Best 11 Balkan Burgers Recipes

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Balkan burgers are a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Made with a combination of ground beef, pork, and lamb, these burgers are packed with flavor and sure to please even the most discerning palate. Often seasoned with a variety of spices, such as cumin, paprika, and garlic, Balkan burgers are typically served with a side of fries, salad, or grilled vegetables. Whether you're hosting a backyard barbecue or simply looking for a new and exciting meal to try, Balkan burgers are sure to be a hit.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BALKAN BURGER



Balkan Burger image

This Balkan burger is our take on pljeskavica but was actually inspired by cevapi. These hamburgers are oniony and bouncy and are terrific with a big dose of ajvar.

Provided by Travel Cook Repeat

Categories     Recipes

Time 1h45m

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 small pitas (~4 in diameter)
2 large leaves green cabbage, shredded or thinly sliced
1 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
2 oz feta, sliced into 4-6 pieces
1/4 cup yellow onion, very thinly sliced
2 Tbsp ajvar
12 oz ground beef
3 Tbsp yellow onion, minced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp Worcester sauce
1 heaping tsp ajvar
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp hot paprika
3/8 tsp baking soda
1/8 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt

Steps:

  • Mix all burger ingredients together with a fork and then with your hands. Shape the meat into patties and place covered in the fridge for 40 minutes. Take the burgers out 20 minutes before you want to cook them.
  • Toss the shredded cabbage with the apple cider vinegar.
  • Heat a grill pan on medium/high heat. Grill the burgers for 5 minutes on each side for medium rare. Remove from the grill pan, tent, and let rest for 5 minutes before assembling.
  • While your burgers are cooking, warm your pitas in the oven wrapped in aluminum foil for 5-10 minutes. Slice the pitas in half when they come out of the oven.
  • Assemble your burgers: put the bottom half of the pita on a plate, lay down a handful of cabbage, add the burger, top with cheese, sliced onions, ajvar, and the top lid of your pita. Throw the rest of the cabbage and any remaining onions on the plate to enjoy along the way.

BALKAN BURGER



Balkan Burger image

This 3 meat patty has gained notoriety all across the world with no stop in sight. Chicago, New York, and Johannesburg have all become big fans of this sandwich.

Provided by cking

Categories     Burger

Time 3h5m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 11

½ lb ground beef
½ lb ground pork sausage
½ lb ground lamb
1 tbsp minced onion
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp paprika
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp pepper
2 Lepina bread or pita bread
Ajvar (red pepper sauce spicy or mild)
tomatoes and onion slices for garnish

Steps:

  • Lightly mix ground beef, pork, lamb, minced onion, garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper together in a mixing bowl making sure not to overwork it. Form into 2 patties and place in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight covered.
  • When ready, heat grill to high. Remove patties from fridge and sprinkle with a little bit of salt and pepper on both sides. Toss them on the grill for 5 minutes on each side for medium or until you reach desired doneness. Slide the burgers into a sliced open Lepina bun and add the ajvar, tomatoes and onions. Serve with fries or chips.

Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 hamburger

BALKAN BURGERS



Balkan Burgers image

Called pljeskavica, pronounced PLYESS-ka-vee-tsa, this burger as wide as a birthday cake is beloved in Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia and Montenegro; and more recently in Italy, Germany, Chicago as well as Queens.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories     dinner, easy, quick, weekday, burgers, main course

Time 30m

Yield 6 burgers

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pound ground beef, preferably chuck
1 pound ground veal
1 pound ground pork, preferably neck or jowl meat; or use 1/3 pound pork belly and 2/3 pound regular ground pork
1/2 cup finely chopped onions plus minced onions, for serving
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon black pepper; or use 2 teaspoons sweet paprika and 1 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup sparkling water
6 pita breads, warmed or toasted
Kajmak with herbs (see recipe)
Red pepper-eggplant ajvar (see recipe)

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, place meats, 1/2 cup chopped onions, salt, pepper and sparkling water. Using your hands, lightly combine ingredients. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours or overnight.
  • Divide mixture into six equal balls. Place one ball between two sheets of plastic wrap and use the heel of your hand to pound it to a thin patty, about 1/4-inch thick and 6 inches in diameter. Repeat with remaining meat; refrigerate patties about 1 hour.
  • Heat a grill or heavy skillet to very hot. Cook patties, turning often, until well browned on both sides, about 5 minutes total. Cut pita breads in half horizontally, and serve burgers between pieces of pita. Sprinkle with onions and spread with kajmak and ajvar as desired.

BLACK BEAN BURGER



Black Bean Burger image

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Time 20m

Yield 1 to 2 burgers

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 cups black beans, drained and mashed with a fork
1 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated onions
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 egg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Canola oil, for oiling grill pan
1 to 2 kaiser rolls
Arugula, for serving
Sliced tomatoes, for serving
Mayonnaise, for serving

Steps:

  • Mix together the beans, breadcrumbs, onions, chili powder, egg and some salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Form the mixture into 1 big (or 2 smaller) patties.
  • Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat and add some canola oil. Cook the burger 4 minutes per side. Serve on a kaiser roll with arugula, tomato slices and mayo.

KAJMAK WITH HERBS



Kajmak With Herbs image

Kajmak is a thick, tangy clotted cream from the Balkans usually made with sheep's or cow's milk. It's often served with Balkan burgers, pljeskavica.

Provided by Julia Moskin

Categories     easy, quick, condiments, dips and spreads

Time 10m

Yield About 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 ounces cream cheese
4 ounces (1 stick) butter
4 ounces ricotta
4 ounces sour cream
1 garlic clove, minced
1 shallot, minced
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary (optional)
Salt
black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring cream cheese, butter, ricotta and sour cream to cool room temperature. In a mixer or a food processor, combine cream cheese and butter and mix until fluffy and smooth. Mix in ricotta and sour cream.
  • Add remaining ingredients and mix or process until thoroughly incorporated. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 3 days. Serve with Balkan burgers (pljeskavica, see recipe) or as a dip.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 209, UnsaturatedFat 6 grams, Carbohydrate 3 grams, Fat 21 grams, Fiber 0 grams, Protein 3 grams, SaturatedFat 13 grams, Sodium 152 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

BULGOGI BURGERS



Bulgogi Burgers image

This is an easy, no-fuss way to enjoy the taste of bulgogi without having to marinate for hours or heat the grill. Served with steamed white rice and cabbage kimchee, it makes a tasty Korean-inspired meal, fast.

Provided by M. Marie

Categories     World Cuisine Recipes     Asian

Time 40m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 tablespoon sesame seeds
2 pounds lean ground beef
2 green onions, minced
3 cloves roasted garlic, mashed
¼ cup mirin (Japanese sweet wine)
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon Asian (toasted) sesame oil
1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt

Steps:

  • Cook and stir sesame seeds in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat until they are fragrant and toasted, about 2 minutes. Transfer immediately into a small bowl and let cool.
  • Mix ground beef, green onions, roasted garlic, mirin wine, soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, black pepper, salt, and toasted sesame seeds together in a large bowl until thoroughly combined. Divide the meat mixture into 8 portions and form each portion into a large beef patty about 1/2 inch thick.
  • Pan-fry the burgers in a large skillet over medium-low heat until browned and the meat is no longer pink inside, about 8 minutes per side. An instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the center of the burgers should read at least 145 degrees F (65 degrees F).

Nutrition Facts : Calories 274.8 calories, Carbohydrate 7.1 g, Cholesterol 74.3 mg, Fat 16.2 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 22.4 g, SaturatedFat 5.8 g, Sodium 698.2 mg, Sugar 5.7 g

BHAJI BURGER



Bhaji burger image

We've combined two of our favourite recipes to make a bhaji in a bun. Serve with mango chutney and a fluffy brioche bun

Provided by Barney Desmazery

Categories     Dinner, Main course

Time 50m

Number Of Ingredients 15

400g lamb mince
2 tbsp tandoori paste
1 tsp cumin seeds
½ cucumber
150g pot plain yogurt
½ small pack mint , leaves chopped
100g plain flour
1 tbsp garam masala
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1 onion , halved and finely sliced
3 tbsp sunflower oil
3 burger buns (we used brioche buns), toasted
a few lettuce leaves
red onion , thinly sliced
mango chutney

Steps:

  • First, make the burgers. Tip all the ingredients into a bowl with a good pinch of salt and squeeze together with your fingers. Shape into three patties and chill in the fridge.
  • For the raita, grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much liquid as you can. Put in a bowl with the yogurt, mint and some salt. Mix and chill.
  • For the bhajis, tip the flour, spices and bicarb into a bowl with a pinch of salt. Slowly add 200ml cold water to make a thick batter (you might not need all of it), then mix in the onion.
  • Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Add the batter in batches so you have three burger-sized bhajis. Sizzle for 3 mins until crispy on one side, then flip and cook on the other side until cooked through. Keep warm.
  • Barbecue, griddle or pan-fry the burgers to your liking. Put lettuce and a burger on each bun and top with some raita, a bhaji and red onion. Serve the mango chutney on the side.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 595 calories, Fat 34 grams fat, SaturatedFat 11 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 36 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 8 grams sugar, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 34 grams protein, Sodium 1.9 milligram of sodium

SOFT AND CHEWY BALKAN BREAD



Soft and Chewy Balkan Bread image

Pogaca (Bosnian/Croatian) or pogacha is a type of bread baked in the ashes of the fireplace, and later on in the oven. This bread is found in the cuisines of the Balkans and Turkey. So I searched high and low for a great bread to bake for my homemade panini. I tried maybe a dozen bread recipes over the years just to get it right. I needed a bread that was light and airy that you could press using a panini press and wouldn't get too hard to chew or too thick to eat.

Provided by Courtney Lynn Hernandez

Categories     Bread     Yeast Bread Recipes     Rolls and Buns

Time 2h5m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 7

⅔ cup milk
⅓ cup water
1 ½ teaspoons white sugar
2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
2 cups bread flour
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup olive oil, or as needed

Steps:

  • Mix milk and water in a pot over low heat. Heat, stirring constantly, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the pot reads 110 degrees F (43 degrees C). Remove from heat. Add sugar and stir to dissolve. Pour mixture into a cup or other cylindrical glass; sprinkle yeast on top. Let mixture rest until yeast is frothy and fragrant, about 10 minutes.
  • Stir flour and salt together in a large mixing bowl. Pour in yeast mixture and mix until a sticky dough forms.
  • Turn dough out on a floured work surface and knead quickly for 5 minutes. Shape dough into a ball. Grease a large bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add dough; toss around the bowl a few times to coat evenly with oil. Cover with plastic wrap and a towel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  • Return dough back to the work surface and punch down. Coat your hands with a little olive oil and knead again for 1 minute. Divide into 5 balls. Flatten the balls out into thick rectangles. Place the rectangles of dough onto a greased baking sheet. Brush the tops with a thin coat of olive oil. Let rest for 20 minutes.
  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) while the dough rests.
  • Bake bread in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. Switch to the broil setting until the top of the rolls turn golden brown, about 1 minute. Remove from the baking sheet and allow to cool completely. Cut rolls in half lengthwise.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 295.8 calories, Carbohydrate 38.4 g, Cholesterol 2.6 mg, Fat 12.3 g, Fiber 1.6 g, Protein 7.6 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 248.5 mg, Sugar 2.9 g

PAUL BUNYAN BURGERS



Paul Bunyan Burgers image

This is one of my go-to grilling recipes. To make these burgers faster, substitute canned mushrooms and bacon bits. -Jo Reed, Craig, Colorado

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 30m

Yield 3 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 bacon strips, diced
1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
3 thin onion slices
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish
1 pound ground beef
3 slices process American cheese
3 hamburger buns, split

Steps:

  • In a large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon to paper towels. In the drippings, saute mushrooms and onion until tender. Transfer to a large bowl with a slotted spoon; add bacon. , In another bowl, combine the egg, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, salt, pepper and horseradish; sprinkle beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into six 1/4-in.-thick patties. , Divide bacon mixture among three patties. Top with a cheese slice; fold in corners of cheese. Top with remaining patties; seal edges. , Grill, uncovered, over medium-hot heat for 5-6 minutes a side or until a thermometer reads 160° and meat juices run clear. Serve on buns.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 797 calories, Fat 55g fat (22g saturated fat), Cholesterol 229mg cholesterol, Sodium 1653mg sodium, Carbohydrate 27g carbohydrate (6g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 46g protein.

BLACK BEAN BURGERS RECIPE BY TASTY



Black Bean Burgers Recipe by Tasty image

Whether you're vegetarian or not, this black bean burger recipe will hit every spot. Made with black beans, oats, onion, and carrots, and spiced up with cumin, coriander, and cayenne, this burger is so good you'll wonder whether you ever want to go back to the carnivore version. Cook the patties on a pan covered in cooking spray, or use a slightly more generous pour of cooking oil for a crispier finish.

