Turkey burgers are a tasty twist on the classic burger! Made with lean ground turkey, they are juicy and full of flavor. You can easily add your favorite toppings for extra fun.
They might be lighter than beef burgers, but trust me, they can still pack a punch! I love making them on the grill—there’s something about that smoky flavor that makes everything better. 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of the show! It’s lean and can be a bit drier than beef. If you want more fat, consider ground chicken or even a mix of turkey and beef for added flavor.
Bread Crumbs: I use plain breadcrumbs for texture. If you’re gluten-free, swap with gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed rice cakes. You could also try oats for a healthier option.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty kick. For a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor. If you want a different cheese, try mozzarella or pecorino.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the turkey. If you don’t have it, soy sauce or coconut aminos can work. For a vegetarian option, look for vegan Worcestershire sauce.
Condiments: I love topping with mayonnaise and a bit of mustard for tang. Feel free to pick your favorites, like BBQ sauce or sriracha, to spice things up!
How Can I Ensure My Turkey Burgers Don’t Dry Out?
To keep your turkey burgers juicy, avoid overmixing the meat when adding your ingredients. Adding breadcrumbs helps hold moisture, so use the right amount. And don’t skip that indentation in the patties; it helps them cook evenly without puffing up!
- Mix ground turkey with the other ingredients gently.
- Create patties about 3/4 inch thick, pressing your thumb in the center.
- Cooking at medium-high heat ensures good browning without overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C).
How to Make Delicious 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 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For Assembling the Burgers:
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Slices of tomato
- Slices of onion (red onion preferred)
- Pickles (dill or sweet, as per preference)
- Your favorite condiments (mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 12 minutes to cook. In total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish, perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Patty Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix everything together gently using your hands or a spoon until it’s just combined. Remember, don’t overmix—it can make the patties tough!
2. Shape the Patties:
Divide the mixture into four equal pieces and shape them into patties that are about 3/4 inch thick. To help them cook evenly, use your thumb to make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This helps prevent them from puffing up while they cook.
3. Cook the Patties:
Next, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or on a grill over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place the turkey patties in the skillet or on the grill. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on one side. Then flip the patties and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
4. Toast the Buns:
While your burgers are cooking, toast the sesame seed buns. You can do this in a toaster or place them cut-side down in a skillet over low heat until they are golden brown and warm. This adds a nice touch to your burgers!
5. Assemble Your Burgers:
Now it’s time for the fun part! Place each cooked turkey patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Top with lettuce leaves, slices of tomato, onion slices, pickles, and any condiments that you love—mayonnaise, mustard, or ketchup work great!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, place the top half of the bun on each burger and serve them immediately. You can enjoy your turkey burgers with a side of fries, salad, or your favorite side dish. Dig in and enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken, lean beef, or even plant-based alternatives if you’re looking for a vegetarian option. Just be mindful that cooking times and seasoning might vary depending on the meat you choose.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey burger patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze the cooked patties for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Can I Make the Patties Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the turkey patties ahead of time! Shape them and store them in the refrigerator for up to a day before cooking, or freeze them uncooked for up to 3 months. Just ensure to separate each patty with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
What Can I Use Instead of Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even ground almonds as a substitute. If using oats, make sure to blend them to get a finer texture. Just remember that these substitutes might alter the flavor slightly, but they will work just fine!
