These turkey burgers are juicy and flavorful, perfect for a healthy and tasty meal. They’re quick to whip up, making weeknight dinners a breeze!
I love to load mine with fresh veggies and a slice of cheese. It’s like eating a little party in each bite! 😋 Who knew healthy could taste this good?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is a lean option for burgers. You can substitute it with ground chicken or even lean beef if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly. I love using turkey because it’s healthier and still tasty!
Breadcrumbs: These help bind the mixture. If you don’t have breadcrumbs, crushed crackers or oats can work well. For a gluten-free option, try gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Onion and Garlic: They add great moisture and flavor. If you’re not a fan of strong onion flavor, you can omit the garlic or use garlic powder instead. Green onions are another milder option!
Worcestershire Sauce and Dijon Mustard: These add depth to the burgers. If you don’t have these, soy sauce can be a substitute for Worcestershire, and yellow mustard is fine instead of Dijon.
Buns: While sesame seed buns are classic, you can use whole wheat, gluten-free, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option!
How Do You Make Moist and Flavorful Turkey Burgers?
Making turkey burgers can be tricky since turkey is leaner than other meats, which can lead to dry patties. Here’s how to keep them moist and packed with flavor:
- Don’t over-mix the meat! Combine only until just mixed to keep the texture nice.
- Make the patties slightly larger than the buns. They’ll shrink a little while cooking.
- Cook on medium heat to ensure even cooking without drying out the outside.
- Check with a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
- Add toppings quickly after cooking to let the juices mingle with the burger.
How to Make Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Patties:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For Assembling the Burgers:
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup sliced pickles
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Slices of tomato (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes for prep and 15-20 minutes for cooking. You’ll have delicious turkey burgers ready to serve in about 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Patty Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, add the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or a spatula to mix everything together until it’s well combined. Make sure not to over-mix, as this can make the patties tough.
2. Shape the Patties:
Once mixed, divide the mixture into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then gently flatten it to form a patty that’s about 3/4-inch thick. Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
3. Cook the Patties:
Heat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the patties on the grill or skillet. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Don’t press down on them while cooking, as this can make them dry!
4. Toast the Buns:
During the last minute of cooking, place the sesame seed buns on the grill or skillet to lightly toast them. This adds a nice crunch and warmth to your burgers.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
Take the toasted buns and place a turkey patty on the bottom half of each bun. Top each patty with shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, thinly sliced red onion, and a slice of tomato if you like. Feel free to get creative with your toppings!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Cap each burger with the top half of the bun. Serve your delicious turkey burgers immediately with your favorite sides, like fries or a salad. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Turkey for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Lean ground turkey works well for turkey burgers, but they may turn out a bit drier than those made with regular ground turkey. To keep them juicy, consider adding a tablespoon of oil or extra Worcestershire sauce to the mixture.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, oats, or even almond flour as a gluten-free option. Just make sure to adjust the amount slightly, as some substitutes may require less than the 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs.
How Do I Store Leftover Turkey Burgers?
To store leftover turkey burgers, let them cool to room temperature and then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet or microwave until warm, adding a splash of water in the microwave to help retain moisture.
Can I Freeze Turkey Burgers?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked or cooked turkey burgers! If freezing uncooked, wrap each patty in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. For cooked burgers, seal them in an airtight container. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight before cooking or reheating.
