Kangaroo Burgers

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

1. 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.
2. Prepare Tray - line a tray with parchment paper or wax paper to place the kangaroo patties on.
3. 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).
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Assemble Burger - place kangaroo patty on base of hamburger bun, add toppings and condiments. Top with remaining half of bun.
7. 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!

©PetersFoodAdventures.com *originally published November 2020, updated February 2024