International Burgers

It's remarkable how a few simple seasonings can transport us to far-off lands. Below we have several alternatives to the usual "burger on the grill"


You can make these burgers with beef instead of lamb and they will still carry the flavors of Greece, but using lamb will guarantee the full effect. The garlic-flavored mayonnaise serves as a stand-in for the Greek skordalia sauce.

Greek Burgers

Nutritional Data per serving:
Calories 193
Total Fat 8.9g
Saturated Fat 2.5g
Cholesterol 71mg
Sodium 144mg
Total Carbohydrates 5.3g
Sugars 0.8g
Protein 21.8g

1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
4 cloves garlic, pressed or grated with a microplane
1 lb ground lamb
2 Tbs dry bread crumbs
2 Tbs finely chopped shallots
1/2 tsp dried oregano
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

Mix together the mayonnaise, yogurt and garlic in a small bowl.
Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Combine all the remaining ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
Form into 6 patties and cook over hot coals or in a large heavy skillet over moderate heat until done to the degree you prefer.
Top each burger with a dollop of the garlic mayo. Serves 6.


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Thai Burgers

Nutritional Data per serving:
Calories 178
Total Fat 6.4g
Saturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 67mg
Sodium 84mg
Total Carbohydrates 4.2g
Protein 24.4g

1 lb ground beef
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
2 Tbs chopped peanuts
1 Tbs finely chopped lemongrass
1 Tbs finely chopped fresh basil leaves
1 Tbs finely chopped shallot
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
Lime wedges for garnish

Combine all the ingredients except the lime wedges in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
Form into 6 patties and cook over hot coals or in a large heavy skillet over moderate heat until done to the degree you prefer.
Squeeze a few drops of lime juice over the patties and serve with additional lime wedges.

Serves 6

Cook's Note: Really change it up by using ground chicken, turkey or pork.

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These spicy burgers will liven up any outdoor meal. Consider offering a spicy sugar free barbecue sauce among the condiments.


Cajun Turkey Protein Burgers



Nutritional Data per burger:
Calories 192
Total Fat 10.8g
Saturated Fat 2.8g
Trans Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 108mg
Sodium 147mg
Total Carbohydrates 0.8g
Protein 21.9g

1 lb ground turkey
1 egg
3 scallions (spring onions), green and white parts, finely chopped
1 scoop unflavored protein powder
1 Tbs Cajun seasoning
1 Tbs Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste


Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly.
Form into 6 patties and cook over hot coals or in a large heavy skillet over moderate heat until done to the degree you prefer.

Serves 6