Lamb Smash Burgers

Lamb smash burgers accompanied with quick pickled red onions & baby cucumbers, a yogurt-mint sauce and sliced avocado. Tons of umami flavor.

📝 Ingredients

• 1 lb ground lamb
• 4 buns ((brioche recommended))
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• canola oil for cooking
• kosher salt & pepper
• 1 avocado
• 1 sliced small red onion ((about 2 cups))
• 2 - 3 thinly sliced baby cucumbers ((about 2 cups))
• 2 cups white vinegar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1/2 cup whole milk greek yogurt
• zest from 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- To make the pickled veggies ---
2. 2Rinse sliced onions with almost boiling water. This is optional, but it helps mild out the onion.
3. 3Combine all pickling ingredients in a water-tight sealable container.
4. 4Shake vigorously to dissolve the salt and sugar in the vinegar.
5. 5Let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to quick pickle the veggies. Pickling will stop once you place them in the refrigerator.
6. 6--- To make the Lamb smash burgers ---
7. 7Gently mix the ground cumin and cinnamon with the ground lamb in a bowl. Let it sit while you are making the pickles.
8. 8Gently form 4 equal portion meat balls with the lamb.
9. 9Heat a thin layer of canola oil in a heavy cast iron skillet or griddle pan over medium-high heat.
10. 10Generously season the outside of the lamb meat balls with kosher salt & freshly ground pepper.
11. 11Place the meat balls in the hot pan leaving plenty of room between, working in batches if necessary.
12. 12Immediately smash down on the meat balls with a large spatula to form thin patties.
13. 13Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until the desired doneness is reached.
14. 14Make the yogurt-mint sauce by combining all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
15. 15Serve burgers on toasted buns with the pickled veggies, yogurt-mint sauce and sliced avocado.