These juicy grilled turkey burgers are a tasty and healthy twist on the classic! They’re packed with lean turkey meat, making them a great choice for a summer cookout.
You’ll love how easy they are to make—just mix, shape, and grill. I like to top mine with fresh veggies and a splash of your favorite sauce. Yummy and guilt-free! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Dark meat is best for moisture and flavor. If you only have lean turkey, consider mixing in a little olive oil or ground pork for juiciness.
Breadcrumbs: These add texture, but you can skip them if you’re avoiding carbs. For a gluten-free option, use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour instead.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated gives more flavor, but pre-grated works too. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste.
Worcestershire Sauce: It enhances flavor. If you need a substitute, soy sauce or a dash of balsamic vinegar works well. Just adjust salt accordingly.
Provolone Cheese: It melts beautifully! If you prefer a different flavor, cheddar or gouda are great substitutes.
How Can I Shape the Perfect Burger Patties?
Shaping your turkey patties properly is key to juicy burgers. Follow these simple steps for great results:
- Mix ingredients gently to avoid packing the meat too tightly.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions for uniform cooking.
- Shape patties slightly larger than the buns since they’ll shrink while grilling.
- Press a small indentation in the center of each patty. This prevents puffing up and helps them cook evenly.
How to Make Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 pound ground turkey (preferably dark meat for juiciness)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for texture)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices of provolone cheese
For Assembling:
- 4 burger buns (whole wheat or regular)
- Lettuce leaves (for topping)
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Olive oil (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to grill, making a total time of about 30-35 minutes. You’ll enjoy a tasty, juicy burger sooner than you think!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheating the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This ensures your burgers get that nice sear and cook evenly. Get excited—delicious burgers are on the way!
2. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently until just combined. Try not to overmix; we want those burgers to stay tender and juicy!
3. Shaping the Patties:
Divide the turkey mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, making them slightly larger than your buns (they’ll shrink while cooking). Don’t forget to press a small indentation in the center of each patty; this helps them cook evenly. You’re doing great!
4. Grilling the Burgers:
Brush the grill grates with olive oil to keep the burgers from sticking. Place the patties on the grill and cook them for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Keep an eye on them, they’re almost ready!
5. Adding Cheese:
During the last minute of grilling, place a slice of provolone cheese on each burger patty to melt. Cover the grill with the lid to help the cheese melt perfectly. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
6. Toasting the Buns:
While the burgers are finishing, toss the burger buns on the grill for about 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown. This little step adds extra flavor and crunch!
7. Assembling Your Burgers:
Now for the fun part—assembling your burgers! Start with a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add the turkey patty with melted cheese, and top it with slices of tomato and red onion. Finally, place the top bun on. Yum!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your juicy grilled turkey burgers immediately with your favorite sides. Grab a bite and enjoy the deliciousness you’ve created!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey with Other Meats?
Absolutely! You can use ground chicken or lean ground beef as alternatives if you’re not a fan of turkey. Just keep in mind that beef will be juicier due to its higher fat content, while chicken may require additional seasoning to maintain flavor.
What Should I Do If My Burgers Stick to the Grill?
If your burgers stick, try to make sure the grill grates are well-oiled before cooking. You can also use a grill basket or non-stick aluminum foil. Additionally, let the burgers cook for the recommended time before attempting to flip them; they will release more easily once they’ve formed a crust.
Can I Freeze the Patties Before Cooking?
Yes, you can! Shape the patties and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag between sheets of parchment paper. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. To cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight before grilling.
How Can I Make These Burgers Spicier?
If you like a kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or minced jalapeños to the turkey mixture. You might also consider using pepper jack cheese instead of provolone for an extra layer of heat.
