Spiced Tamarind Lamb Burgers

Homemade tamarind lamb burgers are a delicious choice for an easy dinner, a weekend treat or a relaxed barbecue meal. These lamb burgers are full of flavour from garlic, onion, fresh coriander, ground coriander and a spoonful of tangy tamarind BBQ sauce. If you enjoy lamb and like burgers with a little extra character, this simple homemade burger recipe is well worth trying.

I do not make homemade lamb burgers as often as I should, but every time I do, I remember how satisfying they are. These tamarind lamb burgers are juicy, filling and packed with savoury, fresh and tangy flavours. The tamarind gives the burgers a gentle sour note that works beautifully with the richness of the lamb.

This recipe makes two generous burgers. They are quite hearty, so you could also shape the mixture into three smaller patties if you want to serve an extra person or prefer a lighter portion. The recipe is easy to scale up or down depending on how many people you are cooking for.

I used a tangy tamarind BBQ sauce, but if you do not have one, you can still make these burgers. A teaspoon of tamarind paste is a good substitute and will give you that distinctive sharp, fruity flavour. If you prefer a milder burger, you can use a regular BBQ sauce instead.

These homemade tamarind lamb burgers are ideal for anyone who wants a quick but flavourful lamb recipe. They are easy enough for a midweek meal but special enough to serve at a barbecue or casual get-together.

Ingredient notes for tamarind lamb burgers

Check the recipe card further down the page for the exact quantities. To make these tamarind lamb burgers, you will need the following ingredients:

• Minced lamb – I used lamb mince with 20% fat. A little fat helps keep the burgers moist and juicy. Very lean lamb mince can make the burgers drier and more likely to fall apart while cooking.
• Garlic – Freshly crushed garlic adds a lovely savoury flavour. Garlic paste or garlic powder can also be used if that is what you have available.
• Onion – Finely diced onion adds moisture, texture and sweetness to the burger mixture. Brown onion or red onion will both work well.
• Coriander leaves and stalks – Fresh coriander adds brightness and freshness. The stalks are full of flavour too, so chop them finely and use them with the leaves.
• Ground coriander – Ground coriander is a great spice for lamb. It has a warm, citrusy flavour that pairs well with both the meat and the tamarind.
• Tamarind BBQ sauce – This adds tanginess, sweetness and depth. If you cannot get tamarind BBQ sauce, use 1 teaspoon of tamarind paste instead. For a less tangy burger, use a standard BBQ sauce.
• Salt and pepper – A small pinch of seasoning helps bring all the flavours together.

How to make homemade tamarind lamb burgers

These homemade lamb burgers are very simple to prepare. Add the lamb mince, garlic, onion, fresh coriander, ground coriander, tamarind BBQ sauce, salt and pepper to a mixing bowl. Use your hands to combine everything evenly, but avoid overworking the mixture as this can make the burgers too firm.

Shape the mixture into two large burger patties. If you want smaller burgers, divide it into three patties instead. Place the patties in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This resting time helps them firm up and hold their shape better in the pan, air fryer or on the barbecue.

To cook them in a frying pan, heat a little oil over a medium heat. Add the burgers and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Try not to press down on the burgers while they cook, as this can squeeze out the juices.

Serve the tamarind lamb burgers in burger buns with your favourite toppings. Rocket, tomato, red onion, tzatziki and extra tamarind BBQ sauce all work well with the rich lamb and tangy seasoning.

Can you adapt the recipe?

Yes, this tamarind burger recipe is easy to adapt. Lamb works especially well with tamarind because the tangy flavour balances the richness of the meat, but you can use another type of mince if you prefer. Chicken, turkey or pork mince would all work well with the same seasonings.

If you do not have tamarind BBQ sauce, use tamarind paste or another sauce you enjoy. A regular BBQ sauce will make the burgers sweeter and less tangy, while tamarind paste will give a stronger sour note.

You can leave out the fresh herbs if you need to, although they do add a lovely freshness. Parsley or mint can be used instead of coriander if you prefer their flavour.

If you like spicy food, add a finely diced chilli pepper to the lamb mixture before shaping the burgers. You can also add extra spices such as cumin or a small pinch of cinnamon for a warmer, more aromatic flavour.

Can you make them in advance?

Yes, these tamarind lamb burgers can be made in advance. Prepare and shape the patties up to 24 hours before cooking, then store them covered in the fridge. Take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking so they are not too cold when they go into the pan, air fryer or onto the barbecue.

Storing and reheating the leftovers

Leftover tamarind lamb burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them thoroughly before serving. A microwave is quick and convenient, but you can also reheat them in the oven or air fryer if you prefer.

Can you cook lamb burgers in the air fryer?

Yes, lamb burgers cook well in the air fryer. I like to place them on an air fryer liner because lamb can release quite a lot of fat as it cooks, and the liner makes cleaning up easier. Cook the burgers at 195℃ for about 15 minutes, turning them over halfway through the cooking time.

Can you cook the lamb burgers on the bbq?

Yes, these tamarind flavoured lamb burgers are a great option for a barbecue. The cooking time will depend on the heat of your barbecue, so turn the burgers at least once and make sure they are cooked through before serving.

Recipe

More burger recipes you might like

If you enjoy these homemade tamarind lamb burgers, you may also like trying other homemade burger recipes with bold flavours and simple ingredients.

• Juicy Lucy cheese stuffed burgers
• Rosemary and thyme beef burgers
• Beef and chorizo burgers

You might also like harissa lamb koftas if you enjoy spiced lamb recipes.

Keep in touch

Let me know if you make these homemade tamarind lamb burgers or any other recipes. Feedback from readers is always welcome, especially when you adapt the recipe with your own toppings, spices or cooking method.

These burgers are easy to personalise, so they are a great recipe to return to whenever you want a simple, flavour-packed lamb burger at home.