Mediterranean Lamb Sliders

Name: Mediterranean Lamb Sliders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground lamb; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 slider buns; Sliced cucumber and tomato, for garnish; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt to taste; Fresh dill, optional

Highlighted under: Global Culinary Recipe Ideas

I love making Mediterranean Lamb Sliders for gatherings. The combination of juicy lamb patties seasoned with aromatic spices and fresh herbs creates a flavor that’s hard to resist. Pairing them with tangy tzatziki sauce and fresh veggies adds a delightful freshness to every bite. Whether it's a summer barbecue or an indoor feast, these sliders always impress my guests and quickly disappear from the platter, leaving everyone craving more. They're simple to prepare, yet bring a taste of the Mediterranean to my table in just under an hour!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-06T22:38:32.084Z

When I first experimented with Mediterranean Lamb Sliders, I wanted a bridge between classic burgers and my love for vibrant Mediterranean flavors. The addition of cumin and coriander to the lamb not only enhances the taste but also fills the air with an enticing aroma as they cook. My secret ingredient? A splash of lemon juice in the meat mixture, which keeps the patties juicy and bright.

I also love topping the sliders with homemade tzatziki sauce. It's incredibly simple to make and elevates the dish with its cool, creamy texture. The first time I served these at a family gathering, they were the highlight of the evening!

        What You'll Love About These Sliders
        Savory lamb flavor enhanced with Middle Eastern spices
Tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing touch
Easy to assemble and perfect for any occasion

      

Elevating Flavor with Spices

The spices in the lamb patties play a crucial role in developing their flavor profile. Cumin and coriander are traditional in Mediterranean cuisine and contribute earthy, warm notes that complement the richness of the lamb. I recommend toasting these spices in a dry pan for a minute or two before mixing them into the meat; this practice enhances their aromatic qualities and adds depth to your sliders.

When seasoning the ground lamb, be careful not to overmix the meat. Gently combining the spices ensures that the patties remain tender and juicy after cooking. Overworking the lamb could lead to a dense texture; you want just enough cohesion to form the patties without compacting the meat.

Tips for Perfect Patties

Shaping the patties is just as important as seasoning them. Aim for uniform thickness—about ¾ inch—when forming the patties to ensure they cook evenly. For best results, use your thumb to make a slight indentation in the center of each patty. This helps them stay flat during cooking and prevents puffing, which can lead to uneven cooking.

Cooking time will vary slightly based on your heat source. For a nice sear, medium-high heat is ideal. You should look for a nice browned crust, taking about 5-7 minutes per side. To avoid undercooked lamb, an instant-read thermometer should read 160°F at the center of the patties.

Customizing Your Sliders

Variations are a fun way to personalize your Mediterranean lamb sliders. Consider adding crumbled feta cheese or olives into the patties for an extra flavor kick. If you're looking for a spicy twist, mix in some red pepper flakes or use harissa paste in the tzatziki sauce for heat.

For a gluten-free option, you can substitute the slider buns with lettuce wraps or gluten-free buns. This not only caters to dietary restrictions but also adds a refreshing crunch that complements the creamy tzatziki sauce wonderfully.

Ingredients

For the Lamb Sliders

1 lb ground lamb
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
4 slider buns
Sliced cucumber and tomato, for garnish

For the Tzatziki Sauce

1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt to taste
Fresh dill, optional

Make sure to have everything prepared before cooking to keep things flowing smoothly!

Instructions

Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well and set aside in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld.

Make the Lamb Patties

In a large bowl, combine ground lamb with cumin, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into 4 equally sized patties.

Cook the Patties

Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the lamb patties for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until they are evenly browned and cooked through.

Assemble the Sliders

Toast the slider buns lightly on the grill if desired. Place a patty on each bun, add slices of cucumber and tomato, and generously top with tzatziki sauce before closing the sliders.

Serve immediately and enjoy these delicious Mediterranean sliders!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, let the lamb sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking to enhance its juiciness. You can also experiment with different toppings like feta cheese or pickled onions for added zest.

Make-Ahead Tips

To save time during your gathering, consider preparing the tzatziki sauce a day in advance. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing its taste. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will remain fresh for up to three days.

You can also form the lamb patties ahead of time. Keep them on a parchment-lined tray, and cover with plastic wrap. They can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours, which allows the spices to infuse the meat even more.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers, you can store the cooked patties in an airtight container for up to three days in the fridge. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes per side. This method keeps them juicy while ensuring they are heated through.

For longer storage, freeze the uncooked patties. Lay them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen; just add a few minutes to your cooking time.

Serving Ideas

These Mediterranean lamb sliders shine as a main dish but can also be served in smaller portions for appetizers at parties. Pair them with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.

If you're hosting a casual gathering, consider setting up a slider bar, complete with a variety of toppings like feta, caramelized onions, or pickled red onions. This interactive element adds fun to your meal and caters to different flavor preferences.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use ground beef instead of lamb?

Yes, ground beef can be a great substitute, although it will slightly change the flavor profile.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make the patties in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the patties and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking.

→ What can I serve with the sliders?

These sliders pair well with a side salad, sweet potato fries, or roasted vegetables.