Cumin Lamb Burgers

Cumin Lamb Burgers are a bold and flavorful spin on the classic burger, inspired by the aromatic street food of Northern China. Featuring spiced lamb seasoned with cumin, garlic, ginger, and chili, this dish brings depth and heat to every bite. Layered with fresh veggies and herbs on a soft bun, it’s a satisfying fusion perfect for any casual meal or weekend gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These burgers combine the juicy richness of lamb with fragrant spices and vibrant toppings. The cumin, chili, and optional Sichuan peppercorns deliver a deep, warming flavor, while crisp cucumber and fresh cilantro balance it with cool, herbal freshness. They’re quick to prepare, easily customizable, and make for an elevated alternative to traditional beef burgers.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Lamb

• 1 lb ground lamb (or thinly sliced lamb shoulder)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Salt to taste

For Assembly

• 4 flat-style burger buns or bao buns
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium tomato, sliced
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Optional: chili sauce or mayo for spreading

directions

1. In a bowl, combine the lamb with soy sauce, cumin, chili flakes, Sichuan pepper (if using), garlic, ginger, and salt. Mix well and let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through. Break it up with a spoon if using ground lamb.
3. While the lamb cooks, lightly toast the buns in a pan or on a grill until warm and slightly crisp.
4. Assemble each burger by layering cooked lamb on the bottom half of the bun. Top with cucumber slices, tomato, red onion, and fresh cilantro leaves.
5. Add a spread of chili sauce or mayo, if desired, and finish with the top bun.
6. Serve warm, preferably with extra napkins—these burgers are juicy and packed with flavor.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 burgers
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories: 425 kcal per burger

Variations

• Lamb Patties: Shape the marinated lamb into burger patties and grill or pan-sear for a more traditional burger presentation.
• Bao Buns: Serve in steamed bao buns for a softer texture and street-food style.
• Spicy Yogurt Sauce: Mix plain yogurt with chili sauce and lime juice for a cooling contrast.
• Pickled Vegetables: Add pickled daikon or carrots for extra tang and crunch.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute with spiced chickpea or mushroom patties for a meat-free alternative.

storage/reheating

Store cooked lamb in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. For best results, assemble burgers just before serving to keep the buns from becoming soggy. The lamb mixture can also be frozen for up to 1 month and thawed before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use beef instead of lamb?

Yes, ground beef works well, though it will lack the distinct flavor lamb offers. Adjust spices to taste.

What does cumin lamb taste like?

It has a savory, earthy, and slightly spicy flavor profile with warm undertones from cumin and ginger—aromatic and satisfying.

Are Sichuan peppercorns necessary?

No, but they add a tingling, numbing sensation that enhances the flavor experience. You can omit them or replace with black pepper.

Can I grill these burgers?

Yes, shape the marinated lamb into patties and grill for 3–4 minutes per side over medium-high heat.

How spicy are these?

They’re moderately spicy. Reduce chili flakes or skip the chili sauce if you prefer a milder version.

What type of buns work best?

Flat-style buns, brioche rolls, or bao buns are all excellent options depending on your preferred texture.

Can I make the lamb mixture ahead of time?

Yes, the lamb can be marinated and stored in the refrigerator up to 24 hours in advance for deeper flavor.

What sides go well with this?

Crispy sweet potato fries, Asian slaw, or sesame cucumber salad pair wonderfully.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes. Cooked lamb stores well, and you can prep toppings in advance. Assemble just before serving.

Can I use a non-stick pan?

Yes, a non-stick or cast iron skillet both work well for cooking the lamb evenly.

Conclusion

Cumin Lamb Burgers are a flavorful and aromatic take on the classic burger, offering a perfect fusion of spice, texture, and freshness. Inspired by the vibrant flavors of Northern Chinese street food, these burgers bring excitement to the table with minimal effort. Whether served on a bun or in a bao, they’re a memorable meal for any occasion.

Cumin Lamb Burgers

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Bold and aromatic cumin lamb burgers inspired by Northern Chinese street food. Tender spiced lamb is layered with crisp cucumber, tomato, onion, and fresh cilantro in a soft bun, delivering a flavor-packed twist on the classic burger.

• Author: Mari
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 burgers 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Fusion
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground lamb (or thinly sliced lamb shoulder)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Salt to taste
• 4 flat-style burger buns or bao buns
• 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium tomato, sliced
• Fresh cilantro leaves
• Optional: chili sauce or mayo for spreading

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix lamb with soy sauce, cumin, chili flakes, Sichuan peppercorns (if using), garlic, ginger, and salt. Let marinate for 15–20 minutes.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lamb and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes, breaking it up if using ground lamb.
3. Lightly toast buns on a pan or grill until warm and slightly crisp.
4. To assemble, spread chili sauce or mayo on the bun if using. Add cooked lamb to the bottom bun and top with cucumber, tomato, red onion, and cilantro leaves.
5. Cover with the top bun and serve warm.

Notes

• Ground lamb is convenient, but thinly sliced lamb shoulder offers a more authentic street food texture.
• Adjust spice level by increasing or reducing chili flakes and Sichuan pepper.
• Pairs well with pickled vegetables or Asian slaw for added crunch.
• Try bao buns for a softer, pillowy texture that complements the bold filling.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burger
• Calories: 425 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg