If you’re craving a lighter spin on classic comfort food, Turkey Burgers are here to steal the show—and your taste buds! Juicy, savory, and brimming with fresh flavor, these patties transform humble ground turkey into a meal that’s both wholesome and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re firing up the grill or keeping things delicious indoors, you’ll love how easily these come together. Get ready to stack up a burger that ticks all the boxes for weeknight ease, backyard cookouts, or an anytime craving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients—these Turkey Burgers rely on a handful of kitchen staples, but don’t let their simplicity fool you. Each element adds its own magic touch to the final result, creating a burger that’s savory, juicy, and layered with flavor in every bite.
- Ground Turkey: Choose 93% lean turkey for the right balance of tenderness and robust flavor without going dry.
- Onion: Finely chopped onion melts into the patty for sweet, aromatic moisture.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a gentle punch of earthy flavor that elevates the burger.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley brings a pop of color and a subtle herbal note for brightness.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This secret ingredient provides rich depth and irresistible umami undertones.
- Dijon Mustard: Tangy Dijon enlivens every bite and helps keep the patties juicy.
- Salt and Black Pepper: The essentials for seasoning—don’t skimp!
- Paprika: Adds a little warmth and gentle smokiness without overpowering the turkey.
- Olive Oil: For grilling or pan-frying; it helps achieve a glorious golden crust.
- Burger Buns and Toppings: Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese—make these Turkey Burgers your own with your favorite fixings.
How to Make Turkey Burgers
Step 1: Mix the Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and add your ground turkey, onion, garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika. Use your hands or a sturdy spatula to gently combine everything—the key here is to mix just until combined so the burgers stay extra tender. Resist the urge to overwork; a light touch makes all the difference!
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Once combined, divide the turkey mixture into four equal portions. Shape each into a round patty about 3/4-inch thick. Here’s a pro tip: use your thumb to make a little indentation in the center of each patty. This helps them cook evenly and prevents domed burgers, meaning every bite is as good as the last.
Step 3: Cook to Perfection
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, or preheat your grill to medium. Place the turkey burgers in the sizzling pan or right on the grill grates. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side, flipping just once, until they’re deeply golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F. Avoid pressing down on the patties; let them sear and lock in their juices naturally.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Nestle those mouth-watering turkey burgers into your favorite buns straight away. Top with crisp lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, cheese—whatever your burger-loving heart desires. Enjoy immediately while they’re hot, juicy, and ready for devouring.
How to Serve Turkey Burgers
Garnishes
The joy of Turkey Burgers is in their versatility—pile yours high with classic toppings like leafy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy onions, tangy pickles, and a creamy slice of cheese. For a fun twist, try avocado, sriracha mayo, or even a fried egg. The right garnish can take your burger from simple to absolutely unforgettable.
Side Dishes
A great burger deserves stellar sides! Think crispy sweet potato fries, herby potato wedges, or a zippy slaw for some crunch and color. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables can also make a wonderful, lighter pairing—it’s all about balancing comfort and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn your Turkey Burgers into sliders for your next gathering? Or, serve them bunless over a bright salad for a low-carb option. You can even crumble leftover patties into a hearty grain bowl or stuff them into pita pockets for a playful, hands-on meal. The possibilities are deliciously endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have extra cooked Turkey Burgers, let them cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay tasty and safe to eat for up to three days—perfect for a quick lunch or repeat dinner!
Freezing
Uncooked patties can be layered between parchment and stashed in a freezer bag for up to three months. To freeze cooked burgers, wrap each patty tightly and place them in an airtight container. Defrost in the fridge overnight for the best results next time you want a burger fix in a flash.
Reheating
To reheat Turkey Burgers, warm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the oven at 350°F. If using the microwave, add a splash of water to prevent drying out. With gentle reheating, your leftovers will still taste moist and flavorful.
FAQs
How do I keep Turkey Burgers from drying out?
Mix gently, avoid overcooking, and consider adding a bit of mayo or grated zucchini to the mixture for extra moisture. The right cooking time and lean-to-fat ratio are key to juiciness.
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Absolutely! Shape the patties and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before cooking. This is a great way to get ahead for parties or meal prep.
Can I grill these Turkey Burgers instead of pan-frying?
Yes! Just be sure your grill is well-oiled and preheated to medium so the patties won’t stick. Handle them gently since turkey is more delicate than beef.
What are the best toppings for Turkey Burgers?
Let your imagination go wild! Classic cheddar or swiss cheese, creamy avocado, crispy bacon, spicy jalapenos, or even a smear of pesto all pair beautifully with these burgers.
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Definitely—ground chicken works in the same way, though the flavor will be a bit different. Just follow the same instructions and enjoy a new twist!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a burger that’s equal parts hearty, healthy, and endlessly customizable, Turkey Burgers are calling your name! With their juicy texture and vibrant flavor, these beauties will quickly become a staple at your table. Give them a try and savor the satisfying crunch, bright toppings, and all-around burger joy. Happy cooking!
Print
Turkey Burgers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Juicy and flavorful turkey burgers that are easy to make and perfect for a quick and delicious meal. These burgers are seasoned with herbs and spices, then grilled or pan-fried to perfection. Serve them with your favorite toppings for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
- ¼ cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling or pan-frying)
For Serving:
- burger buns
- toppings of choice (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, etc.)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, onion, garlic, parsley, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix gently until just combined—do not overmix.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat or preheat your grill to medium.
- Cook the burgers for 5–6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and are nicely browned.
- Serve immediately on buns with your favorite toppings and condiments.
Notes
- To prevent sticking, lightly oil your grill or skillet.
- For juicier burgers, avoid overcooking.
- You can add a tablespoon of mayo or grated zucchini to the mix for extra moisture.
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