Feta Burgers with Grilled Red Onions: A Mediterranean Marvel

There’s something undeniably primal and satisfying about a perfectly grilled burger. I remember one sweltering summer afternoon, years ago, tinkering in my kitchen, trying to elevate the humble burger beyond its usual confines. I was captivated by the briny, salty tang of feta cheese and the sweet char of grilled onions, and the idea of merging these flavors into a burger started to form. The first bite was a revelation – the creamy, tangy feta melting into the juicy beef, punctuated by the sweet, smoky depth of the grilled red onion. It was a moment where simple ingredients, thoughtfully combined, created something truly extraordinary, a taste of the Mediterranean sunshine in every mouthful.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 8 burgers
• Dietary Type: Contains Dairy, Gluten (in buns)

Ingredients

This recipe celebrates fresh, vibrant flavors. The key is quality ingredients that shine through.

• 3 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 cup feta cheese, packed, crumbled
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
• 8 large garlic cloves, peeled
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil (for brushing onions)
• Nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray
• 2 medium red onions, peeled, each cut crosswise into 4 slices
• 8 hamburger buns
• 2 large tomatoes, each cut crosswise into 4 slices

Equipment Needed

While this recipe doesn’t demand highly specialized equipment, a few key items will make the process smoother:

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl or ramekin
• Food processor (for garlic oil)
• Grill (charcoal or gas)
• Tongs
• Plate or platter

Instructions

Crafting these feta burgers is a straightforward yet rewarding process. The steps are designed to maximize flavor and ensure a perfect cook.

1. Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, begin by breaking up the lean ground beef.
2. Incorporate the Feta and Seasonings: Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese, dried oregano, salt, and ground black pepper evenly over the beef. Gently toss the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough burgers.
3. Form the Burgers: Divide the meat mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each portion into a 4 ½-inch burger. To prevent puffing in the center during cooking, gently press the center of each raw burger to form a slight indentation.
   • DO AHEAD Tip: These burgers can be made up to 1 day ahead. Cover them tightly and chill in the refrigerator.
4. Make the Garlic Oil: In a food processor, puree the 8 peeled garlic cloves. With the machine running, gradually drizzle in the ½ cup of extra virgin olive oil. Continue to process for about 30 seconds until the mixture is smooth and emulsified.
   • DO AHEAD Tip: This garlic oil can also be prepared up to 1 day in advance. Cover it and chill in the refrigerator.
5. Prepare the Grill: Spray your grill rack with nonstick vegetable oil cooking spray. Preheat your barbecue to medium-high heat.
6. Season the Onions: In a small bowl or ramekin, brush the red onion slices with the 1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil. Sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper.
7. Grill the Burgers and Onions: Carefully place the formed burgers and the prepared onion slices directly onto the hot grill grates. Cover the grill and cook for 5 minutes.
8. Flip and Continue Cooking: Turn the onions and burgers. Continue to cook until the onions are charred in spots and the burgers have reached medium-well doneness, which will take about 4 minutes longer. This typically brings the internal temperature of the burgers to around 160-165°F (71-74°C).
9. Toast the Buns: While the burgers and onions finish cooking, transfer the cooked burgers and onions to a plate. Brush the cut sides of the hamburger buns with some of the prepared garlic oil. Place the buns, cut side down, on the grill. Toast them for about 1 minute, then turn the buns and cook for another 1 minute until heated through.
10. Assemble the Burgers: To assemble, place the cooked burgers on the bun bottoms. Top each burger with a generous portion of the grilled red onion slices, followed by a slice of tomato, and finally, the bun tops.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Elevating these already delicious burgers can be achieved with a few insider techniques.

• Gentle Mixing is Key: When mixing the beef with the feta and seasonings, remember that less is more. Overworking the meat develops the gluten in the beef, resulting in a tougher texture. Treat it gently until just combined.
• The Indentation Matters: That slight press in the center of the raw burger isn’t just for show. It’s a classic chef’s trick to counteract the natural tendency of burgers to puff up like a football on the grill, ensuring a more evenly cooked and appealing patty.
• Garlic Oil Mastery: The garlic oil isn’t just for the buns. You can lightly brush some of this fragrant oil onto the burgers themselves for an extra layer of flavor as they grill.
• Grill Temperature Control: Medium-high heat is crucial for achieving that beautiful char on the onions and a good sear on the burgers without overcooking the interior. If your grill runs hot, you can move the burgers to a slightly cooler part of the grill for the final minutes of cooking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These feta burgers are best enjoyed immediately off the grill, when the cheese is warm and melty and the onions are perfectly tender-crisp. Serve them hot on the toasted buns, with the fresh tomato slices adding a burst of juicy freshness.

For storage, any leftover cooked burgers can be cooled completely and then stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in a warm oven. The grilled onions can also be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	620 kcal
Calories from Fat		57%
Total Fat	37.1 g	57%
Saturated Fat	12.2 g	60%
Cholesterol	127.2 mg	42%
Sodium	967.7 mg	40%
Total Carbohydrate	28.2 g	9%
Dietary Fiber	2.1 g	8%
Sugars	5.9 g	23%
Protein	41.7 g	83%

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredient choices and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is fantastic as is, here are a few ways to put your own spin on it:

• Spicy Kick: For those who like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture or a thinly sliced jalapeño to the grill alongside the onions.
• Herbal Infusion: Experiment with other dried herbs like marjoram or a touch of thyme in the beef mixture for a slightly different aromatic profile.
• Bun Alternatives: For a gluten-free option, serve these burgers on large lettuce leaves or gluten-free hamburger buns.
• Cheese Exploration: While feta is the star, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dollop of goat cheese could offer a delightful twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why should I press the center of the raw burger?
A: Pressing the center creates a slight indentation that prevents the burger from puffing up into a dome shape during cooking, ensuring a flatter, more evenly cooked patty.

Q: Can I make these burgers indoors on a stovetop?
A: Yes, you can pan-sear these burgers in a hot skillet with a little oil. Cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side for medium-well, adjusting to your preference. You would grill the onions separately in a skillet.

Q: How do I know when my burgers are cooked to medium-well?
A: For medium-well, the internal temperature should reach 160-165°F (71-74°C). A meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check. Visually, the juices should run clear, and the patty should feel firm.

Q: Is it okay to use pre-crumbled feta cheese?
A: Yes, pre-crumbled feta will work, but for the best texture and to ensure it’s evenly distributed, it’s ideal to crumble it yourself from a block if possible.

Q: What can I do if my onions aren’t charring nicely?
A: Ensure your grill is at the correct medium-high heat. You can also try cutting the onion slices slightly thicker to give them more time on the grill to develop char without becoming mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Feta Burger with Grilled Red Onions is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s about taking simple, honest ingredients and coaxing out their best, creating layers of flavor that are both comforting and exciting. The salty feta, the sweet char of the onions, and the juicy beef come together in a symphony that will have you reaching for seconds. Pair this with a crisp Greek salad or some lemon-herb roasted potatoes for a truly memorable Mediterranean feast. Enjoy every delicious bite!