These Easy Turkey Burgers are packed with flavor, thanks to sweet caramelized onions and a smooth creamy aioli. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Who doesn’t love a juicy burger? I always add a little extra aioli because, well, why not? It’s creamy goodness! You’ll want to make these again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Lean and juicy, ground turkey is a great choice for burgers. If you prefer, you can swap it for ground chicken or even lean beef for a different flavor.
Bread Crumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the turkey mixture. If you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats as a substitute.
Egg: The beaten egg acts as a binder. If you’re vegan or allergic, consider using a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal with 2.5 tbsp water) instead.
Onions: Yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing due to their sweetness. If you want to switch it up, red onions also work and add a nice color.
Mayonnaise: The aioli is creamy because of mayo. To lighten it, you can substitute plain Greek yogurt; it adds creaminess and a bit of tang!
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions takes patience but is worth every minute for that sweet flavor! Here’s how to nail it:
- Start with a medium-low heat to avoid burning. You want them to cook slowly.
- Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt to the hot pan, stirring occasionally.
- After about 15 minutes, you can sprinkle sugar if you like extra sweetness.
- Continue cooking for another 10-15 minutes until the onions are golden brown and very soft.
Remember, resist the urge to crank up the heat! A slow caramelization brings out the best flavors.
Easy Turkey Burgers with Sweet Caramelized Onions and Creamy Aioli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs
- 1 small egg, lightly beaten
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Pinch of salt
For the Creamy Aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 4 sesame seed or everything bagels buns, toasted
- Pickle slices (optional side)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 40 minutes total for cooking and assembling. So, you’ll have delicious turkey burgers ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
In a large skillet, heat butter or olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are very soft and golden brown. If you like, sprinkle a teaspoon of sugar halfway through to enhance their sweetness. Once done, set them aside.
2. Prepare the Aioli:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir, taste, and adjust the seasoning if needed. Pop it in the fridge while you make the burgers.
3. Make the Turkey Burgers:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, bread crumbs, beaten egg, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano. Gently mix until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat! Divide the mixture into 4 equal sections and shape them into patties, about 3/4-inch thick.
4. Cook the Burgers:
In the same skillet or on a grill pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Cook the turkey patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are beautifully browned.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
To put it all together, spread a generous amount of creamy aioli on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a turkey burger on top, followed by a heap of those delicious caramelized onions. Top it off with the other half of the bun, and you’re all set!
6. Serve:
Enjoy your juicy turkey burgers right away! Serve with pickle slices or your favorite side dish for a complete meal.
Dig in and savor the rich flavors of these turkey burgers with sweet caramelized onions and creamy aioli!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute for turkey. It will yield a similar flavor and texture, so feel free to swap them as you like!
How Can I Store Leftover Burger Patties?
Store any leftover cooked burger patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. When reheating, make sure to warm them thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I Make the Aioli in Advance?
Yes, you can make the creamy aioli up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll allow the flavors to meld even more!
What Can I Use Instead of Buns?
If you want a lower-carb option, try serving the turkey burger patties wrapped in lettuce or on top of a salad. You can also use whole-grain wraps or even portobello mushrooms as a bun alternative!
