Turkey burgers are a tasty and healthy twist on the classic beef burger. They’re juicy, packed with flavor, and perfect for a cookout or weeknight dinner.
I love how easy they are to make—just mix ground turkey with some spices, shape them into patties, and grill or pan-fry. You can dress them up with your favorite toppings too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the base of the turkey burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, consider using ground chicken. For more flavor, you can even use a mix of turkey and pork.
Breadcrumbs: These are optional but help keep the patties from being too dry. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, try crushed crackers, or even oats for a healthier twist.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nice flavor, but if you’re lactose intolerant, nutritional yeast can give you that cheesy taste without the dairy.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth. Don’t have it? Try soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a different tangy touch.
How Do I Keep My Turkey Patties from Drying Out?
Turkey can go dry if not cooked properly, so it’s important to lock in moisture. Mixing the patties with breadcrumbs and cheese helps a lot.
- Make sure you don’t overmix; just combine until blended.
- Form your patties gently, creating a slight indentation in the center. This helps them cook evenly.
- Cooking them at medium heat allows for thorough cooking without drying out.
Using a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F ensures they’re cooked perfectly while staying juicy! Plus, let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving for added moisture.
How to Make Turkey Burgers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Patties:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for texture)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 large egg
For Assembling the Burgers:
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- Lettuce leaves (for topping)
- Sliced pickles (for topping)
- Sliced red onion (for topping)
- Additional condiments (e.g., ketchup, mustard) as desired
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 12 minutes to cook, making it a quick and tasty meal. Total time from start to finish is around 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs (if you’re using them), grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and the egg. With clean hands or a spatula, mix everything together until it’s well combined. You want to make sure all the flavors meld together nicely!
2. Shape the Patties:
Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and gently flatten it into a patty shape. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty (this helps prevent them from puffing up as they cook!).
3. Preheat the Cooking Surface:
Heat your grill or skillet over medium heat. If using a skillet, lightly oil the surface to prevent the patties from sticking. You can use cooking spray or a bit of vegetable oil on a paper towel to do this.
4. Cook the Patties:
Place the turkey patties on the grill or skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, making sure that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and have a nice golden brown color. If you need to flip them, do so gently!
5. Toast the Buns:
While the turkey patties are cooking, you can toast the sesame seed buns. You can do this on the grill alongside the patties or in a toaster—just toast them until they are golden brown and slightly crispy.
6. Assemble Your Burgers:
Once the patties are perfectly cooked, it’s time to assemble! Place a turkey patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Next, top with fresh lettuce leaves, sliced pickles, and sliced red onion.
7. Add Your Favorite Condiments:
Please customize your burger with any additional condiments you love—ketchup, mustard, or whatever your heart desires! Then, place the top half of the bun over everything.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Your delicious turkey burgers are now ready to enjoy! Serve immediately while they’re hot, and relish each bite of flavor. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can use ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based meat alternatives. Just keep in mind that different meats may have varying cooking times and flavor profiles, so you may need to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
How to Keep Turkey Burgers Moist?
To keep your turkey burgers juicy, consider adding grated zucchini or carrot alongside the other ingredients. Additionally, avoid overmixing the meat, as this can lead to dry burgers. A well-prepared patty will help retain moisture during cooking.
Can I Make the Patties Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can form the patties and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. If you want to prepare them further in advance, freeze the uncooked patties in a single layer on a sheet pan, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once frozen. They should last up to 3 months in the freezer.
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, place them in a skillet over medium heat or warm them in the microwave until heated through. If desired, add a slice of cheese just before serving to melt while reheating!
