These turkey burgers are a tasty and healthy twist on the classic. Made with lean ground turkey, they are juicy and full of flavor—perfect for grilling or pan-frying!
They’re super easy to make! I like to add my favorite toppings, like avocado and salsa, to make them even better. You won’t miss the beef, I promise! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of the dish! Lean ground turkey keeps the burgers juicy. If you prefer, ground chicken or even lean beef can work as a substitute. Just remember, the flavor will change a bit.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the mixture. If you’re looking to skip carbs, try using crushed oats or ground almonds instead. They add a nice texture too!
Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan adds a lovely flavor boost. You could swap it out with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Both work great!
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds depth to the burgers. If you don’t have it, soy sauce or liquid aminos can serve as a good alternative, giving that umami flavor.
Seasonings: Dried oregano is classic, but you can also use Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a fresher taste. Spice things up with a pinch of chili flakes if you like heat!
How Can I Ensure My Turkey Burgers Stay Juicy?
Keeping turkey burgers juicy can be challenging since turkey is leaner than beef. Here are a few tips to help maintain moisture:
- Mix your ingredients gently; over-mixing can lead to tough burgers.
- Make a small indentation in the center of each patty. This helps cook the burgers evenly.
- Cook on medium heat – too high will dry them out. Aim for an internal temp of 165°F (74°C).
- Don’t skip the resting time after cooking! Let them sit for a couple of minutes to retain more juices.
How to Make Delicious Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Patties:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for binding)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For Assembly:
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- Leafy lettuce (for topping)
- Sliced pickles (for topping)
- Sliced red onion (for topping)
- Optional condiments: mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty turkey burger recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 15 minutes for cooking. So, in total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to whip up these delicious burgers. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs (if using), Parmesan cheese, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the burgers tough.
2. Forming the Patties:
Next, divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty that’s about 3/4 inch thick. To help them cook evenly and keep them from puffing up, make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb.
3. Cooking the Patties:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the turkey patties to the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are nicely browned. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning!
4. Toasting the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, you can toast the sesame seed buns. Place them on a skillet or grill until they’re golden brown. This adds a nice crunch to your burgers!
5. Assembling the Burgers:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Take the bottom half of each toasted bun and place a turkey patty on top. Add leafy lettuce, sliced pickles, and sliced red onion. Feel free to add any condiments you love, like mayonnaise, mustard, or ketchup, then gently place the top half of the bun on top.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your homemade turkey burgers right away with your favorite sides, such as fries or a fresh salad. They’re juicy, flavorful, and sure to please!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe. Keep in mind that it may be slightly leaner than turkey, so you might want to add a little more olive oil or a splash of chicken broth to keep the burgers moist.
Can I Make These Burgers Gluten-Free?
How to Store Leftover Turkey Burgers?
Store any leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months; just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn!
Can I Grill These Turkey Burgers Instead of Skillet Cooking?
Yes! Preheat your grill to medium heat, and cook the turkey patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for best results!
