Memorial Day Weekend (MDW) is a time for gatherings, barbecues, and enjoying the company of family and friends.
What better way to celebrate than with a delicious twist on a classic American favorite?
This year, impress your guests with Greek Burgers, a delightful fusion of Greek flavors and the beloved burger.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating these mouthwatering burgers, complete with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. 🍔🇺🇸🇬🇷
Ingredients for Greek Burgers
Burgers:
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 cup feta crumbles
- 3 tsp chopped red onion
Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1/2 English cucumber, grated and drained
- 1.5 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
For Serving:
- 4 burger buns
- Sliced red onion
- Sliced cucumber
- Sliced tomato
- Butter or iceberg lettuce
- Tzatziki sauce
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
Start by making the tzatziki sauce, which adds a refreshing and creamy element to your burgers. Here’s how:
- Grate the cucumber using a coarse grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean cloth or paper towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial to ensure your tzatziki is not watery.
- In a medium bowl, combine the grated cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Letting the tzatziki chill allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
2. Prepare the Burger Patties
While the tzatziki is chilling, it’s time to prepare the burgers:
- In a large bowl, combine the lean ground beef, garlic powder, dried dill, onion powder, salt, pepper, feta crumbles, and chopped red onion. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into balls. Flatten each ball to form patties.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once hot, place the burger patties on the grill and cook for about 4 minutes on each side. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of your patties and your preferred level of doneness.
3. Prepare the Toppings
While the burgers are grilling, get your toppings ready:
- Slice red onion, cucumber, and tomato.
- Wash and dry the lettuce leaves.
4. Assemble the Burgers
Once the burgers are cooked to perfection, it’s time to assemble them:
- Place a cooked burger patty on the bottom half of a burger bun.
- Top with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
- Add slices of red onion, cucumber, tomato, and a leaf of lettuce.
- Cover with the top half of the burger bun.
Tips for the Perfect Greek Burgers
- Grate and Drain the Cucumber Well: This prevents the tzatziki sauce from becoming too watery.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh dill and garlic will elevate the flavors even more if you prefer fresh herbs over dried.
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mixing the burger ingredients until just combined will result in juicier burgers.
- Let the Tzatziki Chill: Allowing it to rest in the fridge not only blends the flavors but also gives it a thicker consistency.
These Greek Burgers are sure to be a hit at your MDW celebration, offering a delightful twist on the classic burger that your family and friends will love.
Enjoy the juicy beef patties, the creamy and tangy tzatziki, and the fresh, crisp toppings.
Happy grilling and Happy Memorial Day Weekend!