These juicy grilled turkey burgers are a tasty and healthy twist on a classic favorite! Made with lean turkey, they are packed with flavor and easy to whip up for a quick meal.
I love throwing on some cheese and fresh toppings to customize my burger. They go great with a side of sweet potato fries—perfect for summer cookouts or family dinners!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of your burger! For a juicier burger, try using ground turkey thigh instead of breast. If you need a leaner option, ground chicken works well too.
Breadcrumbs: They help bind the mixture! If you’re gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for a similar texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds flavor and moisture. If you don’t have Parmesan, finely grated Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can work nicely.
Seasonings: Garlic, onion powder, and oregano blend beautifully here. Feel free to swap oregano with basil or thyme based on your taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat!
Hamburger Buns: I prefer whole wheat for a healthier option. But feel free to use any type, like brioche or gluten-free buns, based on your preference.
How Do I Make Sure My Turkey Burgers Don’t Fall Apart on the Grill?
Creating a solid burger patty is key to keeping it intact while grilling. Start by mixing your ingredients gently; over-mixing can lead to dense burgers. Here’s how to proceed:
- Mix all ingredients until just combined—think of it like playing with clay!
- Divide the mixture evenly—aim for about 1/4 pound per patty.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing up.
- Oil the grill grates lightly before adding your patties. This helps avoid sticking.
Let the turkey patties cook undisturbed until grill marks form before flipping; this ensures they stay together!
How to Make Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burger Patties:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns
- 4 slices of cheese (optional, e.g., mozzarella or cheddar)
- Leafy green lettuce
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Condiments of choice (ketchup, mustard, etc.)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook on the grill. In no time, you’ll be enjoying your delicious turkey burgers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Burger Patties:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In it, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and the lightly beaten egg. Mix everything together until just combined—don’t overdo it, or your burgers might be tough!
2. Shape the Patties:
Take the turkey mixture and divide it into four equal parts. Shape each part into a nice, round patty. Make sure they are even in thickness to cook evenly!
3. Preheat the Grill:
Let’s get that grill fired up! Preheat it to medium-high heat. This will ensure your burgers get those beautiful grill marks and cook properly.
4. Start Grilling:
Once the grill is hot, lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Carefully place the turkey patties on the grill. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on one side. You’ll know they’re ready to flip when you see nice grill marks.
5. Add Cheese (if using):
After flipping the patties, place a slice of cheese on each one if you want that gooey, cheesy goodness. Cook for an additional 5-6 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
6. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, take your hamburger buns and lightly toast them on the grill. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn—just until they are golden brown.
7. Assemble Your Burgers:
Now comes the fun part! Grab the bottom half of a bun and place a turkey patty on it. Top it with leafy lettuce, tomato slices, and thinly sliced red onion. Add any condiments you love, and then finish it off with the top half of the bun.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your juicy grilled turkey burgers are ready to be devoured! Serve them immediately while they’re hot and fresh. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will give you a similar texture and flavor. Just ensure you check for doneness, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) as well.
How Can I Make These Burgers Gluten-Free?
To make gluten-free turkey burgers, simply replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour. This will help bind the mixture without any gluten. Check your condiments too, as they should also be gluten-free!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each patty tightly 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 reheating.
Can I Grill the Burgers Indoors?
Yes! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can cook these turkey burgers on a stovetop grill pan or a broiler in your oven. Just make sure to preheat the pan and oil it lightly to prevent sticking.
