MLA Mediterranean Australian lamb burger with goat cheese and tomato relish
- Prep time 15Min
- Cook time 15Min
- Technique Pan Fry / Saute
- Meat Lamb
- Cut Ground
- Serves 4
Juicy Australian lamb burgers are elevated with tangy goat’s cheese and a charred tomato-onion relish, perfect for a summer barbecue or laid-back weekend meal.
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
- 800g minced Australian lamb
- 1 shallot, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon capers, chopped
- 6–8 large basil leaves, finely sliced
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 60g cornmeal (or plain flour), for coating
- Olive oil, for cooking
For the Tomato Relish:
- 3 vine-ripened tomatoes, halved crosswise
- 1 red onion, thickly sliced
- 1 teaspoon caster sugar
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
To Serve:
- 4 Kaiser rolls or burger buns, halved
- 4 tablespoons soft goat’s cheese (or chèvre)
Method
- Preheat barbecue or grill pan and brush with oil. Cook the burgers over medium to high heat for 6-7 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- To make the relish, place the tomatoes flesh-side down on the grill and flip after 20 seconds, cooking until skin starts to char. Grill the onions until soft. Transfer to a plate and, when cool enough to handle, dice finely. Place in a bowl, add the sugar and vinegar, season to taste with salt and pepper and mix well. Serve warm or cold.
- Grill the buns, cut side down, until lightly toasted. Spread with goat cheese and top with the burgers. Serve with the tomato relish.
Note:
For a gourmet alternative, try filling the burger with the goat cheese before grilling. Simply make two half-burgers and place a spoonful of goat cheese on the center of one and “sandwich” with the other. The cheese melts deliciously through the burger. Or just make this simple version and relax on the porch with a beer! If you have time before cooking, cover the burgers with plastic and refrigerate 20 minutes or longer. This helps to make them more firm and allows flavors to develop.
To Serve:
- 4 Kaiser rolls or hamburger buns, split
- 4 tablespoons soft goat cheese (or chèvre)
Tip:
The burger patties and relish can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. If you’re having trouble convincing your kids how wonderful Australian Lamb is, this is the perfect place to begin. They’ll be amazed at the mild and sweet flavor of Australian Lamb.
