Finnish Reindeer Burger: Arctic Eats You Need to Try at Home

When I think of Arctic flavors, reindeer instantly comes to mind. This Finnish delicacy is more than just a staple in Nordic cuisine—it’s a taste of the wild, with its rich, slightly gamey flavor and lean texture. Turning it into a burger is a delicious way to enjoy this unique ingredient while giving it a modern twist.

Finnish Reindeer Burger: Arctic Eats

As someone obsessed with crafting new and adventurous burgers, I can’t express how excited I am for you to try this Finnish Reindeer Burger. Reindeer meat’s naturally lean and rich flavor brings so much depth to a burger. This recipe has been a hit among my friends and family—let’s get grilling!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need for this Finnish culinary adventure:

• 1 lb ground reindeer meat (ask your butcher, or check specialty stores)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground is best)
• 1 tbsp oil (neutral, like canola or sunflower, for cooking)
• 4 brioche buns, lightly toasted
• 4 slices lingonberry jam (or a dollop for spreading)
• 4 leaves crisp lettuce
• 4 slices Havarti or Jarlsberg cheese
• Butter for buns (optional, for toasting)
• Pickled cucumbers, thinly sliced (optional garnish)
• Mayonnaise, for spreading (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Burger Patties

In a large bowl, combine the ground reindeer meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, sea salt, and black pepper. Use your hands to mix everything until just combined—don’t overwork the meat, or you’ll end up with tough patties. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into burger patties about 1/2-inch thick.

2. Chill the Patties

Place the patties on a plate, cover them with plastic wrap, and chill them in the fridge for 20–30 minutes. This helps them hold their shape while cooking.

3. Heat the Grill or Pan

Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium-high heat. Add the oil once the surface is hot, and wait until it shimmers.

4. Cook the Patties

Cook each patty for about 3–4 minutes per side. Reindeer meat is lean, so watch it closely to avoid overcooking. You’re aiming for medium doneness (internal temp of 145°F). Add a slice of Havarti or Jarlsberg to each patty during the last minute of cooking, letting it melt slightly.

5. Toast the Buns

While the patties cook, brush the cut sides of the brioche buns with butter and toast them lightly on the grill or in a separate skillet until golden.

6. Assemble the Burger

Spread a little lingonberry jam on the bottom halves of the toasted buns for a sweet tartness that complements the reindeer’s gaminess. Place the cheesy patty on top. Add a leaf of crisp lettuce. If desired, add a layer of pickled cucumbers for extra bite. Spread mayonnaise on the top bun (if you like), and place it over the assembled burger.

7. Serve and Enjoy

Serve these hearty Finnish Reindeer Burgers immediately while they’re hot. Pair them with rustic oven-baked potato wedges or a simple side salad for a meal that brings the Arctic straight to your kitchen.

Ingredients

I’ve got just the list to help you bring the flavor-packed Finnish Reindeer Burger to life. Let’s break it down by each component so you can build a burger that’s balanced, hearty, and unforgettable.

For The Burger Patties

• 1 lb of ground reindeer meat
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon of allspice
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for cooking)

For The Burger Sauce

• 1/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons of lingonberry jam
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For The Toppings

• 4 slices of Havarti cheese
• 1/2 cup of pickled red onions
• 1/2 cup of fresh arugula
• 4 slices of tomato
• 4-6 slices of crisped bacon (optional, but recommended)

For The Buns

• 4 brioche buns, lightly toasted
• 1 tablespoon of butter, melted (for brushing buns)

Tools And Equipment

Creating a Finnish Reindeer Burger calls for the right tools to ensure every part of the process, from the patties to the final assembly, is smooth and enjoyable. Over the years, I’ve learned that the right equipment can make or break a burger experience, and here’s what I reach for when crafting this Arctic-inspired masterpiece:

Essential Tools for Burger Perfection:

