Turkey burgers are a tasty and healthy twist on traditional burgers! Made with lean turkey meat, they’re juicy and packed with flavor. They’re easy to dress up with your favorite toppings!
Honestly, I love grilling these on a sunny day and serving them with fresh lettuce and tomatoes. It feels like a special treat without the guilt! Give it a try! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of your burgers! Ground turkey is leaner than beef. If you’re looking for a flavor boost, try ground chicken or even a mix of turkey and beef.
Breadcrumbs: They help bind the burgers together. You can use regular, whole wheat, or even crushed crackers if you’re out of breadcrumbs. I personally like panko for extra crunch!
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice flavor and richness. If you want to keep it dairy-free, nutritional yeast can give a similar cheesy flavor. Alternatively, use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
Spices (Onion Powder & Smoked Paprika): These give great flavor! If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even a dash of cayenne can work for a kick. Fresh minced onion is a fun swap if you prefer real onions.
How Do I Ensure My Turkey Burgers Don’t Fall Apart?
To keep your turkey burgers together, avoid overmixing your ingredients! Here’s how to do it successfully:
- When mixing, combine ingredients just until they are mixed. Overmixing can lead to tough burgers.
- Chill formed patties for 20-30 minutes in the fridge before cooking. This helps them hold their shape.
- Use a medium heat for cooking. Cooking too fast can cause the outside to burn before the inside is done.
Remember, an internal temperature of 165°F is your goal for safe and juicy burgers!
Delicious Turkey Burgers Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Patties:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
For Assembling the Burgers:
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Condiments of your choice (e.g., mustard, mayonnaise, ketchup)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 12-14 minutes to cook. So, plan for about 30 minutes total from start to finish. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Mix everything together gently with your hands or a spoon until just combined—don’t overmix, or the burgers may become tough.
2. Shape the Patties:
Divide the turkey mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty that’s about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb—this helps them cook evenly.
3. Cook the Turkey Burgers:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat and lightly oil the surface to prevent sticking. Place the patties on the grill or skillet and cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
4. Assemble the Burgers:
Once the patties are cooked, it’s time to put the burgers together! Place a cooked turkey patty on the bottom half of each sesame seed bun. Top each patty with shredded lettuce, slices of pickles, and thinly sliced red onion.
5. Top and Serve:
Add your favorite condiments on top, like mustard, mayonnaise, or ketchup, then cover with the top bun. Serve your delicious turkey burgers immediately with your favorite sides, such as potato chips or a fresh salad. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken can be used as a substitute for ground turkey in this recipe. Keep in mind that chicken may have a slightly different flavor profile, but the burgers will still turn out delicious! Just ensure it reaches the same internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) when cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even ground nuts for a gluten-free option. Just make sure any substitute is finely ground so the texture of the burgers remains consistent.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze cooked patties for up to 3 months. Just freeze them in a single layer, wrapped tightly, and reheat in the oven or on a skillet when ready to enjoy!
How Can I Make These Burgers Spicier?
For a spicy kick, consider adding some chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to the turkey mixture. You can also use spicy condiments like sriracha or chipotle mayonnaise when assembling your burgers!
