These honey jalapeño turkey burgers bring a perfect mix of sweet and spicy to your dinner plate. Topped with a creamy avocado sauce, they’re deliciously juicy and super satisfying!
I love how easy and fun it is to make these burgers! You get that sweet zing from the honey and a kick from the jalapeños. Perfect for BBQs or a quick weeknight dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Ground turkey is lean and keeps the burgers moist. If you prefer something with more fat, use ground chicken or even ground beef. Just keep an eye on cooking times!
Honey: The honey adds sweetness and helps with browning. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, try using agave syrup or leaving it out completely; the burgers will still be great!
Jalapeños: Adjust the heat by using fewer jalapeños or opting for milder peppers like poblano. For a hotter kick, try adding some crushed red pepper or serrano peppers.
Avocado: Ripe avocado is key for the sauce, but if you don’t have one, store-bought guacamole works as a quick substitute. Just adjust lime juice to taste!
How Do I Make These Burgers Juicy and Flavorful?
Getting the perfect texture and flavor in turkey burgers can be tricky. Here’s how to nail it!
- Mix Gently: When combining the turkey and other ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to tough burgers.
- Shaping the Patties: Make the patties larger than the buns, as they’ll shrink when cooking. A nice, thick patty keeps them juicy!
- Cooking Temperature: Cook on medium-high heat for even cooking without drying them out. Aim for 5-6 minutes per side, ensuring they reach 165°F inside.
- Don’t Press Down: Avoid pressing the patties while cooking. This releases juices and can lead to dry burgers!
These simple tips will help you create delicious, juicy turkey burgers every time. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 ½ pounds ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: A handful of fresh cilantro for blending
Toppings and Assembly:
- Fresh corn kernels (cut from about 1 ear of corn or use canned/frozen)
- Extra sliced jalapeños (for extra heat)
- Extra red onion, finely diced
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Brioche or soft burger buns, toasted
- Lime wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook, making a total of around 30-35 minutes. It’s a quick and easy meal that packs a punch with flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Patties:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, honey, chopped jalapeños, red onion, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and chopped cilantro. Use your hands to mix everything gently until just combined—this helps keep the burgers tender!
2. Form the Patties:
Divide the turkey mixture into 4-6 equal portions, shaping each portion into a thick patty that is slightly larger than your buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
3. Preheat the Cooking Surface:
Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to the surface to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Patties:
Place the turkey patties on the hot surface and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remember not to press down on the patties while cooking, as this can release their juices and make them dry.
5. Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
While the burgers are cooking, scoop the avocado flesh into a blender or food processor. Add your sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, minced garlic, and cilantro if you’re using it. Blend until smooth and creamy, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Prepare Toppings:
Slice any additional jalapeños for garnish and prepare your corn kernels—cut them fresh from the cob or thaw frozen corn. Mix the corn with finely diced red onion and a bit of chopped cilantro for a delicious topping.
7. Toast the Buns:
Lightly toast the burger buns on the grill or in a toaster until golden brown and delicious.
8. Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a generous layer of the creamy avocado sauce on both the top and bottom halves of the toasted buns. Place a cooked turkey patty on the bottom bun, then top it with the corn-onion mixture, fresh jalapeño slices, and cilantro leaves. Cap it off with the top bun.
9. Serve:
Serve your delicious burgers immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing on top. Enjoy the tasty combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors!
These juicy turkey burgers are not only flavorful but also full of texture thanks to the fresh toppings. Dive in, and enjoy every bite!
FAQ
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works perfectly as a substitute for turkey in this recipe. Just keep in mind that chicken can be slightly more moist, so adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure it’s fully cooked.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder burger, you can reduce the number of jalapeños or remove the seeds and membranes before chopping them. For more heat, consider adding additional sliced jalapeños as a topping or mixing in some crushed red pepper flakes with the turkey mixture!
Can I Make the Avocado Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy avocado sauce a day in advance! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, but be sure to press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent browning. Stir it well before serving.
How Should I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover turkey patties and avocado sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the patties in a skillet or microwave, and the sauce can be served cold on top!