• Mixing bowl: For combining ground reindeer meat with seasonings, onion, and garlic to form the perfect patties.
• Chef’s knife and cutting board: To finely chop onion and garlic, slice tomatoes, and prep fresh toppings like arugula.
• Digital kitchen scale (optional): For portioning the patties evenly, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
• Cast iron skillet or grill pan: A cast iron skillet works wonders for searing those reindeer patties, giving them a caramelized crust that seals in flavor. If grilling outdoors, a grill grate works equally well.
• Spatula: For flipping the patties with ease, keeping them intact and perfectly shaped.
• Small saucepan: For heating the lingonberry jam or preparing any warm toppings, if desired.
• Toaster or grill: To lightly toast the brioche buns. Toasting adds a gentle crispness that holds up against the juicy burger and sauce.
• Brush: To butter the buns before toasting for that golden, tasty finish.
• Grater: For shredding Havarti cheese if using a block instead of pre-sliced.

Additional Handy Equipment:

• Non-stick parchment paper: To prevent patties from sticking when shaped ahead of time or stored briefly in the fridge.
• Tongs: For handling bacon or other additional toppings during cooking.
• Mixing spoon or whisk: To smoothly combine the sauce ingredients like mayonnaise, lingonberry jam, and Dijon mustard.

Directions

Creating this Finnish Reindeer Burger is a flavorful journey. Follow these steps for a burger that’s bursting with Arctic-inspired charm.

Prep The Ingredients

I always start by prepping everything to keep the cooking seamless. Here’s what to do:

1. Finely dice 1 small onion and mince 2 garlic cloves.
2. Measure out your spices—salt, black pepper, and a touch of ground allspice for a Nordic flair.
3. Slice the tomato, rinse the arugula, and set them aside.
4. Prepare the pickled red onions by draining them if using from a jar.
5. Butter your brioche buns lightly so they’re ready for toasting later.
6. Have your Havarti cheese slices ready to go. For the sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, lingonberry jam, Dijon mustard, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a pinch of seasoning in a small bowl until smooth. Set that aside for burger assembly.

Make The Reindeer Patties

Shaping the patties is where the magic begins.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 pound of ground reindeer meat with the diced onion, minced garlic, and your measured spices.
2. Mix everything gently with your hands or a spoon. Overmixing can make the patties tough, so keep it light!
3. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions, then shape them into patties about ¾ inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty to prevent puffing up during cooking.
4. Place the patties on a plate. If you’re not cooking them right away, cover and refrigerate for up to 30 minutes.

Cook The Burger Patties

Cooking these reindeer patties fills the air with a tempting aroma.

1. Heat a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Once hot, carefully place the patties onto the skillet. Let them sear for about 3-4 minutes on the first side. You want a caramelized crust—this locks in flavor.
3. Flip the patties with a spatula. Cook an additional 3-4 minutes for medium-rare or longer if you prefer well-done.
4. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of Havarti cheese on each patty and cover the skillet briefly to melt the cheese beautifully.
5. Remove the patties from the skillet and let them rest for 2-3 minutes so the juices redistribute.

Toast The Buns

Toasting the buns is essential for burger perfection.

1. Heat a toaster, grill, or clean skillet to medium heat.
2. Place the buttered side of your brioche buns down onto the heat source. Toast for about 1-2 minutes or until golden and crisp.
3. Remove the buns and place them on a serving surface, ready to assemble.

Assemble The Burgers

Now it’s time to build this masterpiece!

1. Spread a generous layer of the prepared lingonberry mayo onto the bottom half of each bun.
2. Add a handful of fresh arugula on top of the sauce for a crisp bite.
3. Place the reindeer patty with melted Havarti cheese on the arugula.
4. Top with tomato slices, pickled red onions, and an optional strip of crispy bacon if you’re feeling indulgent.
5. Spread a little more sauce on the top half of the bun before capping off your burger.

Make-Ahead Instructions

When it comes to cooking up a Finnish Reindeer Burger, planning ahead can make all the difference—especially if you’re hosting a crowd or want a fuss-free burger night. I’ve found that prepping certain elements ahead of time not only saves you stress but also allows the flavors to deepen. Here’s how you can get things ready in advance for a seamless burger feast.

Preparing the Patties Ahead

Mixing and shaping the patties is something you can easily do in advance. Combine the ground reindeer meat, diced onion, minced garlic, and seasonings as instructed. Shape the mixture into evenly-sized patties—about 5 to 6 ounces each for the perfect bite. Place a sheet of parchment paper between each patty to prevent sticking, then stack and store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Keep the patties refrigerated for up to 24 hours. If you’re prepping further in advance, freeze the patties for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Prepping the Sauce

The creamy sauce that ties this burger together can be made ahead of time too. Whisk up the sauce using ingredients like mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and any special Nordic twists you’re adding. Store it in a small airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend making the sauce at least an hour or two before serving to let the flavors meld. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, so feel free to prep this step well before your burger cookout.

Toppings and Extras

Get all your toppings ready to roll! Shredding lettuce, slicing tomatoes, and caramelizing onions can be done earlier in the day to save you time when it’s burger o’clock. Store the lettuce and tomatoes in separate covered containers with paper towels to keep them fresh and crisp. As for caramelized onions, once cooked, let them cool and then store them in a sealed container. These can also be made up to 3 days ahead and reheated gently before using.

Toasting the Buns

For maximum flavor, toasting the brioche buns just before serving is ideal. However, if you’re limited on time, you can lightly toast them ahead on a grill or skillet, slather with a touch of butter, and store them in foil to keep them soft and ready to use. Reheat quickly on low heat when assembling the burgers.

Timing Tip

If you’ve done all the prep and just need to cook the patties, aim to grill or sear them about 20 minutes before you plan to serve. This ensures the burgers are hot, juicy, and ready to impress. With everything else prepped ahead, you’ll be flipping burgers with ease while your friends and family marvel at your culinary skills.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving the Finnish Reindeer Burger, I like to highlight its Arctic charm with thoughtful pairings that enhance its bold, gamey flavor. Here’s how I love to plate and present these burgers for a truly memorable experience.

Side Pairings

For sides, I recommend something rustic and hearty to complement the reindeer’s rich flavor. My go-to is oven-roasted root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and beets seasoned with olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of thyme. The earthy sweetness of the vegetables balances the savory burger perfectly. Another winner is crispy sweet potato fries. I sprinkle them with smoked paprika to echo the burger’s slightly smoky undertones.

If you’re leaning toward a lighter side, a fresh cucumber-dill salad works beautifully. Slice cucumbers thinly, toss them in a little sour cream, fresh dill, and a hint of lemon juice, and you’ve got a refreshing contrast to the richness of the burger.

Drink Ideas

For drinks, I’m all about beverages that enhance the Nordic vibe. A smooth, malty lager or an amber ale pairs excellently with the burger’s deep, robust flavor. Not a beer fan? A cranberry juice spritzer with just the right balance of tartness and sweetness makes an excellent non-alcoholic option. It ties in nicely with the Arctic theme and refreshes the palate between bites.

Condiments and Dips

Adding a few fun extras for dipping elevates the entire meal. One of my favorites is a lingonberry ketchup—it’s classic Nordic and provides a sweet, tangy twist. A side of smoky chipotle mayo also works wonders with roasted veggies or fries, adding a subtle heat to the meal.

Plating Tips

Presentation matters, especially with such a unique burger. I like to stack the burger on a wooden serving board, layering the arctic-inspired toppings like crisp lettuce and caramelized onions for height. Add a side of fries or roasted veggies in a small cast iron skillet, and don’t forget the dipping sauces in tiny ramekins for a polished yet rustic look.

Pulling everything together with thoughtful sides, drinks, and condiments ensures this Finnish Reindeer Burger becomes the star of an unforgettable Arctic-inspired burger night.

Conclusion

Exploring the Finnish Reindeer Burger is more than just cooking; it’s a journey into the heart of Arctic flavors. This dish brings an exciting twist to burger night, blending tradition with a touch of modern creativity.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, this burger offers a unique and satisfying experience. Pair it with rustic sides, refreshing drinks, and bold condiments to elevate the meal even further.

I hope you’re inspired to give this adventurous recipe a try and bring a taste of Finland’s culinary charm right into your kitchen. Happy cooking!