African chili flavor.
- Incorporate Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the lamb mixture, which adds depth and moisture.
- Season and Add Herbs: Sprinkle in the chopped fresh parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor and brightness.
- Mix Ingredients: Gently mix the ingredients together by hand without over-working to keep the patties tender and juicy.
- Shape Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a burger patty evenly for consistent cooking.
- Preheat Cooking Surface: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat to get a perfect sear on the burgers.
- Oil Grill or Skillet: Brush the grill or skillet surface with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Cook Patties (First Side): Place the patties onto the hot grill or skillet, leaving space between each, and cook for about 4-5 minutes undisturbed to develop a crust.
- Flip and Cook (Second Side): Flip the burgers carefully and cook for another 4-5 minutes until the lamb is cooked through but still juicy.
- Rest Patties: Remove the patties from the heat and let them rest a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Toast Buns: Lightly toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster to add texture and warmth.
- Assemble Burgers: Assemble each burger with a patty, fresh lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and a generous dollop of cucumber yogurt sauce for cooling contrast.
- Serve: Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the spicy, juicy lamb burgers!
Notes
- Do not overmix the lamb mixture to ensure tender burgers.
- Fresh harissa paste can be adjusted to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
- Allowing patties to rest after cooking helps retain juiciness.
- To make the burger gluten-free, substitute the buns with gluten-free alternatives.
- You can prepare the cucumber yogurt sauce in advance to save time.
