Quisine Queen B

Reign in your kitchen.

  • About Me
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Quick and Easy
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Leftover Revivals
    • Vegan & Vegetarian
    • Fish
    • Pasta
    • Meat and Chicken
    • Side Dish
    • Sauces
    • Party Food
    • Dessert
  • Royal Oats
    • Gourmet Oatmeal Recipes
  • Simplify Your Life (SYL)
    • Store-Bought Winners
    • Tips ‘n Tricks
Dinner, Lunch, Meat and Chicken, Party Food, Quick and Easy, Sandwich

Harissa Spiced Lamb Burger

by QuisineQueenB
16 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
Jump to Recipe

NOTE: This post contains affiliate links to products I regularly use and love. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Who is Harissa and what does she have to do with my lamb burger?

Well, for starters, harissa is a what and not a who (haha). In fact, originating in Tunisia, it may be described as the flavor of North Africa. Harissa is a robust blend of chilies and spices, most commonly presented as a paste or sauce, but also as a powder or spice blend. So obviously, this vibrant seasoning provides the perfect balance to a rich and fatty lamb burger. The spice blend becomes a blackened crust around the patty and the sauce replaces boring old ketchup any day of the week! Seriously, y’all, it’s exceptionally delicious (drooling right now…like, a lot).

The ingredients in harissa pair very well with lamb

Harissa Spiced Lamb Burger_open faced topview
Harissa spices encrust the lamb burger patty and harissa sauce with feta and red onion take it to the next level.

I believe that when working with a strong-flavored protein, like lamb, it is important to match it with equally bold seasoning and other complementary ingredients. You know, combinations that make a statement without being offensive.

Let’s take a look at the spices in harissa, as there are several variations depending on the region in which it is made.

  • Dried chilies
  • Caraway seeds
  • Cumin seeds
  • Coriander
  • Garlic
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Add olive oil to make a paste

This blend of seasonings creates a fragrant, spicey, and smokey accent to grassy and pungent lamb.

Use store-bought harissa or make your own for this lamb burger

Harissa Spiced Lamb Burger_season burger harissa spice
A harissa spice blend I bought at a farmers market seasoned this lamb burger to perfection.

So, umm…as a mom with an energetic, emotionally fickle, and boisterously willful toddler (who I love and adore so very much…because you know we always have to say that part), I didn’t have the time to make my own harissa this time. I got the spice blend from a farmers market and the sauce I used is linked at the end of this post.

But fear not! I have some great resources for you to get your harissa on until I’ve come up with my own recipe to share with you.

For the harissa spice blend, check out these sources. Each recipe is a unique combination of spices that give a kick of flavor:

  • Harissa Powder, Allrecipes food site, post by BuckwheatQueen
  • Harissa Recipe, Spice-Mixes.com by Jason (he adds cinnamon!)

As for the more popular and traditional paste/sauce version, here are a couple of talented food bloggers and women of color who artfully blend chilies and spices!

  • Harissa, My Morrocan Food blog by Nargisse Benkabbou
  • Homemade Harissa Paste and vegetables roasted in it, The Veggie Indian blog by Nupur

Happy eating!

Pin this Recipe

Here’s another flavor-packed burger recipe (click the pic)

Smoked Paprika Salmon Burger

| Smoked Paprika Salmon Burger with Sesame BBQ Aioli

Continue to Content
Harissa Spiced Lamb Burger_center shot

Harissa Spiced Lamb Burger

Yield: 2 burgers
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Harissa spice blend becomes a blackened crust around the lamb burger patty, the sauce replaces boring old ketchup, and feta and red onion add extra punch!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground lamb (2 patties)
  • 2 tsp harissa dried spice blend
  • 1 1/2 tsp sea salt (if the harissa spice blend is unsalted)
  • 2 TB Mina Spicy Harissa sauce (product link below this recipe card))
  • 2 buns of your choice, sliced and toasted
  • 4 slices of feta
  • 2 tomato slices
  • 2 onion slices
  • 2 lettuce leaves
  • Mayo (optional)

Instructions

The following instructions are intended to cook the burger patties to a medium to medium-well doneness.

  1. Gather and prep the ingredients to make the lamb burger. Harissa Spiced Lamb Burger_ingredients
  2. Form and season. Divide the ground lamb in half and form two patties (about 4-5 in. in diameter and 1/2 in. thick.) Season each patty on both sides, dividing the harissa spice blend and salt for each one. Gently pat the seasoning on the patties and their edges. Harissa Spiced Lamb Burger_season burger harissa spice
  3. Sear and cook. Place a large cast-iron skillet on med-high heat. When the skillet is very hot, place the patties inside. Using a flat spatula and parchment paper, gently smash the burgers to create an even sear. Allow them to cook on one side for about 3-5 minutes, allowing the first side to blacken slightly, before flipping. Harissa Spiced Lamb Burger_press to sear
  4. Flip and rest. Flip the burgers onto a clean area in the pan to evenly sear the other sides for another 3-5 minutes. No need to smash them again, because we don't want any juices to escape! Set them aside on a plate when they are done cooking. Let them rest for 2-3 minutes. Harissa Spiced Lamb Burger_flip and cook to medium
  5. Bun and bite. Grab your buns (hee hee) Layer the bottom buns with the patties, feta, harissa sauce, onion, tomato, and lettuce. Add a little mayo and more harissa sauce to the top bun if you like and then top your burger masterpiece. Great job, enjoy! Harissa Spiced Lamb Burger_open faced topview

