Turkey burgers are a tasty, healthier twist on classic burgers. They’re juicy, packed with flavor, and easy to make, perfect for a fun meal any night!
I love to load mine up with fresh veggies and a nice sauce. If you’re like me and sometimes forget to thaw the turkey, just grab some fresh ground turkey instead—it cooks up fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground turkey: This is the star of the recipe. If you want a leaner option, you can use ground chicken or even ground beef. Just remember that different meats may slightly change the flavor and texture.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work well, but if you’re gluten-intolerant, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Oats are also a fantastic binder if you want a healthier twist.
Parmesan cheese: The cheese adds a nice flavor, but if you’re looking for a dairy-free or lower-fat option, you can skip it or use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without the dairy.
Worcestershire sauce: This gives a depth of flavor. If you’re vegetarian or vegan, look for vegan Worcestershire sauce or even soy sauce as a substitute to add a similar umami punch.
How Do I Ensure My Turkey Burgers Don’t Puff Up?
When cooking turkey burgers, a common issue is the patties puffing up during cooking. This happens because the meat expands as it cooks. To avoid this, make a small indentation in the center of each patty before cooking. This simple step helps maintain their shape.
- Use your thumb to make a slight dent in the middle of each patty.
- Cook on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Also, pressing lightly down on the patties with a spatula as they cook can help them stay flat and cook evenly. Just be careful not to press too hard, or you’ll squeeze out the juices.
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 (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling the Burgers:
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably sesame seed)
- Lettuce leaves
- Slices of tomato
- Pickles
- Sliced red onion
- Optional condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This turkey burger recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 15 minutes to cook. In just about 30 minutes, you can have delicious homemade turkey burgers ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Patty Ingredients:
First, grab a large mixing bowl. In that bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese (if you’re using it), minced garlic, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s nicely combined. This is where the flavor starts!
2. Shape the Patties:
Next, we’re going to form the mixture into patties. Divide the turkey mixture into four equal parts. Shape each part into a patty, making sure to press down in the middle of each one slightly. This little indention helps keep the patties from puffing up as they cook.
3. Preheat the Grill or Skillet:
Now, heat up your grill or skillet to medium heat. To keep the patties from sticking, lightly oil the surface. You can use a brush or a paper towel to spread a bit of oil around.
4. Cook the Patties:
Place your turkey patties on the hot grill or skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown outside and their internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This step is really important for your safety, so make sure to check!
5. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, let’s toast those buns! You can toast them on the grill or pop them in a toaster for a bit. Just aim for a light, golden brown to make them extra yummy.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Once your patties are cooked and your buns are toasted, it’s time to put everything together! Start by placing each turkey patty on a bun. Then, add some lettuce, slices of tomato, pickles, and sliced red onion. Don’t forget to top it off with any sauces or condiments you love!
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Your homemade turkey burgers are ready to eat! Serve them hot and enjoy your delicious creation with family and friends. Bon appétit!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey with Another Type of Meat?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean ground beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture may vary slightly. For a healthier option, use ground chicken, but adjust the cooking time if necessary to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Do I Keep My Turkey Burgers from Falling Apart?
To prevent your turkey burgers from falling apart, make sure to handle the mixture gently and avoid over-mixing the ingredients. Adding breadcrumbs helps bind the mixture, but you can also use an egg as a binder for extra stability if you prefer. Just add one beaten egg to the mixture before forming the patties.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Turkey Burgers?
Store any leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’ve assembled them with toppings, it’s best to store the patties separately to keep the buns from getting soggy. You can reheat them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make the Turkey Burger Mixture Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the turkey burger mixture up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, shape them into patties and grill or fry as directed. If you prefer, you can also freeze the uncooked patties for up to 3 months—just thaw them in the fridge before cooking.
