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A plate of cooked biftekia with lemon slices.
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Biftekia (Greek Burgers)

I’ve been making biftekia - traditional Greek burgers - for as long as I can remember. This homemade Greek burger recipe is one of my go-to dishes when I want something simple, flavourful, and satisfying. Using ground meat, fresh herbs, and a few pantry spices, dinner or lunch can be served in no time.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Greek
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time: 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 12 burgers
Calories 155kcal
Author Peter G

Ingredients

  • 500 grams ground beef preferably on the leaner side (see note 1)
  • 1 tomato grated, medium to large
  • 1 onion grated
  • 1 garlic clove finely chopped or grated (see note 2)
  • 80 grams breadcrumbs Panko, regular store bought is fine too
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1½ tablespoon dried oregano (see note 3)
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
Metric - US Customary

Instructions

  • Grate the onion and tomato in a large bowl
    1 tomato, 1 onion
  • Add the ground beef
    500 grams ground beef
  • Add the breadcrumbs, egg, oregano, garlic, olive oil and seasonings and mix well using your hands
    1 garlic clove, 80 grams breadcrumbs, 1 egg, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1½ tablespoon dried oregano, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
  • Using a ¼ cup measuring cup as a guide scoop out portions of the bifteki mixture
  • Shape into oval shapes and flatten slightly and place onto a plate
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour (see note 4)
  • Remove the biftekia from the fridge at least ½ an hour before cooking
  • Barbecue, grill, fry or air fry according to the methods listed below

BBQ or Grill (using a Weber)

  • Lightly dust with a little flour and brush each of the biftekia with a little olive oil
  • Place on a preheated bbq grill and cover - keeping the heat to medium-low
  • Cook for 10 minutes, flip them over and cook for another 5 minutes

Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 180℃ (160℃ for fan) (350℉)
  • Place them on an oven safe tray and drizzle or spray with a little olive oil
  • Cook for 10 minutes - flip them and cook for another 10-12 minutes

Pan Fry

  • Heat 2-3 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan or skillet on a medium-high heat
  • Cook the biftekia for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through

Air Fry

  • Preheat your air fryer to 200 deg C (400 deg F)
  • Spray the air fryer basket with a little olive oil and cook the burgers for eight minutes and flip them over and cook for another 5-7 minutes

Video

Notes

  1. Can sub with lamb or pork or use a combination of pork/beef or lamb/beef. 
  2. Sub with one tablespoon of garlic powder. If using fresh garlic don't overdo it I find too much overpowers the dish. 
  3. Can add other herbs and spices for e.g. dried thyme or rosemary. Cumin is also widely used in biftekia - like I did in the video (add one teaspoon and adjust). Smoked paprika is a lovely addition as well. 
  4. If you're in a hurry you can skip this step - however, I find it allows the flavours to develop a lot more. 
  5. Avoid over-mixing the ingredients as this will make the patties dry. Mix until just combined.
  6. Use a ¼ cup measuring cup to scoop the meat mixture - this will ensure even-sized biftekia. 
  7. Use wet hands to shape the Greek burgers - it will make this part easier. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1bifteki | Calories: 155kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g