If you think the gluten free diet is boring, you just need to add more variety to your meal rotation. Try these gluten free Lamb Burgers with toppings from the Mediterranean such as tzatziki, feta cheese and olive mayo. I cycle through my list of unique burger recipes every summer and never get tired of them. This burger just might make it onto your list of summer grilling favourites.
A summer barbecue should always have a salad and my choice here is an authentic Greek Summer Salad. If you're entertaining add a few more side dishes like this Beet Yogurt Salad with Walnuts and a summer veggie tray and this homemade hummus with lemon.
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Ingredients
Ground lamb has a rich, slightly gamey flavour that pairs perfectly with Mediterranean flavours. Alberta lamb is readily available and buy local when I can. Support your local farmers and butchers just like you would your local gluten free businesses. We need them all if we want to stay away from ultra-processed food.
- Ground lamb - It's a lamb burger, no substitutes.
- Dried oregano, coriander & cumin - Standard seasoning for the Mediterranean taste I want.
- Egg - This is the binder of choice so no breadcrumbs are needed.
- Gluten free bread or hamburger buns - Sliced bread is the easiest option if you are only serving a few people. The buns are available in large stores and gluten free bakeries but some gluten free cooks are making them from scratch.
- Olive Mayo - A 2-minute condiment that elevates the whole burger. Combine mayonnaise or Miracle Whip with chopped Kalamata olives, that's it!
- Tadziki - Homemade or store bought, this can replace the black olive mayo. I like lots of condiments on my burger so I use both.
- Red onion & cucumber - Reminiscent of a Greek salad to me.
- Arugula - I like something green on my burgers.
See recipe card for complete ingredient list and exact amounts.
Fun Foodie Fact: Tapenade vs Olivada
There is a difference between tapenade and olivada yet they are both olive based condiments from the Mediterranean. For my everyday style of cooking I will use what I have to make the mayo for this burger, including simply mixing chopped Kalamata olives with mayo.
Tapenade is a popular dish from the south of France containing pureed or finely chopped olives, capers, anchovies and olive oil. Some variations also include fresh herbs and sun-dried tomato. It should naturally be gluten free (famous last words).
Olivada is a bit different. It is an Italian and Spanish olive purée that focuses on the olive itself and often omits anchovies. I sometimes see jars of olive paste that reminds me more of olivada than tapenade.
Instructions for Juicy Burgers
Don't overwork ground meat for burgers. Mix it just enough to distribute the seasoning evenly. Over-mixing makes the patties dense and tight. Form patties slightly wider than your bun since the meat will shrink on the grill. A thumb indent in the centre of each patty prevents them from puffing up.
Substitutions & Variations
- Ground lamb - The Mediterranean herb blend and toppings work well with beef if lamb isn't available or to your taste.
- Dairy free - Skip the feta and tzatziki. The remaining topping will carry plenty of flavour on their own.
- Gluten free buns/toast - A lettuce wrap doesn't work for everyone but some gluten free eaters are very happy with this low cal, healthy option.
- Add heat - A pinch of harissa or chili flakes in the meat adds a North African taste that works well with lamb.
Top Tip for Safe Grilling
I adjusted the acronym K.I.S.S. to stand for Keep It Simple and Safe. Reusable grilling sheets provide a gluten free surface on any barbecue. Tin foil works too but these sheets are recognizable and can be cut to any size you want. They prevent cross-contact and your food still gets the nice grill marks you want. Click here to learn more about grilling sheets.
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New here? Overwhelmed or frustrated with gluten free? Learn a little bit about gluten free flour with this guide and start cooking GF food everyone wants to eat.
🎉 Exciting news! Adventures in a Gluten Free Kitchen, is a low cost way to learn to cook with help and encouragement from everyday cooks who get it.
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Gluten Free Lamb Burgers
Ingredients
Lamb Burgers
- 1½ lb ground lamb
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 egg lightly beaten
- 12 slices gluten free bread toasted
Olive Mayonnaise*
- 8 pitted Kalamata olives chopped
- ½ cup Miracle Whip or homemade mayonnaise
Additional Toppings
- ½ cup tzatziki
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced
- ¼ long English cucumber thinly sliced
- 1 cup arugula
Instructions
- In a bowl gently combine ground lamb, oregano, garlic, coriander, cumin, salt, pepper and egg.
- Shape into 6 patties. Set aside.
- Grill patties 3-5 minutes per side, turning once. Resist the urge to push on the patties and squeeze out the juice, you want all that flavour.
- Toast bread slices and top with lamb patties. Serve toppings on the side.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipe FAQs
Yes, shape the patties and place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This actually helps them hold together on the grill. You can also freeze raw patties between sheets of parchment for up to 3 months.
More Related Recipes
Whether you want more Greek dishes to spice up your meal rotation or an international collection of burgers, keep adding to your list of favourites so you're excited to repeat them with each new season.
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