Ainsley Harriott Lamb Burger Recipe with Whipped Feta & Mint

If you’re looking for a Mediterranean-inspired dish that brings a burst of freshness and bold flavour to your table, then the Ainsley Harriott Lamb Burger with Whipped Feta and Mint is the ultimate choice. Originally featured on his hit show Ainsley’s Good Mood Food, this recipe has become a fan favourite for its simplicity and “feel-good” vibes.

In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to recreate this masterpiece at home, along with expert tips to ensure your lamb patties are juicy and your feta whip is perfectly fluffy.

Why This Ainsley Harriott Lamb Burger is a Must-Try

Unlike traditional beef burgers, Ainsley’s lamb version uses aromatic spices like cumin and chilli flakes, paired with the cooling, tangy sensation of whipped feta. It’s the perfect balance of heat and refreshment, making it ideal for a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner.

Key Highlights:

• Juicy Lamb Patties: Seasoned with fresh herbs and lemon zest.
• The “Secret” Whipped Feta: A creamy, fluffy topping that replaces standard cheese.
• Mediterranean Flair: Served in Greek pitta for an authentic touch.

Ainsley Harriott Lamb Burger Ingredients

For the Lamb Patties:

• 500g High-Quality Minced Lamb: (20% fat is recommended for maximum juiciness).
• 1 Large Garlic Clove: Minced.
• ½ Red Onion: Finely chopped or grated.
• ½ tsp Ground Cumin: For that warm, earthy undertone.
• ½ tsp Chilli Flakes: For a subtle kick.
• 2 tsp Fresh Oregano: (Or 1 tsp dried).
• 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley: Finely chopped.
• Zest of ½ Large Lemon: To brighten the flavours.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.

For the Whipped Feta & Mint:

• 200g Feta Cheese: Crumbled.
• 3 tbsp Thick Greek Yoghurt: For creaminess.
• 2 tsp Extra-Virgin Olive Oil.
• Zest of ½ Large Lemon.
• 2 tbsp Fresh Mint: Finely chopped.

To Serve:

• 4 Greek Pittas or Burger Buns.
• Salad Leaves: (Baby spinach works beautifully).
• Vine Tomatoes: Thinly sliced.
• Red Onion & Cucumber: Sliced for extra crunch.

How to Make Ainsley Harriott’s Lamb Burgers

1. Prepare the Whipped Feta

Place the feta, Greek yoghurt, and olive oil into a food processor. Blend until the mixture is light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides as needed. Once smooth, stir in the lemon zest and fresh mint. Chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

2. Shape the Lamb Patties

In a large bowl, combine the minced lamb, garlic, onion, cumin, chilli flakes, herbs, and lemon zest. Season with salt and pepper. Use your hands to mix everything thoroughly.
Pro Tip: Divide the mixture into 4 patties. Press a small indent in the centre with your thumb; this prevents the burger from “puffing up” and ensures even cooking.

3. Grill to Perfection

Preheat your barbecue or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle the patties with a little oil and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until cooked to your preference.

4. Assemble the Burger

Warm your pittas on the grill. Slice them open to create a pocket. Layer in the salad leaves, tomato, and the grilled lamb patty. Top with sliced red onion, cucumber, and a generous dollop of the whipped feta.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Result

• Don’t Overwork the Meat: When mixing the lamb, be gentle. Over-mixing can lead to a tough, dense burger.
• Room Temperature: Take the lamb out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking so it grills evenly.
• The Pitta Secret: Lightly charring the pitta bread adds a smoky dimension that complements the lamb perfectly.

Ainsley Harriott Lamb Burger with Whipped Feta & Mint

Emily Carter

Ainsley Harriott’s Ultimate Lamb Burgers are a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece. Featured on Ainsley’s Good Mood Food, these burgers combine juicy, spiced lamb with a fluffy, zesty whipped feta topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Resting Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Event

Cuisine Caribbean Fusion, Mediterranean

Servings 4 burgers

Calories 485 kcal

Equipment

• Food Processor
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Barbecue or Grill Pan

Ingredients

  

For the Lamb Patties

• 500 g minced lamb 20% fat recommended
• 1 garlic clove minced
• 1/2 red onion finely chopped or grated
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp chilli flakes
• 2 tsp fresh oregano leaves or 1 tsp dried
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
• 1/2 lemon zest from large lemon

For the Whipped Feta & Mint

• 200 g feta cheese crumbled
• 3 tbsp thick Greek yoghurt
• 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 lemon zest from large lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh mint finely chopped

Instructions

 

• Put the feta, yogurt, and olive oil into a food processor and blend until light and fluffy. Add the lemon zest and mint and pulse until combined.
  
• In a large bowl, mix the minced lamb, garlic, onion, cumin, chili flakes, herbs, lemon zest, salt and pepper using your hands.
  
• Divide the mixture into 4 patties (1 inch thick). Press a thumb-shaped indent into the center of each to ensure even cooking.
  
• Preheat a barbecue or grill pan. Drizzle burgers with oil and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked to your liking.
  
• Warm the pitta on the grill, slice open, and layer with salad, tomato, the grilled patty, onion, cucumber, and a generous spoon of whipped feta.
  

Notes

For the deepest flavour, let the shaped patties rest in the fridge for 30 minutes before grilling. Leftover patties can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Keyword Ainsley Harriott, BBQ, Good Mood Food, Lamb Burger, Whipped Feta

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Ready to bring the Mediterranean to your kitchen? Try this Ainsley Harriott lamb burger recipe today and don’t forget to share your results with us!

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