A delicious meatless burger bursting with Mediterranean flair.
Whether it’s a veggie burger, portobello burger, or these grilled eggplant burgers, there are plenty of delicious meatless options to replace the classic ground beef burger.
Everyone loves a good burger, right? But when you’re looking for something a bit different and lighter than the usual meat patty, the Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant Burgers step in. They’re delicious, easy to make, and they’ll give your regular burgers a run for their money.
What Makes These Burgers Special?
Alright, let’s chat ingredients. Our star is, of course, the eggplant. This versatile vegetable, when sliced and grilled, has a meaty texture that’s satisfying and tasty.
- Eggplant: It’s essential to pick firm, fresh eggplants. They’re going to be the main component of your burger, so quality counts.
- Whole-Wheat Hamburger Buns: Not just for health, but the slightly nutty flavor of whole-wheat buns complement our eggplant slices wonderfully.
- Feta Cheese: A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese lends that tangy kick. And, since we’re using the fat-free variant, you get all the flavor without the extra calories.
- Greek Yogurt Sauce: Think of this as the healthier, zestier cousin of mayo. Greek yogurt combined with garlic and dill? Yes, please!
Getting the Eggplant Just Right
Prepping the eggplant slices is pretty straightforward. Season them with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. The aim is to get them soft, with a light golden brown hue, without turning them into mush. Olive oil is your friend here – it’ll help in getting that lovely color and preventing the slices from drying out.
Building the Perfect Eggplant Burger
- Starting Off: Grab your toasted bun. That’s going to hold everything together.
- Eggplant Layers: Pop two of those flavorful eggplant slices on the bun.
- Toppings Galore: The creaminess of feta, the juiciness of tomatoes, the slight sharpness of red onion, and the crunch of romaine lettuce. Pile them on.
- Dressing Time: Mix Greek yogurt with garlic and dill, and drizzle it over. This sauce ties all the flavors together beautifully.
- Finish it: With the top bun, and you’re ready to go.
Easy Dinner Idea
Looking for a no-fuss dinner idea for those weeknights when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? This burger recipe is a winner. Not only are they quick to whip up, but they’re also healthy. If you’re someone who’s never tried an eggplant in burger form or have been skeptical about veggie burgers in general, give this recipe a shot.
It’s Not Just About Taste
Apart from its mouth-watering taste, there’s a lot nutritionally to love about this burger. Each serving delivers 305 kcal, ensuring you’re full without feeling overstuffed. The 11g of protein is an added bonus, making it a balanced meal.
Storing and Serving Tips
If you’re prepping for later, store the grilled eggplant slices in an airtight container. They taste fantastic the next day too, maybe even better as the flavors meld. Just reheat them lightly before assembling your burger. And if you’ve got leftover slices, they make for a great side dish or addition to salads.
Variations to Consider
Given that this is such an easy-going recipe, feel free to get creative. Perhaps you’d like to throw in some grilled bell peppers or swap feta for goat cheese? How about adding a slice of grilled eggplant to your turkey burgers? The possibilities are endless!
Let’s Talk Pairings
These burgers pair well with a variety of side dishes. Maybe a light salad, some baked sweet potato fries, or even a refreshing cold beverage? Whatever you choose, the main event – the Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant Burger – is sure to shine.
Bonus Tips for Veggie Burger Lovers
- When preparing slices of eggplant or any vegetable for your burger, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This ensures a better texture when cooking.
- Using a grill pan or outdoor grill can give your veggie burgers a delightful charred flavor, reminiscent of traditional burgers. For a crispy variation, you might even want to try making eggplant chips.
- If you’re new to the veggie burger scene and are using eggplants, especially, picking the right type matters. Japanese eggplants, for instance, have a milder flavor and thinner skin compared to their globe counterparts.
- Finally, as with any recipe, the best way to perfect it is through experimentation. Whether you’re tweaking the ingredients or changing the cooking method, each variation takes you a step closer to your ideal veggie burger. So, go ahead and fire up that hot grill and make dinner tonight a memorable one!
Frequently Asked Questions
Have some questions about these grilled eggplant burgers (or veggie burgers in general?) We’ve got answers!
What makes veggie burgers pink?
Veggie burgers can sometimes appear pink due to the ingredients used to give them a meaty appearance. Ingredients like beet juice, pomegranate juice, or tomato slices can impart a pink hue, mimicking the look of a beef patty. This color addition can make the transition from traditional burgers to veggie burgers more visually appealing for some people.
How do I substitute eggs in a veggie burger?
Eggs often serve as a binding agent in veggie burger recipes. If you’re looking to omit eggs, there are several alternatives. In a large bowl, you can combine ingredients like mashed beans, breadcrumbs, or flaxseed meal with a bit of water (forming a paste). Other popular egg substitutes include applesauce, mashed bananas, or yogurt. Each substitute might slightly change the texture or taste, so it’s a great way to experiment and find your favorite version.
What is in a Planta burger?
A Planta burger is a type of veggie burger from the brand Planta. Their ingredients might vary based on the specific product, but typically, such veggie burgers will contain a blend of plant-based proteins, grains, vegetables, and spices. It’s always best to check the full recipe or ingredient list on the packaging for the most accurate information.
Do veggie burgers have egg in them?
Many veggie burgers do contain eggs as a binder to help hold the patty together. However, there are also plenty of egg-free or vegan veggie burgers available on the market. If you’re making your own at home, you can opt for egg substitutes like those mentioned above. Whether you’re using an eggplant recipe for a veggie burger, trying to replicate eggplant parmesan flavors, or just want a delicious patty for dinner tonight, there are endless ways to adapt recipes to be egg-free.
Mediterranean Grilled Eggplant Cheese Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 eggplant large, cut into 1/4 inch thick circles
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 whole-wheat hamburger buns
- 1/3 cup feta cheese crumbles fat-free
- 1 tomato large, cut into 1/8 inch circles
- 1 red onion cut into thin strips
- 4 romaine lettuce leaves large
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt plain
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 teaspoon dry dill
Instructions
- Season each side of the eggplant with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano.
- In a large skillet on medium heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned eggplant. Cook, each side, about 3 minutes or until eggplant is soft and lightly golden brown on each side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Brush the inside of each hamburger bun with the remaining olive oil. Heat the same pan the eggplant was cooked into medium heat and place the buns into the pan oiled side down. Cook, about 2 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pan.
- Place the bottom toasted bun onto a serving plate. Top with 2 slices of the eggplant followed by feta, tomato, red onion, and lettuce.
- In a small bowl, combine the yogurt, garlic, and dill and stir well. Drizzle over the top of the eggplant. Place the top but onto the burger and serve.
Nutrition Information
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So no, not all meatless burgers are just vegetarian substitutes. They are delicious burgers in their own right. But good luck trying to convince the men in your life. If you’re willing to give it a shot though, try some of these other meatless burgers:
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Is there a typo with the recipe? It says 44 calories for 1 burger, but those way too low for a whole burger.
Hi Natalie, you’re absolutely correct! I have updated the nutritional information to reflect the correct numbers. Thanks for catching that mistake!