Take your burger game to the next level with this Traditional Greek Burger Patty! Infused with Mediterranean flavors, this patty is juicy, aromatic, and packed with herbs and spices that transport you straight to Greece. Whether you’re serving it in a pita, over a salad, or on a classic bun, this recipe is a must-try for burger lovers. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
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Why You’ll Love Traditional Greek Burger Patty
Flavor-Packed: A perfect blend of Mediterranean herbs, garlic, and spices that make each bite burst with deliciousness.
Healthy & Lean: Made with high-quality ground meat and fresh ingredients, it’s a lighter yet flavorful option for burger nights.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and easy steps make this recipe perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks.
Versatile: Serve it with pita, on a bun, or even as a protein-packed salad topping.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at BBQs, family dinners, and gatherings.
Ingredients in Traditional Greek Burger Patty
Here’s what makes this burger patty stand out:
Ground Beef or Lamb: The base of our patty. Lamb gives an authentic Greek touch, while beef is a great alternative.
Onion: Finely grated for a mild, sweet flavor that keeps the patties juicy.
Garlic: A must-have ingredient that adds a rich depth of flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Helps to bind the mixture and add structure to the patties.
Egg: Ensures the patties hold together while cooking.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of freshness and subtle herbal notes.
Dried Oregano: A key Greek seasoning that brings in authentic flavors.
Ground Cumin: Gives a warm, earthy taste that enhances the overall flavor.
Feta Cheese (Optional): Adds a creamy, tangy kick to the patties.
Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the flavors and brings balance.
Olive Oil: Keeps the patties moist and adds richness.
Instructions
Let’s get started on these flavorful Greek patties:
Prepare the Patty Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, oregano, cumin, and crumbled feta (if using). Mix until well combined but don’t overwork the meat.
Shape the Patties: Form the mixture into equal-sized patties, pressing slightly in the center to prevent puffing up during cooking.
Preheat Your Grill or Pan: Heat a grill or pan over medium-high heat and brush with a little olive oil.
Cook the Patties: Grill or pan-fry for 4–5 minutes per side, until browned and cooked to your desired doneness.
Rest Before Serving: Let the patties rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps retain their juiciness.
Serve & Enjoy: Serve in a pita with tzatziki sauce, tomatoes, and cucumbers, or on a bun with your favorite toppings.
How to Serve Traditional Greek Burger Patty
These juicy patties pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments:
In a Pita: Serve with fresh veggies and a dollop of tzatziki for a traditional Greek wrap.
On a Bun: Go classic with a toasted bun, lettuce, tomato, and feta crumbles.
Over a Salad: Top a Greek salad with a sliced patty for a protein-packed meal.
With a Side of Fries: Serve with crispy Greek-style potatoes or classic fries for a comforting meal.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and oregano make a big difference in flavor.
- Chill the Patties: Refrigerating for 30 minutes before cooking helps them hold their shape.
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the meat can make the patties dense.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: These patties can be grilled, pan-fried, or even baked at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
- Make Ahead: The patties can be prepped and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use turkey instead of beef or lamb?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey works well for a leaner option but may need extra breadcrumbs to maintain texture.
Q2: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A2: Store cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or oven.
Q3: Can I freeze the patties?
A3: Yes! Freeze raw patties with parchment paper between them. Cook from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
Q4: How do I make this dairy-free?
A4: Simply skip the feta cheese and make sure your breadcrumbs are dairy-free.
Q5: Can I add other seasonings?
A5: Absolutely! Try adding smoked paprika or a pinch of cinnamon for extra depth.
Q6: What toppings go well with these patties?
A6: Tzatziki sauce, sliced red onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and crumbled feta are great choices.
Q7: Can I cook these in the oven?
A7: Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q8: What’s the best way to get a juicy patty?
A8: Avoid overcooking and let the patties rest for a few minutes after cooking.
Q9: Can I add spinach to the mixture?
A9: Yes! Finely chopped spinach adds a nutritious twist.
Q10: Can I make mini patties for sliders?
A10: Yes! Just reduce the cooking time slightly.
Final Thoughts
These Traditional Greek Burger Patties bring bold Mediterranean flavors to your table with minimal effort. Whether grilled, pan-fried, or baked, they make a delicious and satisfying meal. Try them today and enjoy a taste of Greece in every bite!
Print
Traditional Greek Burger Patty
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 burger patties 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-frying
Description
This Traditional Greek Burger Patty (biftekia) is packed with Mediterranean flavors from fresh herbs and spices. Perfect for grilling or pan-frying, these juicy patties make a great addition to your next BBQ! Serve with a squeeze of lemon and fresh mint for an authentic Greek experience.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 large white or yellow onion, grated
- 4 garlic cloves, pressed
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- 3 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Lemon juice and fresh herbs (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, grated onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, olive oil, parsley, mint, salt, and pepper. Mix well until fully incorporated.
- Divide the mixture into 12 equal portions and shape each into a burger patty.
- Heat a frying pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil or avocado oil.
- Cook 3-4 patties at a time, about 3-5 minutes per side, until cooked through to your desired doneness.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh mint and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Notes
- For grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Serve with tzatziki, pita bread, or a Greek salad for a full meal.
- Swap ground beef for ground lamb or turkey for a different take on the recipe.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger patty
- Calories: 123 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg