These honey jalapeño turkey burgers bring a fun twist to your grill night! They are juicy, spicy, and just sweet enough, thanks to the honey. Plus, creamy avocado sauce makes everything better!
I love how these burgers are a hit at cookouts! They’re juicy with a little kick. Trust me, serve them with extra avocado sauce; it’s the perfect blend that makes everyone smile! 🥑🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: I always use lean ground turkey for these burgers since it keeps them juicy without being too heavy. If you want a richer flavor, you could go for ground chicken or even lean beef as an alternative.
Jalapeño: Fresh jalapeños add a nice heat and crunch. If you prefer something milder, use bell peppers or even diced green chili peppers. Remember to remove the seeds for less spice!
Honey: Honey gives these burgers a hint of sweetness. If you want a lower-calorie option, try using agave syrup or maple syrup, which works well too!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the flavor, but if you’re not a fan, parsley or even green onions can be great substitutes. Adjust to your taste!
Avocado: For the creamy avocado sauce, use a ripe avocado for the best texture. If avocados are hard to find, Greek yogurt alone can still make a delicious sauce. A bit of spinach mixed in will also add flavor and creaminess!
How Do I Grill the Perfect Turkey Patties?
Getting those turkey patties just right can be a challenge! The key is not to overwork the meat when mixing. Here’s how to achieve perfect patties:
- Combine ingredients gently until just mixed. This keeps them tender.
- Form into patties without pressing too hard. Keeping them slightly thick is best, around 1/2 inch.
- Chill for a bit before grilling, which helps them stay together.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
- Cook about 5-6 minutes each side until they hit 165°F (74°C). Avoid pressing down on them; this keeps juices in!
Grilling the perfect turkey burger can be simple with these tips. Enjoy the cooking process!
Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Ingredients:
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 jalapeño, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 garlic clove
- Salt to taste
- Water or milk to thin out as needed
For the Toppings and Assembly:
- 3 brioche burger buns, toasted and lightly grilled
- Fresh corn kernels (about 1/2 cup; preferably fresh or thawed if frozen)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 15-20 minutes for cooking, plus a little chilling time for the patties. In total, plan for about 30-40 minutes to have your delicious burgers ready to serve. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped jalapeño, honey, red onion, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine, being careful not to overwork the meat.
2. Form the Patties:
Shape the mixture into 3 equal-sized patties, each about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Place the patties on a plate or tray, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to help them firm up.
3. Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
While the patties chill, prepare the creamy avocado sauce. In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, garlic clove, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add water or milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Adjust salt to taste.
4. Grill the Turkey Patties:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or the pan. Grill the turkey patties for about 5-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked through, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C). Avoid pressing down on the patties to keep them juicy.
5. Toast the Buns:
During the last 1-2 minutes of grilling, toast the brioche buns lightly on the grill, cut side down. This adds a delightful crunch and helps them hold their structure with the toppings.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
To assemble, spread a generous layer of creamy avocado sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a turkey burger patty, and then add a sprinkle of fresh corn kernels, diced red onion, sliced jalapeño (if using), and fresh cilantro leaves.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Cover with the top bun and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing. Enjoy these juicy, sweet, and spicy turkey burgers with the creamy avocado sauce—your taste buds will thank you!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leaner Ground Turkey for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Using extra-lean ground turkey will still work well, but be mindful that the burgers may be a bit drier. To compensate, you can consider adding a tablespoon of olive oil or another fat to help maintain moisture.
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level of the Burgers?
If you prefer a milder burger, simply remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeño, as those parts contain most of the heat. You can also reduce the amount of jalapeño used, or substitute it with a milder pepper like a green bell pepper for little to no heat.
Can I Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the creamy avocado sauce ahead of time! It’s best to store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. To minimize browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce before sealing the container.
What Should I Do with Leftover Turkey Patties?
Leftover turkey patties can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. They also make a great addition to salads or wraps if you want to switch things up!
