Turkey Burgers

Growing up, burgers were always a special treat in our household, but as we became more health-conscious, we started experimenting with leaner alternatives. That’s when these Turkey Burgers became a staple in our kitchen! They’re not just another healthy substitute – they’re genuinely delicious with the perfect blend of seasonings that make you forget you’re eating a leaner option.

These turkey burgers have become a go-to for weeknight dinners and weekend cookouts alike because they’re:

• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Packed with protein while being lower in fat than beef burgers
• Incredibly versatile with endless topping possibilities
• Perfect for meal prep and freezer-friendly

Turkey Burgers Overview

These juicy turkey burgers deliver all the satisfaction of a classic burger with a fraction of the fat. The special blend of seasonings ensures they’re anything but bland!

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Servings: 6 burgers
• Difficulty Level: Easy

What You’ll Need

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Instant-read meat thermometer
• Grill, skillet, or oven for cooking
• Spatula for flipping
• Parchment paper (if freezing)

Ingredients

For the turkey burger patties:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) of ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
• ⅓ cup (40g) of breadcrumbs
• 1 egg (50g), beaten
• 2 Tablespoons (30ml) of avocado oil (for cooking)
• 1 Tablespoon (18g) of seasoned sea salt (We use Herbed Sea Salt)
• 1 Tablespoon (15ml) of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon (3g) of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon (3g) of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon (2g) of black pepper

For serving:

• 6 burger buns
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Red onion slices
• Pickles
• Condiments of choice (mayo, ketchup, mustard)

How To Make Turkey Burgers

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, gently mix the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, beaten egg, seasoned salt, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
   Tip: Use your hands for mixing but don’t compress the meat too much.

Step 2: Form the Patties

1. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and form into patties about 3/4-inch thick.
2. Make a slight thumbprint indentation in the center of each patty to prevent them from puffing up during cooking.
   Tip: If the mixture is too sticky, wet your hands with cold water before forming patties.

Step 3: Prepare for Cooking

1. If grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. If cooking on the stove, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Step 4: Cook the Patties

1. Cook the patties
   • For grilling: Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side
   • For stovetop: Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side in the skillet
   • For oven baking: Preheat to 375°F and bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway
2. Use a meat thermometer to verify the internal temperature has reached 165°F, which is the safe temperature for poultry.
   Tip: Avoid pressing down on the burgers while cooking as this releases the juices.

Expert Tips & Variations

Troubleshooting

• Dry burgers? Make sure you’re not using 99% lean turkey and avoid overcooking. The thumbprint indentation helps retain moisture.
• Falling apart? If your burgers are crumbling, add 1-2 tablespoons of breadcrumbs or an egg to help bind the mixture.
• Sticking to the grill? Make sure to oil the grates before cooking and only flip once when the first side is properly seared.

Variations

• Mediterranean Turkey Burgers: Add 1⁄4 cup crumbled feta, 2 tablespoons chopped olives, and 1 teaspoon dried oregano to the mixture.
• Southwest Turkey Burgers: Mix in 1/4 cup diced bell pepper, 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, and 1 teaspoon cumin.
• Italian Turkey Burgers: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, 2 tablespoons chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and 1 teaspoon dried basil.

Freezing Instructions

These turkey burgers are perfect for meal prep! Here’s how to freeze them:

1. Form the patties and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid. Transfer the frozen patties to a freezer-safe container or Ziplock bag, placing parchment paper between each patty to prevent sticking.
3. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
4. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time, and always verify they reach 165°F.

FAQs

Serving Suggestions

Perfect Pairings:

• Fresh green salad with a light Vinaigrette Dressing
• Watermelon Salad with Feta and Mint

Beverage Pairings:

• Island Iced Tea
• Vodka Lemon Summer Spritzer
• Sparkling water with fresh citrus

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