Michael Symon Lamb Burger Recipes

LAMB BURGERS WITH TZATZIKI AND GRILLED ONION

Steps:

• Prepare a grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the hot coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only to medium-high heat.
• Combine the lamb, coriander and 3 tablespoons of the mint in a large bowl. Form the mixture into 4 patties. Season with salt and pepper. Place the patties on the hot (direct heat) side of the grill, directly over the coals. Grill until nicely browned, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Move the patties to the cool (indirect heat) side of the grill.
• Drizzle the onion slices with oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on the hot (direct heat) side of the grill and cook until softened and charred, 3 to 4 minutes, moving the slice over to the cool (indirect heat) side to finish cooking if needed.
• For the tzatziki, combine the yogurt, cucumber, dill, lemon zest and garlic and remaining 1 tablespoon mint in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
• To serve, spoon some tzatziki onto a roll, top with a burger and a slice of grilled onion and close the roll.

BURGERS

Steps:

• Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If you're not using an outdoor grill, preheat a second grill pan over medium heat (for a side griddle).
• Gently mix together the brisket, short rib and sirloin in a large bowl. Divide the mixture into 4 equal pieces and gently form into burgers, being careful not to pack too tightly.
• Season both sides of the burgers with a good amount of salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• When the grill or first grill pan is at medium-high, place the burgers on the grill and cook to your desired temperature, 3 to 4 minutes per side for medium rare. Add a piece of cheese to each burger and cook for another minute or so until it is melted.
• In the meantime, spread the mayo on the cut side of the buns and place them over medium heat or on the secondary grill pan to toast.
• Build the burgers by placing a burger on each bottom bun and top with 2 pieces of bacon, some red onion, pickles and mustard.

GRILLED LAMB CHOPS WITH ROSEMARY SALT

Steps:

• Mix together the oregano, garlic, lemon zest from 1 lemon, lemon juice and 1/4 cup olive oil. Sprinkle the lamb chops with kosher salt and pepper and add to the marinade, thoroughly coating. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 1 hour, and up to 6 hours.
• Set up your grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only.
• In the meantime, mix the flaky sea salt, rosemary and remaining lemon zest. Work the mixture with your fingers, releasing the oils from the zest and rosemary. Remove the lamb chops from the marinade and place on the direct heat side of the grill. Char on both sides and cook to an internal temperature of 125 degrees F for medium-rare, about 6 minutes. If the lamb chops become too charred, but the internal temperature is still low, move them to the indirect heat side of the grill to finish cooking.
• Remove from the grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the lemon rosemary salt before serving.

THE LOLA BURGER

Steps:

• *Cook's Note: Michael's favorite mix of meats for this burger is chuck, sirloin, and brisket
• Build a medium-hot fire in your grill or preheat a stovetop grill pan.
• Cook the bacon in a saute pan over medium-high heat, turning once, until crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the bacon to paper towels to drain. Reserve the bacon fat in the pan.
• Form the ground beef into 4 patties, each about 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Season the patties with salt and cracked black pepper, to taste. Put the burgers on the grill or in the grill pan and cook for 3 minutes. Flip and top each burger with a slice of cheese. Grill for 3 minutes for medium- rare. Remove them to a plate. Add the English muffins to the grill or grill pan and toast for 1 minute.
• Cook the eggs sunny side up in the bacon fat while the burgers rest.
• Build the burgers by sandwiching them between the muffin halves along with pickle slices, red onion, bacon, an egg, and some spicy ketchup.
• Pack the onions in 2 (1-quart) jars and cover with enough water to come within 1/2-inch of the rim. Pour the water out into a measuring cup. Note the volume, pour off half the water, and replace it with vinegar. Add 2 tablespoons sugar and 2 tablespoons salt for every 3 cups of liquid.
• Pour the vinegar mixture into a nonreactive saucepan, add the mustard seeds, red pepper flakes, coriander seeds, black peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaves, and bring to a boil over high heat. Allow the liquid to boil for 2 minutes, and then remove it from the heat.
• Pour the hot liquid into the jars to cover the onions and screw on the lids. Refrigerate for up to 1 month.
• In a nonreactive 2-quart saucepan over medium heat add the olive oil. Add the onion, garlic, and a large pinch of salt. Saute until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the Fresno chiles, ancho chile, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the brown sugar, cumin, cinnamon, tomato paste, and vinegar and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in 3 cups of water, bring to a gentle simmer, and cook over low heat for 2 hours.
• Remove the ketchup from the heat and let cool for 15 minutes. Discard the cinnamon stick. Puree the mixture in a blender and strain through a sieve, pushing down on the any solids. Let cool and pour into a storage container. Cover the container and refrigerate for up to 1 month.

LAMB BURGERS WITH FETA CHEESE

Steps:

• Divide lamb into 8 portions of equal size. Shape each into a patty and sprinkle on both sides with salt and pepper.
• Sprinkle top of each patty with an equal amount of cumin and rosemary. Pat to help the herb and spice adhere.
• Patties may be broiled or cooked in a skillet. If broiled, preheat broiler to high. Place patties on a baking sheet and place about 3 inches from source of heat. Broil them 2 minutes if you wish them rare, 4 minutes for well done. Turn patties and cook 1 minute if you wish them rare, 2 minutes for well done.
• If patties are cooked in a skillet, select one large enough to hold them in one layer. Brush skillet with a little oil and heat thoroughly on stove. Cook patties over moderately high heat for 2 minutes if you wish them rare, 4 minutes if well done. Turn patties and continue cooking 1 minute for rare, 2 minutes for well done.
• However the patties are cooked, top each with a portion of feta cheese.
• Place under broiler, preheated to high, about 3 inches from the source of heat. Let broil about 1 minute. Dot center of each patty with half a teaspoon of finely chopped parsley.