DIY Kofta Burgers Recipe

Introduction

These DIY kofta burgers bring the rich flavors of spiced lamb to your grill or oven in an easy, hands-on meal. Packed with garam masala and fresh ingredients, they make a delicious twist on traditional burgers perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 kg lamb mince
• 2 onions, coarsely grated
• 1 garlic bulb, broken into cloves and finely chopped or grated
• 6 tbsp garam masala
• Bunch coriander, chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp chilli sauce, plus extra to serve
• 8 pitta breads
• 4 tomatoes, halved and sliced
• Half a red cabbage, shredded
• 1 red onion, sliced (optional)
• Small pot plain yogurt

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the lamb mince, grated onions, chopped garlic, garam masala, chopped coriander (if using), chilli sauce, and a good pinch of salt. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly until fully combined.
2. Step 2: Shape the mixture into 16 small burgers. You can freeze them for up to 1 month or chill them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking.
3. Step 3: Preheat your grill to the highest setting. Arrange the burgers in a single layer on a baking tray. You might need to cook in batches depending on tray size.
4. Step 4: Grill the burgers for 5–6 minutes on each side until they are browned and cooked through.
5. Step 5: Serve the kofta burgers piled on a platter alongside pitta breads, sliced tomatoes, shredded cabbage, red onion slices (if using), and plain yogurt. Let everyone build their own sandwiches and add extra chilli sauce to taste.

Tips & Variations

• For extra freshness, add chopped mint or parsley along with the coriander in the mix.
• Use lamb mince with a bit of fat for juicier burgers; lean mince can dry out quickly.
• If you prefer, swap pitta breads for burger buns or flatbreads.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the yogurt for a tangy twist.
• Try serving with a cucumber raita or pickled vegetables for extra zing.

Storage

Store uncooked kofta burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 1 month. To reheat cooked burgers, warm them gently under the grill or in a pan until heated through, avoiding overcooking to maintain juiciness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different meat for kofta burgers?

Yes, you can substitute lamb with beef, chicken, or turkey mince. Adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for poultry which should be cooked thoroughly.

How can I prevent the burgers from falling apart?

Make sure to mix the ingredients well and handle the burgers gently when shaping and turning. Using a bit of breadcrumbs or an egg in the mix can also help bind the patties if needed.

DIY Kofta Burgers Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 61 reviews

This recipe for DIY Kofta Burgers features flavorful lamb mince mixed with aromatic spices and fresh ingredients, grilled to perfection and served in soft pitta breads with fresh vegetables and yogurt. Perfect for a delicious homemade burger experience with a Middle Eastern twist.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 16 small burgers 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Kofta Burgers

• 1kg lamb mince
• 2 onions, coarsely grated
• 1 garlic bulb, broken into cloves and finely chopped or grated
• 6 tbsp garam masala
• bunch coriander, chopped (optional)
• 1 tbsp chilli sauce, plus extra to serve
• good pinch of salt

To Serve

• 8 pitta breads
• 4 tomatoes, halved and sliced
• half a red cabbage, shredded
• 1 red onion, sliced (optional)
• small pot plain yogurt

Instructions

1. Prepare the Kofta Mixture: Tip the lamb mince into a large bowl along with coarsely grated onions, finely chopped or grated garlic, garam masala, chopped coriander if using, chilli sauce, and a good pinch of salt. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly by squelching the ingredients together until fully combined.
2. Form Burgers: Pat the mince mixture into 16 small burger shapes. You can freeze these burgers for up to 1 month or chill them in the refrigerator for up to a day if preparing in advance.
3. Preheat Grill: Heat your grill to its highest setting to ensure a nice char and quick cooking.
4. Grill the Burgers: Place the burgers in a single layer on a baking tray. Depending on the tray size, you may need to work in batches. Grill the burgers on the highest shelf for 5-6 minutes per side until they are browned on the outside and cooked through.
5. Assemble and Serve: Arrange the grilled kofta burgers on a platter and serve with pitta breads, sliced tomatoes, shredded red cabbage, sliced red onions if using, and plain yogurt. Allow everyone to construct their own burgers with these fresh accompaniments, and add extra chilli sauce to taste.

Notes

• You can freeze the formed burgers for up to 1 month; just thaw before grilling.
• Adjust the amount of chilli sauce based on your heat preference.
• Using fresh coriander adds a lovely herby note but is optional.
• Ensure the grill is hot before cooking to get a nice sear on the burgers.
• If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the burgers in a hot skillet or under a broiler as alternatives.

Keywords: kofta burgers, lamb burgers, grilled burgers, Middle Eastern burgers, spicy lamb burgers, homemade kofta, pitta bread burgers