These turkey burgers are a tasty twist on the classic! Made with lean turkey and your favorite spices, they’re healthy and packed with flavor. Perfect for grilling!
They’re quick and easy to whip up, and the best part? You can dress them up with all your favorite toppings! I love adding avocado and salsa for a fun kick! 🌟
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of the show! While I love ground turkey for its lean quality, you can also use ground chicken or lean beef if that’s what you have on hand.
Bread Crumbs: I used regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives a lovely texture. For gluten-free options, try gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. A little bit of crushed crackers works too!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds flavor and moisture. Grated Pecorino or nutritional yeast are great substitutes if you want a dairy-free option.
Seasonings: The garlic, onion powder, and paprika are crucial for flavor. Experiment with fresh herbs or other spices like cumin or chili powder for a twist!
Buns: Sesame seed buns are classic, but whole grain or lettuce wraps are great for a healthier option. Just pick what you prefer!
How Can You Shape Perfect Turkey Patties?
Shaping your patties correctly ensures they cook evenly. Here are some tips:
- Gently mix the ingredients without overworking the meat; this keeps the burgers tender.
- When forming patties, create a slight indentation in the center. This helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing.
- Keep your hands moist to stop sticking, and aim for about 3/4 inch thick patties.
How to Make Turkey Burgers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Patties:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 hamburger buns (sesame seed preferred)
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced pickles
- Sliced red onion
- Optional condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes to cook. You can have your tasty turkey burgers ready in just about half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Mixture:
Start by placing the ground turkey in a large mixing bowl. Then, add the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, paprika, and some salt and pepper. Mix everything together gently until it’s just combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat – you want to keep it tender!
2. Shape the Patties:
Next, divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal portions. With your hands, shape each portion into a patty that is about 3/4 inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty; this helps them cook evenly.
3. Cook the Patties:
Now, preheat your grill or a non-stick skillet to medium heat. Once hot, place the turkey patties on it. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). This ensures they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
4. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, you can toast the hamburger buns. Place them on the grill or in a toaster until they are nice and golden brown. This adds a lovely crunch to your burger!
5. Assemble Your Burgers:
Once everything is cooked, it’s time to assemble your burgers! Take one toasted bun and place a turkey patty on the bottom half. Top it off with a lettuce leaf, some sliced pickles, and sliced red onion. Don’t forget to add your favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, place the top half of the bun over the toppings. Serve your turkey burgers hot and enjoy them with friends or family! They’re delicious and a perfect meal for any day.
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken can be used as a substitute for ground turkey in this recipe. Just remember that the texture and flavor might be slightly different, but it will still yield delicious burgers. The cooking time remains the same, so just ensure they reach the proper internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How to Keep Turkey Burgers from Falling Apart?
To help keep your turkey burgers from falling apart, make sure you’re not overmixing the meat, as this can cause them to become tough. Additionally, adding breadcrumbs like in this recipe helps bind the mixture. If you find your mixture is too wet, feel free to add a bit more breadcrumbs until it holds together well.
Can I Freeze These Turkey Burgers?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties! Just shape them and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight before grilling.
What’s the Best Way to Serve Turkey Burgers?
Turkey burgers are delicious served with traditional toppings like lettuce, pickles, and onions. You can also try adding avocado, cheese, or even a slice of grilled pineapple for a unique twist! For a healthier option, wrap them in lettuce instead of using buns.
