Description
These Easy Lebanese Kafta Burgers feature a flavorful blend of ground beef or lamb with fresh parsley, onions, garlic, and warm Middle Eastern spices. Grilled to juicy perfection and served with pita bread, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a creamy homemade yogurt sauce, they offer a delicious Middle Eastern twist on the classic burger.
Ingredients
Kafta Burgers
- 1½ pounds ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, finely grated
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 burger buns or pita breads
Yogurt Sauce
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped mint or parsley
Toppings
- Lettuce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Red onion slices
Instructions
- Mix the Meat and Spices: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with the finely grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a burger patty about ¾-inch thick, ensuring they are compact but not overly compressed to allow even cooking.
- Cook the Burgers: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook each patty for 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and nicely browned on the outside. Use a meat thermometer to ensure an internal temperature of at least 160°F for ground beef.
- Prepare the Yogurt Sauce: While the burgers are cooking, mix together the plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, and chopped mint or parsley in a small bowl. Stir well until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt if desired.
- Toast the Buns or Pita: Lightly toast the burger buns or warm pita breads on the grill or in a toaster, to add texture and warmth.
- Assemble the Burgers: Place each cooked patty on a bun or pita. Top with lettuce, tomato slices, cucumber slices, red onion slices, and a generous dollop of the prepared yogurt sauce. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Using ground lamb instead of beef adds a more authentic Lebanese flavor to the kafta burgers.
- These burgers pair wonderfully with crispy fries or a fresh Mediterranean salad for a complete meal.
- Store any leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- You can customize the yogurt sauce by adding a pinch of cayenne for mild heat or swapping mint for cilantro for a different flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Lebanese
