These juicy grilled turkey burgers are a tasty twist on a classic favorite! Made with lean turkey, they’re packed with flavor and are a great option for a healthy meal.
Who knew turkey could be so juicy? They’re perfect for summer cookouts! I love loading mine up with fresh toppings and a side of sweet potato fries—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: I recommend using 93% lean ground turkey for juicy burgers. If you want a leaner option, you could try ground chicken or turkey breast, but they might be a bit drier. Mixing in some olive oil can help add moisture back.
Breadcrumbs: Plain or panko breadcrumbs are both great choices for binding. If you’re gluten-free, consider using crushed rice cereal or gluten-free breadcrumbs. For added flavor, you can use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds flavor and helps bind the patties. If you don’t have it, you could substitute with Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Smoked Paprika: This is optional, but it adds a nice depth of flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can give a different but tasty kick.
Buns: Use hamburger buns, but feel free to switch to whole grain or gluten-free buns depending on your preference. For a low-carb option, lettuce wraps work great too!
How Do I Ensure My Turkey Burgers Stay Juicy and Tender?
The trick to juicy turkey burgers lies in how you mix and form the patties. Overmixing can lead to dense burgers, so always mix the ingredients gently. Just combine until you see no dry meat; that’s perfect!
- Make indentations in the center of each patty. This prevents puffing while cooking.
- Cook over medium-high heat for even cooking without drying out. Flip the burgers only once to keep them intact.
- Checking for doneness? Use a thermometer. They should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe eating.
Also, don’t forget to let the burgers rest for a couple of minutes after grilling. This helps redistribute the juices and keeps your burgers moist when you bite into them!
How to Make Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Patties:
- 1 lb ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (plain or panko)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 4 slices mozzarella or provolone cheese
For Serving:
- 4 lettuce leaves
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 hamburger buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15 minutes to cook. You’ll have delicious, juicy grilled turkey burgers ready to enjoy in about 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Patties:
In a large mixing bowl, gather the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Gently mix everything together until it is just combined. Be careful not to mix too much, or the patties can become tough.
2. Shape the Patties:
Once mixed, divide the mixture into four equal parts and shape each part into a patty. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb; this helps keep them flat while grilling and prevents puffing up.
3. Get the Grill Ready:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the patties from sticking. This step is essential for perfect grilling!
4. Grill the Turkey Patties:
Place the turkey patties on the grill and let them cook for about 5-7 minutes on one side. Once they have nice grill marks, flip the patties over. Now, place a slice of cheese on each patty and grill for another 5-7 minutes, or until the inside of the patties reaches 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is beautifully melted.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are grilling, take this time to lightly toast the hamburger buns on the grill for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Toasting adds a lovely texture to your burgers!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
It’s time to put your burgers together! Start by placing a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun. Then, add the turkey patty with melted cheese, followed by slices of fresh tomato and red onion. Finally, top it off with the other half of the bun.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Your juicy grilled turkey burgers are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately and relish every bite of this delicious meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey with a Higher Fat Content?
Absolutely! While 93% lean ground turkey is ideal for a juicy burger, you can use ground turkey with a higher fat content, such as 85% lean. Just be mindful of the increased fat content, which may result in a richer flavor, but could also lead to greasier burgers. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I Make the Patties in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time! Shape them and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. If you want to freeze them, wrap each patty in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before grilling.
What Are Some Good Substitutes for Bread Crumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even ground almonds. Just ensure the substitute is finely crushed for even mixing. Adjust the amount slightly if using a denser substitute like ground almonds, as you may need less to achieve the right consistency.
How Should I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, or microwave on low power until warmed through. If you’re reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw in the fridge overnight first.
