Name: DIY Kofta Burgers Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Ingredients: 1 kg lamb mince; 2 onions, coarsely grated; 1 garlic bulb, cloves finely chopped or grated; 6 tbsp garam masala; Bunch coriander, chopped (optional); 1 tbsp chilli sauce, plus extra to serve; Salt, a good pinch; 8 pitta breads; 4 tomatoes, halved and sliced; Half a red cabbage, shredded; 1 red onion, sliced (optional); Small pot plain yogurt

Introduction

These DIY kofta burgers bring a flavorful twist to your usual burger night, blending fragrant spices with tender lamb. Easy to prepare and perfect for sharing, they invite customization with fresh toppings and cool yogurt.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the lamb mince with the grated onions, chopped garlic, garam masala, chopped coriander if using, chilli sauce, and a good pinch of salt. Mix everything thoroughly by hand until well combined.
Step 2: Shape the mixture into 16 small burger patties. You can freeze them for up to 1 month or refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking.
Step 3: Preheat your grill to the highest setting. Place the burgers in a single layer on a baking tray—cook in batches if needed.
Step 4: Grill the burgers for 5–6 minutes on each side, until browned and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve the kofta burgers on warmed pitta breads with sliced tomatoes, shredded cabbage, red onion if using, a dollop of plain yogurt, and extra chilli sauce as desired, allowing everyone to assemble their own sandwiches.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, toast the pitta breads before serving to add a bit of crunch.
If you prefer milder heat, reduce the chilli sauce or omit it altogether.
Try adding chopped mint to the mixture for a fresh, aromatic variation.
These burgers can be cooked on a barbecue instead of a grill for a smoky touch.

Storage

Store raw kofta burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day or freeze for up to 1 month. Cooked burgers keep well in the fridge for 2–3 days; reheat gently in a low oven or microwave until warmed through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use beef instead of lamb for these kofta burgers?

Yes, beef mince can be used as a substitute, though lamb provides a richer, more traditional flavor to kofta.

How can I tell if the burgers are fully cooked?

The burgers should be browned on the outside and cooked all the way through. Cutting into one should reveal no pink inside, and juices should run clear.

DIY Kofta Burgers Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.6 from 126 reviews

Delicious and flavorful DIY Kofta Burgers made with spiced lamb mince, served with fresh vegetables and yogurt in warm pitta breads. Perfect for a fun, interactive meal where everyone can build their own burger with vibrant accompaniments.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 32 minutes
Yield: 16 small burgers 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Middle Eastern

Ingredients

Scale

Kofta Burger Mixture

1 kg lamb mince
2 onions, coarsely grated
1 garlic bulb, cloves finely chopped or grated
6 tbsp garam masala
Bunch coriander, chopped (optional)
1 tbsp chilli sauce, plus extra to serve
Salt, a good pinch

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

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lamb mince, grated onions, chopped garlic, garam masala, coriander (if using), chilli sauce, and a good pinch of salt. Use your hands to thoroughly mix and squelch the ingredients together until fully combined.
Shape Burgers: Divide the mixture and pat into 16 small burger patties. You can freeze these patties for up to 1 month or refrigerate for up to 1 day before cooking.
Preheat Grill: Heat the grill to its highest setting to ensure a hot cooking surface for perfect browning.
Cook Burgers: Place the burgers in a single layer on a baking tray. Grill each side for 5-6 minutes until the burgers are browned and cooked through. You may need to do this in batches depending on tray size.
Prepare Accompaniments: While the burgers cook, slice the tomatoes, shred the red cabbage, and slice the red onion if using. Have plain yogurt ready to serve alongside.
Serve: Arrange the cooked kofta burgers on a platter with pitta breads and all the vegetable accompaniments. Let everyone assemble their own burgers with desired toppings and a spoonful of yogurt and extra chilli sauce if liked.