Craving a delicious and healthy alternative to the classic burger? Look no further! This zucchini fritter burger with fresh tzatziki sauce is a flavour explosion that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s packed with nutrients, surprisingly easy to make, and perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun weekend BBQ. Get ready to experience a burger that’s both satisfying and good for you.
Building Your Zucchini Fritter Burger
Crafting the Perfect Zucchini Fritters
The key to a great zucchini fritter burger lies in the fritters themselves. Here’s how to make them golden brown, crispy, and full of flavour:
- Grate the Zucchini: Use a box grater to shred the zucchini.
- Remove Excess Moisture: This is crucial! Sprinkle the grated zucchini with salt and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Then, squeeze out as much liquid as possible using your hands or a cheesecloth. Too much moisture will result in soggy fritters.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a bowl, mix the squeezed zucchini with eggs, breadcrumbs (panko works great!), grated parmesan cheese, chopped fresh herbs (dill, parsley, and mint are excellent choices), garlic, and seasonings like salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
- Form the Fritters: Shape the mixture into patties, about ½ inch thick.
- Cook the Fritters: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the fritters for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
The Refreshing Tzatziki Sauce
No zucchini fritter burger is complete without a creamy and refreshing tzatziki sauce. Here’s a simple recipe:
- Grate and Drain the Cucumber: Similar to the zucchini, grate the cucumber and squeeze out the excess liquid. This prevents a watery sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the drained cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped fresh dill, and salt.
- Chill: Let the tzatziki sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.
Assembling Your Zucchini Fritter Burger
Now for the fun part! Building your burger is all about layering flavours and textures.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast your favourite burger buns. We recommend using brioche buns for a slightly sweet flavour or whole wheat buns for a healthier option.
- Spread the Tzatziki: Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on the bottom bun.
- Add the Fritter: Place a warm zucchini fritter on top of the tzatziki. Consider adding two fritters if they are on the smaller side.
- Add Toppings (Optional): Get creative! Some great topping options include:
- Sliced tomato
- Red onion slices
- Spinach or Arugula
- Feta cheese
- Top It Off: Spread more tzatziki sauce on the top bun and place it on top of the burger.
- Serve and Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Making it Vegetarian/Vegan
- Vegetarian: This recipe is already vegetarian! Just ensure your breadcrumbs are vegetarian-friendly.
- Vegan: To make it vegan, substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water). Use vegan breadcrumbs, a vegan parmesan cheese alternative, and a plant-based yogurt for the tzatziki sauce.
Other Flavour Boosters
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapenos to the fritter mixture.
- Smoked Paprika: A dash of smoked paprika will add a smoky flavour to the fritters.
- Lemon Zest: Adding lemon zest to both the fritters and tzatziki sauce will brighten the flavours.
Conclusion
This zucchini fritter burger with fresh tzatziki sauce is a game-changer! It’s a healthy, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a lighter alternative to a traditional burger or simply want to incorporate more vegetables into your diet, this recipe is sure to become a new favourite. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a burger experience unlike any other! Enjoy!
