These turkey burgers are a tasty and healthy twist on a classic favorite! With ground turkey, spices, and your choice of toppings, they are juicy and full of flavor.
There’s nothing like a good burger night with friends. I usually add extra lettuce and tomatoes on mine—because, you know, that counts as healthy, right? 😄
What I love most about making these turkey burgers is how easy they are. Just mix, shape, and grill them up! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: The star of the show! Ground turkey is lean and flavorful, but you can substitute it with ground chicken or lean beef if you want a different taste or fat content. Turkey is also great for a healthier option.
Breadcrumbs: Typically, I use plain or Italian-style breadcrumbs to help bind the burgers. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs. I’ve even used oatmeal in a pinch and it worked nicely!
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic add a lot of flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use dried onion powder and garlic powder. I usually stick with fresh for that punchy taste, but powders can work if that’s what you have.
Worcestershire Sauce & Dijon Mustard: These are crucial for enhancing flavor. If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or balsamic vinegar can work as substitutes. For mustard, any yellow mustard can do in a bind, but Dijon adds a nice depth!
Spices: I love the kick from the cayenne pepper! If you’re sensitive to heat, leave it out or reduce the amount. You could also experiment with cumin or chili powder for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Shape the Perfect Turkey Burger Patty?
Shaping your patties right is key to good burgers. To avoid puffing, always make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This keeps them flat while they cook. Here’s how to do it:
- Divide the mixture into four equal parts.
- Gently form a ball with your hands, then press down lightly.
- Use your thumb to create a small dent in the middle; this helps the patty cook evenly.
Keep these tips in mind: Don’t over-work the meat to keep the burgers tender. And always wash your hands before and after handling raw meat for safety!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Turkey Burgers?
Cooking turkey burgers properly is essential to avoid dryness. Here’s how:
- Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat; this helps with a nice sear.
- Use a bit of oil on the grill or skillet to prevent sticking.
- Cook each patty for 5-6 minutes on each side; you’re looking for an internal temp of 165°F. A meat thermometer is super helpful here.
Lastly, don’t forget to toast your buns in the last minute of cooking! It adds that extra touch of crunch. Serve them hot and enjoy your tasty homemade turkey burgers!
How to Make Turkey Burgers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Patties:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
For Assembling:
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- Lettuce leaves, for topping
- Sliced pickles, for topping
- Sliced red onion, for topping
- Optional condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This turkey burger recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 12 minutes to cook. In total, you should be ready to serve your delicious burgers in about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Patty Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if you’d like a bit of spice). Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined—try not to over-mix, as this can make the patties tough!
2. Shape the Patties:
Once the mixture is ready, divide it into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, making a little indentation in the center of each one. This helps the patties cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up during cooking.
3. Cook the Patties:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or skillet to prevent sticking. Place the turkey patties on the hot grill or skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side. You want them to be nice and browned on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Toast the Buns:
When the patties are almost done, add the sesame seed buns to the grill or skillet. Toast them for the last minute of cooking until they are golden brown and slightly crispy. This makes them extra tasty!
5. Assemble Your Burger:
Now it’s time to make your delicious burgers! Take a toasted bottom bun and place a turkey patty on it. Top with lettuce leaves, sliced pickles, and red onion. Add any condiments you love, and then put the top bun on to finish your burger.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your homemade turkey burgers immediately while they’re warm. Enjoy your meal with a smile!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey for Another Type of Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground chicken or lean beef in place of ground turkey. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, especially if you switch to beef, which typically needs to be cooked longer to reach a safe temperature.
Can I Make These Turkey Burgers Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers for added flavor and texture. Just ensure all other ingredients you use are certified gluten-free.
How Should I Store Leftover Turkey Burgers?
Store any leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, flipping gently until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick option.
Can I Freeze Turkey Burger Patties?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked turkey patties! Just wrap each patty in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking for the best results.
