You can't get more Australian than enjoying Kangaroo Burgers! Juicy and flavourful, it's the perfect Aussie bbq food, you probably won't even realize it's kangaroo. A delicious alternative to beef burgers.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Lean - less than 2% fat, naturally lean and full of nutrients, protein, and twice the amount of iron compared to beef
- Environmentally Sustainable - wild kangaroos don't require extra water or food resources, and don't produce methane and are sustainably sourced
- Flavor - rich, meaty flavor with a slight gamey taste
- Juicy Burgers - the secret to juicy kangaroo burger patties that are full of flavor is adding Kefir, I promise you'll love it
Ingredients
- Kangaroo Mince (ground kangaroo)
- Breadcrumbs
- Kefir - buttermilk style drink
- Egg - to help bind ingredients
- Aromatics - parsley, garlic, salt, pepper
- Worcestershire Sauce - to drizzle when barbecuing
- 8 Hamburger Buns
- Cheese - Cheddar, Swiss, Colby
- Toppings - lettuce and tomatoes
- Condiments - ketchup, mustard, pickles
How to Make Kangaroo Burgers
- Combine Ingredients - in a large bowl, mix kangaroo mince, breadcrumbs, kefir, egg, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper together in a large bowl until evenly combined.
- Prepare Tray - line a tray with parchment paper or wax paper to place the kangaroo patties on.
- Prepare Patties - using a hamburger patty press, place the hamburger mixture inside and press to form hamburger patties. If making by hand, divide the meat into 8-10 portions and form them into patties (about ½"-¾" thick).
- Refrigerate - place the individual patties on the lined tray, cover with cling wrap and refrigerated for 30 minutes. This helps the burgers to keep shape while they are cooking.
- Grill - place kangaroo burgers on grill over medium heat. Shake a few dashes of Worcestershire Sauce on top of each kangaroo burger while cooking for a delicious flavor boost. Cook until fully browned and cooked through (approx 3-4 minutes per side). Top with a slice of cheese and allow to melt.
- Assemble Burger - place kangaroo patty on base of hamburger bun, add toppings and condiments. Top with remaining half of bun.
- Enjoy- serve immediately with your favorite summer side dishes.
Kangaroo Burger Ideas
- Burger with the Lot - the most Aussie burger ever. Top with crispy bacon, cheese, lettuce, tomato, sliced beetroot and a fried egg
- Greek Burgers - top with Feta cheese, lettuce, tomato, sliced cucumbers, red onions and Kalamata olives. Spread Tzatziki Sauce over the bun.
- Bacon and Blue Cheese - top with crumbled blue cheese, crispy bacon and caramelized onion jam
- Tex-Mex Burger - add cheese and bacon, spoon salsa, sprinkle cilantro, top with jalapeño peppers and sliced avocado (or Chipotle Guacamole)
Recipe Tips and FAQs
- Fresh Herbs - fresh parsley adds a great flavor when compared to dried parsley, and is inexpensive to buy or grow. You will taste the difference!
- Pan Fry - fry them in small batches of 4 in a frying pan, and place in a warmed oven while you continue to cook the rest of the burgers.
- Don't Skip the Fridge - after placing the formed burgers on a tray, refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This ensure they keep their shape when cooking.
- Use a Hamburger Patty Press or Mold - burgers that are formed at the same thickness will cook consistently, ensuring they cook evenly.
- Versatile Recipe - using this kangaroo recipe, make Kangaroo Meatloaf or Kangaroo Meatballs
- Switch the Meat - this juicy burger patty recipe works great with beef, bison, turkey or chicken!
- Kefir Substitute - if you can't find Kefir, substitute with Buttermilk or Greek Yogurt. If meat is too wet, adjust by adding a bit more bread crumbs.
How Do I Know Burgers are Cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that burgers reached an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C) to be fully cooked.
Can I Freeze Kangaroo Burgers?
Absolutely. Form kangaroo patties as instructed and place on parchment lined tray. Place in freezer until frozen. Put in a Ziploc bag or airtight container and freeze for 3 months.
Where Can I Buy Kangaroo Meat?
Found in specialty butchers, online retailers who specialize in exotic meats. Alternatively, available in every supermarket in Australia. Kangaroo is exported to over 60 countries around the world.
Australian Recipes You'll Love
- Thai Beef Rissoles
- Oysters Kilpatrick
- Shrimp Mango Salad
- Lemonade Scones
- Cheesymite Scrolls
- Apricot Chicken in Slow Cooker
Kangaroo tastes very similar to beef or lamb, but with a slightly stronger gamey flavor. Incredible lean, a healthy red meat. Created this recipe in collaboration with Crazy Russian Dad during Covid. Cooking kangaroo is a great conversation starter, and a way to visit Australia from your dinner table! From Australia with love. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!
Ingredients
Kangaroo Patties
- 2 lbs (1kg) kangaroo mince ground kangaroo
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Kefir can use Buttermilk or Greek yogurt
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup parsley chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- salt and pepper to taste
- Worcestershire sauce for barbecuing
Kangaroo Burger Filling
- sliced cheese
- lettuce and tomato
- 8 hamburger buns
- condiments ketchup, mustard, pickles
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients - in a large bowl, mix kangaroo mince, breadcrumbs, kefir, egg, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper together in a large bowl until evenly combined.
- Prepare Tray - line a tray with parchment paper or wax paper to place the kangaroo patties on.
- Prepare Patties - using a hamburger patty press, place the hamburger mixture inside and press to form hamburger patties. If making by hand, divide the meat into 8-10 portions and form them into patties (about ½"-¾" thick).
- Refrigerate - place the individual patties on the lined tray, cover with cling wrap and refrigerated for 30 minutes. This helps the burgers to keep shape while they are cooking.
- Grill - place kangaroo burgers on grill over medium heat. Shake a few dashes of Worcestershire Sauce on top of each kangaroo burger while cooking for a delicious flavor boost. Cook until fully browned and cooked through (approx 3-4 minutes per side). Top with a slice of cheese and allow to melt.
- Assemble Burger - place kangaroo patty on base of hamburger bun, add toppings and condiments. Top with remaining half of bun.
- Enjoy- serve immediately with your favorite summer side dishes.
Video
©PetersFoodAdventures.com *originally published November 2020, updated February 2024
Blitzo
Hello there, this was the best rated recipe I could find for a first try at kangaroo. I grilled the burgers and they came out juicy and delicious. Rave reviews all around. I will be making them again. Thanks.
Peter Kolesnichenko
Thanks so much for the positive feedback! Glad everyone loved them. Minced kangaroo is the best way to try kangaroo as an introduction, enjoy! 👍🏻
Bryce Logue
I personally haven't tried this yet but it really looks tasty and juicy. It looks similar too to my favorite burger in Carlton. Will definitely hunt this down on my next run to the supermarket.
Sylvie
These would make awesome burgers for a proper Aussie Summer BBQ! Love the idea of adding Kefir in the patties
Peter's Food Adventures
Thanks Sylvie! Everyone loves a tasty burger, just in time for our summer! 😊
Kylie Archer
Yum!!! I swear though, we must be the only country in the world that eats things from it's coat of arms. But roo is soo tasty and such a healthy addition to a burger!
Peter's Food Adventures
Thanks Kylie! Agree! Super healthy, except when I add extra cheese and bacon! 😂
Rachi
Yum. I love to cook and eat roo!!! It is not a common meat many people eat but I love It. The burgers look absolutely amazing
Peter's Food Adventures
Thanks Rachi! I'm glad you can find it in most supermarkets in Australia. I think this is a great way to introduce kangaroo if you've never had it! 😊
Sarah
Yum! My family loves kangaroo, so tasty and very healthy. Kangaroo is actually better for the environment in Australia compared to other hoofed animals such as sheep and cows, because their large feet don't compact the ground as much and they bite the grass off differently!
These burgers look delicious, will have to give them a go at our next BBQ 🙂 Thanks for the recipe.
Peter's Food Adventures
Thanks Sarah! It may sound foreign to many, but so glad that you guys like it as much as I do! Hope you enjoy this recipe! 😋