Kangaroo Burgers (Australia)
This recipe offers a unique take on the classic burger using lean kangaroo meat. Finely chopped onion, garlic, and cilantro are mixed with the meat to form flavorful patties, quickly cooked and served on hamburger buns with fresh lettuce. It's a swift and distinctive meal, perfect for a culinary adventure.
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Large Skillet or Grill for cooking burgers
- 1 Spatula for flipping
Ingredients
Main
- 1 lb miced kangaroo meat
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 tablespoon cilantro chopped
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 large lettuce leaves
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Finely chop the onion, mince the garlic clove, and chop the cilantro.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the minced kangaroo meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, and chopped cilantro. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Gently form the mixture into four equally sized burger patties. Avoid compacting the meat too much to keep the burgers tender.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or on a grill over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Carefully place the kangaroo patties into the hot skillet or onto the grill.
- Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer a different doneness, turning once. Kangaroo cooks quickly due to its leanness.
- While the burgers cook, lightly toast the hamburger buns, cut-side down, in a separate dry skillet or on the grill until golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the patties from the heat and let them rest for a minute or two.
- Assemble the burgers: place a large lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Top with a kangaroo patty, then cover with the top half of the bun. Serve immediately with desired condiments.
Notes
Kangaroo meat is exceptionally lean, so it cooks quickly and can dry out easily. Cook to medium-rare for optimal tenderness and juiciness (internal temperature 130-135°F / 54-57°C), unless otherwise preferred. Avoid overworking the meat mixture to keep the patties tender. To enhance flavor, consider a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of Worcestershire sauce in the mix. Toasting the hamburger buns lightly will add texture and prevent them from becoming soggy. Serve with your favorite burger condiments like a garlic aioli or a spicy chutney to complement the unique flavor of the meat.