These Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers pack a sweet and spicy punch! Juicy turkey is mixed with honey and jalapeños, giving it a fun twist. And let’s not forget the creamy avocado that makes everything better!
Whenever I make these burgers, I can’t help but smile. The honey balances the heat from the jalapeños perfectly. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up for a busy weeknight dinner. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the main protein in the burgers. You can use lean ground chicken or even ground beef if you prefer. For a meatless option, chickpea or black bean patties work great too!
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add a nice kick. If you want less heat, use just one or replace them with mild green bell peppers. If you love heat, consider serrano peppers for an extra spicy touch!
Honey: Honey gives the burgers a slight sweetness. You can substitute it with maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer. Just note that the flavor will slightly change.
Cilantro: This herb brightens the dish. If you’re not a fan, fresh parsley or green onions can be a good substitute, offering a different but pleasant flavor.
Avocado: Avocado makes the sauce creamy and rich. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use Greek yogurt alone without the avocado, but it won’t be as creamy.
How Do You Keep Turkey Burgers Moist and Tender?
Turkey can dry out easily if overcooked, so here are some tips to keep your burgers juicy:
- Mix the ingredients gently—overmixing can lead to tough burgers.
- Form patties that are slightly larger than your buns to account for shrinkage during cooking.
- Cook them on medium-high heat without pressing down on the patties.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) without going over.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly juicy turkey burgers every time!
Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Patties:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (adjust for spice preference)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 brioche or soft sandwich buns
- 1 ear fresh corn, kernels removed (or 1 cup canned corn, drained)
- Lime wedges, for serving
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
- Fresh jalapeño slices for garnish (optional)
- Extra chopped cilantro for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and about 12-15 minutes to cook, making it a great option for a quick and satisfying meal. You’ll spend a little time mixing, grilling, and assembling these delicious burgers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Patties:
In a large bowl, mix together the ground turkey, chopped jalapeños, honey, red onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overmix; you want the ingredients just combined to keep the patties nice and tender.
2. Form the Patties:
Shape the turkey mixture into 3 equal-sized patties. Make them a bit larger than your buns to allow for shrinkage while cooking.
3. Make the Avocado Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Prepare the Corn Salsa:
In a bowl, combine the corn kernels, some chopped red onion, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice. Set this aside; it will add a fresh crunch to your burgers!
5. Cook the Patties:
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill the turkey patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Avoid pressing down on them as they cook; you want to keep them juicy!
6. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, place your buns on the grill for a minute or two, just until they’re golden brown and a bit crispy.
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a generous amount of the creamy avocado sauce on the bottom of each bun. Add a turkey patty on top, followed by a spoonful of the corn salsa. If you like heat, top with fresh jalapeño slices and garnish with extra cilantro.
8. Serve:
Place the top half of the bun on the burger. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra zesty flavor. Enjoy these delightful and flavorful Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well as ground turkey in this recipe. It will have a similar texture and flavor, making it a great alternative if you prefer chicken.
How Can I Reduce the Spice Level?
If you want to make these burgers milder, use only one jalapeño and remove the seeds and membranes where most of the heat resides. You can also substitute with mild bell peppers for flavor without heat.
Can I Make the Avocado Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the avocado sauce a few hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. To prevent browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce before sealing.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover burgers and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. They will keep well for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet or microwave—just be careful not to overcook the turkey patties!