Notes

Harissa

  • I got the spice blend from a farmers market, but the sauce I use is Mina Spicy Harissa sauce (see product link at the end of the blog post).
  • If you want to make your own harissa spice blend and sauce, check out the blog post for some great recipes.

Burger Tips

  • This recipe makes 2 half-pound burgers (it's a lot, I know...I indulged a bit here), so you can always divide the meat into 4 patties if you are being more mindful of your portion control.
  • When cooking the burger patties, don't be afraid to allow the spice to blacken a bit. It will add a depth of flavor and a lovely crust to them.
  • Feel free to cook your patties well done if you prefer, just be careful to not overcook them so you are able to keep the juiciness. Burger drippage is good!

Toasty Buns

  • I recommend using good quality rolls instead of processed hamburger buns. I like to split my rolls in half, spray the insides with cooking spray, and toast them in a clean skillet on medium heat until golden brown. Just keep your eye on them because those puppies can quickly burn the second you get distracted. Trust me, I know all too well (smh).

Go Bunless!

  • If you are watching your carbs or eating gluten-free, skip the buns and use large lettuce leaves instead. I recommend using butterhead (Boston or Bibb) or leaf lettuce.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 942Total Fat: 72gSaturated Fat: 32gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 33gCholesterol: 216mgSodium: 1107mgCarbohydrates: 23gFiber: 4gSugar: 5gProtein: 50g

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used. I am not a doctor, nor a certified nutritionist and make no claims to the contrary. Each individual’s dietary needs and restrictions are unique to the individual. You are ultimately responsible for all decisions pertaining to your health. Please consult your personal physician with any questions you may have regarding your own health and diet.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @quisinequeenb on Instagram and hashtag it #reigninyourkitchen

© Brittny | Quisine Queen B
Cuisine: African-inspired / Category: Sandwich

Shop this Post | Products

This section contains affiliate links to products I use to reign in my kitchen!

QuisineQueenB.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to (“QuisineQueenB.com” (amazon.com, or endless.com, MYHABIT.com, SmallParts.com, or AmazonWireless.com).

16 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email

Post navigation

Crispy Fried Onion & Roasted Carrot Rice with Onion Oil Dressing
Rustic Green Olive Salsa Verde

Related posts

Arroz Verde (Mexican Green Rice)
Quick and Easy, Side Dish, Vegan, Vegetarian
by QuisineQueenB  /  4 Comments

Arroz Verde (Mexican Green Rice)

Pasta with Spinach Cream Cheese Sauce
Dinner, Pasta, Quick and Easy, Sauces, Vegetarian
by QuisineQueenB  /  4 Comments

Pasta with Spinach Cream Cheese Sauce

Ginger Chicken Wonton Soup with Bok Choy
Dinner, Meat and Chicken, Soup
by QuisineQueenB  /  2 Comments

Ginger Chicken Wonton Soup with Bok Choy

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

About Me

Brittny C Lyle_Quisine Queen B

I am the creator, author, photographer, and homecook behind Quisine Queen B. As a busy wife, SAHM, new blogger, and entrepreneur, I practice self-care through food--my love language. I call my recipes "gourmet-on-demand" because they are practical, nutritious, and beautiful. Fit for a queen, I think! I also believe in nourishing the crown (mind), so you'll see some tokens of wisdom lying around. So, come to reign in your kitchen with me. After all, we deserve it!

Follow Me

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

SIGN-UP for the Newsletter

Get the latest nutritious recipes, cooking tips, and more, sent to your inbox!

Recent Posts

  • Arroz Verde (Mexican Green Rice)
  • Mediterranean Chicken, Chickpea & Zucchini Soup
  • Simple, Succulent, Roasted & Braised Lamb Shanks
  • Mean Green Vegetable Lasagna (No-boil Noodles)
  • Pasta with Spinach Cream Cheese Sauce

Categories

my healthy aperture gallery

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org
  • YouTube
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Elara Pro by LyraThemes.com
  • Copyright © 2019-2020 Quisine Queen B | Brittny C. Lyle | All rights reserved. No reproduction without permission | Background art by Lisa Audit
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Cookie settingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT
Skip to Recipe
16 shares

Terms and Conditions | Privacy & Cookies Policy