Chef Robert Irvine's Lamb Burger Recipe

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb Ground Lamb (80% lean, 20% fat for juiciness)
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
• 4 Brioche Buns (Split and toasted)
• 1 Avocado (Ripe, sliced)
• 0.5 cup Sour Cream (Full‑fat for richness)
• 1 tbsp Sambal Oelek (Or hot sauce/sriracha, adjust to taste)
• 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Chopped)
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (Freshly squeezed)
• 1 Red Onion (Sliced into ½‑inch rings for grilling)
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (For brushing onions)
• 1 Cucumber (Diced (about 1 cup))
• 0.25 cup Kalamata Olives (Pitted and sliced)
• 1 tsp Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (For cucumber salad dressing)
• 0.25 tsp Salt (salad)
• 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (salad)

Instructions

1. Make Spicy Sour Cream Dressing

   In a small bowl combine sour cream, sambal oelek (or hot sauce), chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and set aside.

   Time: PT5M

2. Prepare Cucumber‑Olive Salad

   Dice the cucumber, slice the Kalamata olives, and place them in a medium bowl. Add red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, ¼ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper. Toss to combine.

   Time: PT10M

3. Season and Form Lamb Patties

   Place the ground lamb in a mixing bowl, season with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper. Gently mix with hands until just combined, then divide into 4 equal portions and shape into ¾‑inch thick patties.

   Time: PT5M

4. Preheat Grill

   Heat the grill to medium‑high, about 400°F (204°C). Brush the grill grates lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 400°F

5. Grill Onions

   Brush the sliced red onion rings with olive oil, place them on the grill, and cook 2‑3 minutes per side until nicely charred but still slightly crisp.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 400°F

6. Grill Lamb Burgers

   Place the lamb patties on the hot grill. Cook 4 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook another 4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

   Time: PT8M

   Temperature: 400°F

7. Toast Brioche Buns

   While the burgers finish, split the brioche buns and toast cut sides on the grill or in a skillet for about 1‑2 minutes until golden.

   Time: PT2M

8. Assemble the Burgers

   Spread a generous spoonful of the spicy sour cream dressing on the bottom bun. Layer sliced avocado, a grilled lamb patty, charred onion rings, and a heap of cucumber‑olive salad. Top with the bun crown.

   Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

550

Protein

30g

Carbohydrates

40g

Fat

30g

Fiber

5g