These juicy grilled turkey burgers are perfect for a summer cookout! Made with lean turkey and packed with flavor, they’re both yummy and lighter than beef burgers.
I love adding some fresh herbs to the mix for extra zing. Serve them with your favorite toppings, and I dare you to eat just one! Who can resist a great burger? 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star ingredient! Lean ground turkey keeps the burgers moist. If you prefer, you can use ground chicken or even lean beef. Just keep in mind that the flavors will change slightly.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help hold the burgers together. If you’re gluten-free, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs or oats. I sometimes use crushed crackers for a different texture!
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a nice savory flavor. If you’re out, try using grated Pecorino Romano or even a vegan cheese alternative if needed. Don’t skip this ingredient entirely, as it really enhances the taste.
Onion & Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic bring flavor. If you’re in a pinch, onion powder and garlic powder can substitute, but fresh really shines in this recipe. I love using shallots if I have them—they’re slightly sweeter!
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the burgers. If you don’t have any, soy sauce or a bit of balsamic vinegar works as a substitute. Just a few drops will do.
How Do I Keep the Turkey Burgers from Being Dry?
To achieve juicy turkey burgers, mix the ingredients carefully. Overmixing can lead to tough burgers. Also, the indentation in the center of the patties helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
- Combine ground turkey and other ingredients gently, until just mixed.
- Shape into patties, making a small dent in the center of each. This prevents puffing up while grilling.
- Grill at medium-high heat and check the internal temperature; aim for 165°F to ensure they’re cooked through without drying out.
Lastly, letting the burgers rest after cooking allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent. Enjoy your grilling!
How to Make Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Burgers:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for flavor)
For Assembly:
- 4 slices of cheese (Swiss or American)
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onion
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the burgers and another 12-15 minutes to grill them. So, all together, you’re looking at roughly 30 minutes, from start to finish. Perfect for a quick but delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Burger Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if you like a bit of smoky flavor. Gently mix everything together until just combined. It’s important not to overmix – this helps keep your burgers tender and juicy!
2. Shape the Patties:
Divide the turkey mixture into four equal parts. Shape each part into a patty, and remember to make a small indentation in the center of each one. This little trick helps them cook more evenly on the grill!
3. Preheat the Grill:
Fire up your grill and set it to medium-high heat. To keep your patties from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in a bit of cooking oil.
4. Grill the Burgers:
Place the patties on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side. You want to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked and safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer if you have one!
5. Add Cheese:
During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Close the grill lid to help the cheese melt perfectly over the burgers.
6. Rest and Assemble:
Remove the burgers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. This step ensures they stay juicy. To assemble your burgers, place each turkey patty on a bun and top with crunchy lettuce, fresh sliced tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Serve them up and enjoy your juicy grilled turkey burgers!
Can I Use Lean Ground Turkey for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use lean ground turkey, but it may result in a drier burger. To combat this, consider adding a small amount of olive oil or an extra egg to the mixture to boost moisture. A homemade turkey burger should still be juicy!
What Can I Use Instead of Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers or rolled oats as a substitute. Just make sure to adjust the amount slightly, as some might absorb more moisture than breadcrumbs. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you need a gluten-free option!
How Should I Store Leftover Turkey Burgers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the burgers in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until warmed through, or microwave them for about 1 minute. For best results, reheat on the stovetop to maintain their juiciness.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Burger Mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize your turkey burger by adding ingredients like diced bell peppers, jalapeños, or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Just be cautious with the moisture content — if you add wet ingredients, you may need to increase the breadcrumbs to maintain the right texture.
