Greek Grilled Beyond Meat Burgers: A Mediterranean Delight

Craving the vibrant flavors of Greece but looking for a plant-based option? Look no further! These Greek Grilled Beyond Meat Burgers are a delicious and satisfying way to enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean without any meat. We’ve taken the classic Beyond Meat burger and elevated it with fresh, authentic Greek ingredients, creating a flavor explosion that will tantalize your taste buds. This recipe is perfect for a summer barbecue, a quick weeknight dinner, or any time you’re in the mood for something healthy and flavorful. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey to Greece, one delicious bite at a time!

## Why Beyond Meat for Greek Burgers?

Beyond Meat burgers are an excellent plant-based alternative for those looking to reduce their meat consumption. They offer a similar texture and protein content to traditional beef burgers, making them a satisfying and guilt-free choice. Plus, Beyond Meat holds up beautifully on the grill, developing a nice char and smoky flavor that complements the Greek ingredients perfectly. The neutral flavor of Beyond Meat also allows the vibrant Greek flavors to truly shine.

## Key Ingredients for Authentic Greek Flavor

To capture the essence of Greek cuisine, we’ll be using a variety of fresh and flavorful ingredients:

* **Beyond Meat Burgers:** The star of the show, providing a meaty texture and a blank canvas for the Greek flavors.
* **Feta Cheese:** Salty, tangy, and creamy, feta cheese is a staple in Greek cuisine and adds a burst of flavor to the burgers. Look for a good quality feta, preferably imported from Greece.
* **Spinach:** Fresh spinach adds a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals, as well as a subtle earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients. You can use baby spinach or regular spinach, just make sure to wash it thoroughly.
* **Red Onion:** Adds a pungent and slightly sweet flavor that cuts through the richness of the burger. Slice it thinly to ensure even cooking.
* **Kalamata Olives:** These briny and flavorful olives are a classic Greek ingredient. Pitted olives are the easiest to use.
* **Sun-Dried Tomatoes:** Provide a concentrated burst of sweetness and acidity. Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes are preferred, as they are more flavorful and moist.
* **Garlic:** Essential for adding depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Freshly minced garlic is always best.
* **Lemon Juice:** Adds a bright and zesty flavor that balances the richness of the other ingredients. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is recommended.
* **Olive Oil:** The cornerstone of Greek cuisine, adding a rich and fruity flavor. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
* **Dried Oregano:** A classic Greek herb with a distinct aroma and flavor. Dried oregano is more potent than fresh oregano, so a little goes a long way.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the burgers and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
* **Pita Bread:** The traditional bread used for Greek gyros and souvlaki. It’s soft, slightly chewy, and perfect for wrapping the burgers.
* **Tzatziki Sauce:** A creamy and refreshing yogurt-based sauce flavored with cucumber, garlic, and dill. It’s the perfect complement to the rich and flavorful burgers.

## Making the Greek Grilled Beyond Meat Burgers: A Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe is simple and straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Follow these steps to create delicious and authentic Greek Grilled Beyond Meat Burgers:

**Yields:** 4 burgers
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 4 Beyond Meat burgers
* 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
* 5 oz fresh spinach, chopped
* 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
* 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
* 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 4 pita breads
* 1 cup Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade – recipe below)

### Tzatziki Sauce (Optional, but Highly Recommended):

* 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat)
* 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste

### Equipment:

* Grill or grill pan
* Mixing bowl
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Spatula

### Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce (if making homemade):**

* Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much excess water as possible using a cheesecloth or paper towels. This will prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
* In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
* Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial for a truly delicious tzatziki.

**2. Prepare the Greek Topping:**

* In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, sliced red onion, chopped Kalamata olives, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss well to combine.
* Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The mixture should be flavorful and well-balanced.

**3. Grill the Beyond Meat Burgers:**

* Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
* Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the burgers from sticking.
* Place the Beyond Meat burgers on the hot grill and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until they are heated through and have a nice char. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry.

**4. Assemble the Burgers:**

* Warm the pita breads on the grill for a few seconds per side, or in a toaster or microwave, until they are soft and pliable.
* Spread a generous amount of Tzatziki sauce on each pita bread.
* Place a grilled Beyond Meat burger on top of the Tzatziki sauce.
* Spoon a generous amount of the Greek topping over the burger.
* Crumble some feta cheese over the topping.
* Fold the pita bread around the burger and toppings.

**5. Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the Greek Grilled Beyond Meat Burgers immediately while they are still warm.
* You can serve them with extra Tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
* Consider adding a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete and healthy meal.

## Tips for Perfect Greek Grilled Beyond Meat Burgers

* **Don’t overcook the Beyond Meat burgers:** They are best when slightly pink in the center. Overcooking will make them dry and less flavorful.
* **Use good quality ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the burgers. Opt for fresh, high-quality feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.
* **Don’t skip the Tzatziki sauce:** It’s the key to adding that authentic Greek flavor and keeping the burgers moist and delicious.
* **Adjust the seasonings to your taste:** Feel free to add more or less of any of the ingredients to suit your preferences.
* **Get creative with toppings:** You can add other Greek-inspired toppings, such as roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or cucumbers.
* **For a spicier kick:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Greek topping.
* **Make it a platter:** Arrange the burgers on a platter with olives, feta cheese, pita bread, and Tzatziki sauce for a beautiful presentation.
* **Prepare in advance:** The Greek topping can be made a day ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. This will save you time on the day you plan to grill the burgers.
* **Leftovers:** Store leftover burger patties and Greek topping separately in the refrigerator. Reheat the patties before assembling the burgers.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Vegan:** To make this recipe vegan, use vegan feta cheese and vegan Tzatziki sauce. There are many good quality vegan options available on the market.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pita bread or serve the burgers without the bread on top of a Greek salad.
* **Different Protein:** While this recipe calls for Beyond Meat burgers, you can substitute them with other plant-based burger patties or even grilled halloumi cheese for a vegetarian option.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the Greek topping for a spicy kick.
* **Add Herbs:** Experiment with different fresh herbs, such as dill, mint, or parsley, to add more flavor to the burgers.
* **Greek Salad Burger:** Instead of a traditional topping, create a miniature Greek salad to top your burger. Diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, and feta cheese tossed with a simple vinaigrette make for a refreshing alternative.

## Serving Suggestions

These Greek Grilled Beyond Meat Burgers are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some suggestions:

* **Greek Salad:** A classic Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and a simple vinaigrette.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and red onion seasoned with olive oil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
* **Lemon Potatoes:** Roasted potatoes with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano.
* **Orzo Salad:** Orzo pasta salad with feta cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.
* **Hummus and Pita Chips:** A classic Mediterranean appetizer that pairs well with the Greek flavors of the burgers.
* **Watermelon Feta Salad:** A refreshing and summery salad with watermelon, feta cheese, mint, and a balsamic glaze.
* **Grilled Corn on the Cob:** Grilled corn on the cob brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt and pepper.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate, per burger):

* Calories: 450-550
* Protein: 25-30g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 5-7g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

These Greek Grilled Beyond Meat Burgers are a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of Greece without any meat. They’re easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a summer barbecue or a quick weeknight dinner. So, fire up the grill and get ready to experience a taste of the Mediterranean with these flavorful and satisfying burgers. Kali Orexi (Bon Appetit)!