Gyro Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

Gyro Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe from Greece | Ground Lamb, Yogurt, Cucumber, Feta

Region / culture: Greece | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Gyro Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce is a delicious twist on the classic Greek gyro sandwich, combining the flavors of juicy lamb, tangy tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables all in one tasty burger. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue or a weeknight dinner that will transport you to the streets of Greece.

History

The gyro sandwich has its origins in Greece, where it is a popular street food made with seasoned meat, usually lamb or beef, cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is then thinly sliced and served in a pita with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. This recipe takes inspiration from the traditional gyro sandwich but puts a modern twist on it by turning it into a burger.

Ingredients

3 lb (1.36 kg) of ground lamb
1 red or white onion (your choice)
3.5 cloves of garlic
dried marjoram
rosemary
salt and pepper (to taste)
16 oz (454 g) of Greek yogurt
1 cucumber
olive oil
tomato
lettuce
feta cheese
buns of your choice

How to prepare

Burger preparation

Dice the onion.
Dice 0.5 clove of garlic.
Knead the onion and garlic into the lamb meat.
Add 1 – 2 tbsp of marjoram and rosemary into the meat.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Slice the tomato and prepare enough leaves of lettuce for the burgers.

Tzatziki sauce

Cut the cucumber into small pieces, retaining their juices.
Finely chop 3 cloves of garlic.
Mix the cucumber and garlic into the Greek yogurt with a small amount of olive oil.
Optional: Add mint leaves for freshness.
Cover the sauce and refrigerate.

Cooking

Shape the lamb into 4 patties, each weighing about 0.75 lb (340 g).
Cook the patties on a skillet, griddle, frying pan, or grill.
Ensure not to overcook the patties to retain their juices.
When halfway cooked, flip the patties and place feta cheese on the cooked side.
Continuously check the doneness of the meat with a knife or fork.
Remove the patties when they are no longer raw in the middle but still juicy.

Serving

Place the cooked patties on buns, preferably whole wheat.
Top the patties with lettuce, tomato, and melted feta.
Drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
These burgers are sure to impress!

Variations

Use ground beef or ground turkey instead of lamb for a different flavor.
Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill to the tzatziki sauce for extra freshness.
Top the burgers with sliced olives, roasted red peppers, or pickled onions for added flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure not to overcook the lamb patties to keep them juicy and flavorful.

- Use fresh herbs and spices for the best flavor in both the burger patties and the tzatziki sauce.

- Let the tzatziki sauce sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Toast the buns lightly before assembling the burgers for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Gyro Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce with a side of Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy fries for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grilling, pan-frying, or broiling the lamb patties are all great cooking techniques for this recipe. Just be sure to cook them until they are no longer raw in the middle but still juicy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt for the tzatziki sauce. You can also substitute the feta cheese with goat cheese or another crumbly cheese.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the lamb patties and tzatziki sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook and assemble the burgers.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Gyro Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce on a platter with a garnish of fresh herbs and a side of lemon wedges for squeezing over the burgers.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Gyro Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce with a glass of chilled white wine, a cold beer, or a refreshing glass of iced tea for a perfect meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover lamb patties, tzatziki sauce, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the patties in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through, then assemble the burgers with fresh toppings.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Gyro Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce contains approximately 450 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Gyro Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Gyro Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce contains approximately 25 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Gyro Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce contains approximately 35 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This recipe is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (Greek yogurt and feta cheese) and gluten (buns), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Gyro Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce are a balanced meal with a good mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious and delicious choice for lunch or dinner.

Summary

Gyro Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines the flavors of a classic gyro sandwich with the convenience of a burger. With juicy lamb patties, tangy tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables, these burgers are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Gyro Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce. It was a warm summer day, and I had invited my dear friend Maria over for a barbecue in our backyard. Maria is Greek, and she always brings the most delicious dishes to share.

As we sat at the picnic table sipping on homemade lemonade, Maria mentioned how much she missed the flavors of Greece, especially the gyro sandwiches she used to enjoy back home. I had never made gyro burgers before, but I was eager to try something new. Maria offered to show me how to make them, and I eagerly accepted her offer.

We started by marinating ground lamb in a mixture of garlic, onion, oregano, and lemon juice. Maria explained that the key to a good gyro burger is to let the flavors meld together for at least an hour before cooking. While the meat was marinating, Maria taught me how to make Tzatziki sauce, a creamy yogurt and cucumber sauce that would accompany the burgers perfectly.

I watched as Maria peeled and grated a cucumber, then mixed it with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, and dill. The refreshing sauce smelled divine, and I couldn't wait to taste it. Maria insisted that the longer the Tzatziki sauce chilled in the refrigerator, the better it would taste, so we set it aside and moved on to shaping the gyro burgers.

Using our hands, Maria and I formed the marinated lamb mixture into patties and placed them on the grill. The sizzling sound of the meat cooking over the flames was music to my ears. Maria taught me how to gauge when the burgers were done, explaining that they should be slightly pink in the center for optimal flavor and juiciness.

Once the gyro burgers were cooked to perfection, we assembled them on warm pita bread with a generous dollop of Tzatziki sauce on top. Maria added a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color, and we sat down to enjoy our creation.

The first bite of the gyro burger was a revelation. The tender lamb patty was bursting with flavor, thanks to the marinade of garlic and herbs. The cool and tangy Tzatziki sauce balanced out the richness of the meat, creating a perfect harmony of flavors. As I savored each bite, I felt transported to the streets of Athens, where Maria had grown up enjoying similar dishes with her family.

After finishing our meal, Maria and I sat back in our chairs, content and full. I thanked her profusely for teaching me how to make gyro burgers with Tzatziki sauce, a recipe that would surely become a staple in my kitchen.

From that day on, I would frequently make gyro burgers for my family and friends, always thinking back to that sunny afternoon when Maria had shared her culinary wisdom with me. The recipe became a symbol of friendship and connection, a reminder of the joy that comes from sharing delicious food with loved ones.

As the years passed, I continued to hone my skills in Greek cooking, adding my own twists and variations to the gyro burger recipe. But no matter how many times I made it, the dish always brought me back to that special moment with Maria, when I first discovered the magic of Gyro Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce.