Juicy Turkey Burgers with Zucchini Recipe

If you’re searching for a burger that delivers huge flavor and stays incredibly moist, look no further than these Juicy Turkey Burgers with Zucchini. By grating fresh zucchini straight into lean ground turkey, you get a burger that’s mouthwateringly tender, packed with nutrients, and anything but bland. Whether you’re firing up the grill for a summer cookout or whipping up a weeknight dinner, this dish brings excitement to the table while sneaking in extra veggies. It’s bound to become a new favorite in your burger rotation!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

These burgers are made with simple ingredients that truly shine. Each component plays its part, from the grated zucchini’s moisture boost to a handful of flavorful pantry staples—all working together for maximum juiciness and irresistible taste.

• Ground Turkey: Look for 93% lean for the best balance of flavor and moisture, ensuring your burgers don’t dry out.
• Zucchini: Grated and squeezed of excess water, this magic ingredient keeps the patties ultra-juicy without being soggy.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Adds just enough structure to hold everything together without making the burgers dense.
• Garlic Powder: A quick hit of savory goodness that infuses the burgers with flavor in every bite.
• Onion Powder: Lends subtle sweetness and depth, enhancing the turkey’s natural flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Delivers a savory punch and an umami boost for classic burger satisfaction.
• Egg: Acts as a gentle binder, helping the patties hold their shape when grilled or pan-seared.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Brings out the best in the other ingredients, never skimp on seasoning!
• Olive Oil: A little brush before cooking ensures a beautiful sear and helps prevent sticking.
• Burger Buns: Toasted or fresh—your favorite kind will take these burgers to the next level.
• Your Favorite Toppings: Think sliced tomatoes, crisp lettuce, creamy avocado, or whatever makes your burger sing!

How to Make Juicy Turkey Burgers with Zucchini

Step 1: Grate and Prepare the Zucchini

Begin by grabbing your zucchini, rinsing it, and trimming off the ends. Using the coarse side of a box grater, shred the zucchini into a bowl, then transfer it to a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can—this ensures that your Juicy Turkey Burgers with Zucchini are tender, not watery, and hold together beautifully.

Step 2: Mix Up the Burger Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, prepared zucchini, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. With clean hands or a sturdy spatula, gently combine everything until just mixed. Over-mixing can make the patties tough, so stop as soon as the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape the Patties

Divide the burger mixture into equal portions and shape each into round, flat patties just slightly wider than your buns. They’ll shrink a bit as they cook, so keep that in mind! Placing them on a parchment-lined tray as you go makes for easy transport to the grill or skillet.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Brush each patty lightly with olive oil. To cook, set a skillet over medium heat or fire up your grill to medium. Add the patties and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, resisting the urge to press them down. You’re looking for golden brown outsides and juicy, tender insides—internal temp should reach 165°F for safety.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

While the burgers rest for a couple of minutes (lock in those juices!), quickly toast your buns if you like. Pile the Juicy Turkey Burgers with Zucchini onto the buns and add your favorite toppings for a burger you’ll crave again and again.

How to Serve Juicy Turkey Burgers with Zucchini

Garnishes

The right garnish can make these Juicy Turkey Burgers with Zucchini truly pop! Fresh green lettuce leaves, slices of ripe tomato, creamy avocado, or a spoonful of tangy pickled onions all bring color and freshness—feel free to mix and match for your own signature burger.

Side Dishes

Keep things light with a crisp green salad or go classic with baked sweet potato fries. A side of crunchy slaw or grilled corn on the cob also pairs beautifully, adding contrast in texture and highlighting the burger’s summer vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

Swap out traditional buns for lettuce wraps if you want something extra light and fresh, or nestle your burgers into toasted English muffins for a fun twist. You can even make mini Juicy Turkey Burgers with Zucchini as sliders for parties—they’re always a hit at gatherings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Juicy Turkey Burgers with Zucchini, just let them cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully and taste just as good the next day for a quick lunch or dinner.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked patties by arranging them on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then stacking them with parchment between layers in a freezer bag. Cooked burgers freeze well too—just make sure they’re completely cooled before wrapping tightly. Both options last up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the burgers gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or stock to help them stay moist, or microwave in 30-second bursts until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use other ground meats?

Absolutely! These burgers work well with ground chicken, and even lean beef can be used with the same seasoning and grated zucchini method—just adjust cooking time as needed.

Do I have to squeeze the zucchini?

Yes, squeezing out excess moisture from the zucchini is key for success. If you skip this step, your Juicy Turkey Burgers with Zucchini might turn out watery and fall apart during cooking.

What’s the best way to keep turkey burgers moist?

The secret here is the zucchini—it adds moisture without making the burgers soggy. Don’t overcook your patties, and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving to keep those juices in!

Can I grill these instead of pan-cooking?

You sure can! Use a medium-hot, well-oiled grill and handle the patties carefully with a wide spatula. Grilled Juicy Turkey Burgers with Zucchini have a lovely char and taste amazing in the summertime.

Are these burgers suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. Shape the uncooked patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking, or freeze them for later. The cooked burgers also make great grab-and-go lunches.

Final Thoughts

Few things are more satisfying than biting into a burger that’s packed with flavor, velvety texture, and a dose of veggies at the same time. If you’re ready to shake up your burger nights, give Juicy Turkey Burgers with Zucchini a spot on your menu—they’re fun to make, good for you, and bound to disappear fast!