These turkey burgers are juicy and packed with flavor! Made with ground turkey and your favorite spices, they’re a healthier twist on the classic burger. Yum!
Perfect for summer BBQs or a quick dinner, I love adding avocado and salsa on top. Makes it feel like a fiesta on my plate! Who can say no to that? 🎉
Cooking these burgers is super easy—just mix, shape, and grill! They cook up quickly and you’ll have tasty burgers ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of the show! If you’re looking for something leaner, ground chicken works too. For a richer flavor, or if you prefer a darker meat, ground beef is a great option, but keep in mind that it might contain more fat.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the burgers together. If you don’t have them, crushed crackers or oats can be used as substitutes. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are also a good option if you have dietary needs.
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic bring a wonderful flavor. If you’re short on time, onion powder and garlic powder can work as a quick alternative. However, fresh ingredients always provide a better taste.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds depth. If you don’t have it, soy sauce or even a dash of barbecue sauce can enhance the flavor. Don’t skip it if you can help it, as it really ties everything together!
Mayonnaise: I love spreading mayo on the buns for creaminess. You could also use Greek yogurt or avocado for a healthier twist. For a kick, try spicy mayo or a flavored aioli.
How Do I Keep My Turkey Burgers Moist and Flavorful?
Keeping turkey burgers tender can be tricky since turkey is leaner than beef. The key lies in how you mix and cook the ingredients. Here are some tips:
- Don’t overmix the meat with your ingredients; just combine them gently for tender patties.
- Use a food thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) for safety, but avoid leaving them on the grill too long.
- Add a bit of moisture, like mayonnaise or even grated zucchini, to enhance moisture and flavor.
- Rest the burgers for a minute after cooking; this helps keep them juicy.
How to Make Delicious Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup sliced pickles
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion
- Optional: mustard and ketchup for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 15 minutes to cook, so you’ll have homemade turkey burgers ready in about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or weekend barbecue.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Burger Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything until well combined, but be careful not to overmix. This will help keep your burgers tender and juicy!
2. Form the Patties:
Once your mixture is ready, divide it into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, making them about 3/4-inch thick. This thickness will help them cook evenly.
3. Heat the Grill or Skillet:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. To prevent sticking, lightly grease it with cooking spray or a little oil. You want it hot enough to sear the burgers and lock in all that flavor!
4. Cook the Turkey Patties:
Place the turkey patties in the hot grill or skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Make sure they are fully cooked through; they should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), which is safe for turkey.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, you can toast your sesame seed buns! Place them on the grill or pop them in a toaster until they’re golden and crispy. This adds a nice texture to your burgers!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to put your burgers together! Start by spreading a little mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Then, place a turkey patty on top. Pile on the shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, and red onion. If you like it tangy, add mustard or ketchup as well!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finish by placing the top half of the bun on your burger. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade turkey burgers! They’re perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well as ground turkey in this recipe. Just keep in mind that the flavor might be slightly different, but the cooking instructions remain the same. Ensure you still check the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.
How Can I Make These Burgers Gluten-Free?
You can easily make these burgers gluten-free by substituting the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients, like Worcestershire sauce and mayonnaise, are also gluten-free!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Turkey Burgers?
Store any leftover cooked turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can either microwave them briefly or warm them on a skillet over medium heat until heated through. If you’re looking to freeze them, wrap the cooled burgers tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil; they should last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I Add Extra Flavor to the Turkey Burgers?
For extra flavor, consider adding some grated cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or even diced jalapeños to the turkey mixture. You can also experiment with different spices, such as smoked paprika or cumin, to customize your burgers further!