Provided by Tasty

Categories     Dinner

Time 15m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained
1 onion, minced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, shredded
½ cup quick-cook oats
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon coriander
½ teaspoon chili powder
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
4 buns, we did not use vegan buns, but you can

Steps:

  • Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a pan. Combine onions, garlic, salt, and pepper and cook until onions are translucent.
  • Add carrots, cumin, coriander, chili powder, and cayenne pepper until carrots are tender. Remove pan from heat.
  • In a bowl, mash the beans and then add the contents of the pan along with the soy sauce and quick oats.
  • Mix and form four patties. Place in freezer for 30 minutes to set.
  • Cook patties on a pan coated in cooking spray over medium heat, flipping halfway.
  • Use patties to create your dream veggie burger.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 533 calories, Carbohydrate 93 grams, Fat 8 grams, Fiber 18 grams, Protein 22 grams, Sugar 9 grams

OLD FASHIONED BURGER RECIPE BY TASTY



Old Fashioned Burger Recipe by Tasty image

This old fashioned-inspired burger features whiskey-caramelized onions, roasted orange mustard, and two smashburger patties. Top with fresh beefsteak tomatoes and shredded iceberg lettuce on toasted burger buns.

Provided by Tikeyah Whittle

Categories     Dinner

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced into half moons
⅓ cup rye whiskey
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 large navel oranges
¼ cup dijon mustard
¼ cup yellow mustard
1 teaspoon orange bitters
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon ground coriander
2 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
8 slices american cheese
4 burger buns
1 large egg, beaten
1 tablespoon sesame seed
1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded
8 slices beefsteak tomatoes
old fashioned

Steps:

  • Make the whiskey-caramelized onions: In a large, high-walled skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they caramelize and turn golden brown, about 45 minutes. Add the whiskey and salt and stir to combine. Remove the pan from the heat and let sit until ready to use.
  • Make the roasted orange mustard: Turn the broiler on high.
  • Use a sharp knife to remove the peel from the orange, then slice the orange crosswise into ½-inch rounds. Arrange the rounds in a single layer on a baking sheet.
  • Broil the orange slices until they begin to brown and crisp on the top, about 10 minutes.
  • Remove the oranges from the oven and transfer to a large bowl to cool slightly. Use a potato masher to mash the juice from the oranges, and then strain through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing on the flesh to extract as much juice as possible. You should have about ¼ cup of roasted orange juice.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the orange juice, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, and bitters until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  • Make the smash burgers: Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
  • Divide the ground beef into 8 4-ounce portions, being careful not to work the meat too much.
  • In a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, and coriander.
  • Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until nearly smoking. Pour the olive oil into the hot pan. Place 2 portions of ground beef, or as many as will fit without overcrowding, in the pan and use a flat metal spatula to flatten into patties. Use the back of a wooden spoon to press the spatula more firmly to flatten each patty even more. Season each patty generously with the salt mixture. Once the patties turn golden brown on the bottoms and the edges are crispy, about 2 minutes, flip and continue cooking until the other side is golden brown, about 2 more minutes. Top each patty with 1 slice of American cheese and let melt, about 30 seconds. Remove from the pan and repeat with the remaining ground beef.
  • Assemble the burgers: Place the intact burger buns on a baking sheet. Brush the top of each bun with beaten egg, then sprinkle with the sesame seeds. Transfer to the oven and bake until the egg wash turns golden brown, about 5 minutes.
  • Open the buns and place ¼ cup of shredded lettuce on each bottom bun, followed by 2 tomato slices, a patty, ¼ cup caramelized onions, and a second patty. Spread 2 tablespoons of the orange mustard over the undersides of the top buns, then place on top of the burgers. Serve with old fashioneds.
  • Enjoy!

Tips:

  • Choose high-quality ground beef: Opt for a blend of chuck and sirloin for a juicy and flavorful burger.
  • Season the meat generously: Use a combination of spices, such as paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder, to add depth of flavor.
  • Handle the meat gently: Avoid overworking the meat, as this can result in tough burgers.
  • Form the burgers loosely: Do not press the meat too firmly into patties, as this can also lead to tough burgers.
  • Cook the burgers over medium heat: This will help prevent the burgers from drying out.
  • Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that the burgers are cooked to your desired doneness, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the burger.
  • Let the burgers rest before serving: Allow the burgers to rest for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat.

Conclusion:

Balkan burgers are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you prefer them classic or topped with your favorite ingredients, these burgers are sure to satisfy. With a few simple tips, you can easily make Balkan burgers at home that are just as good as, if not better than, the ones you would find at a restaurant. So fire up your grill or stovetop and get ready to enjoy a juicy, flavorful Balkan burger today!

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