These turkey burgers are a tasty twist with sweet balsamic caramelized onions mixed right in! They are juicy, packed with flavor, and way healthier than regular burgers.
Honestly, who can resist the sweet and tangy goodness of caramelized onions? I love piling them on top of my burger for that extra yum factor. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Using lean ground turkey keeps these burgers healthier while providing loads of protein. If you’re looking for alternatives, you can use ground chicken or even plant-based meat for a vegetarian option.
Onions: Sliced onions are key for that sweet, caramelized flavor. Yellow onions are perfect, but you could swap in red onions for a milder taste or even shallots if you’re feeling fancy.
Olive Oil: This oil helps cook the onions and patties. If you’re out, try avocado oil or even vegetable oil instead. Both have high smoke points and will work just fine.
Balsamic Vinegar: The star for sweet, tangy onions! If balsamic isn’t available, any vinegar like red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work. Just remember they’ll have their unique flavors.
Cheese: Reduced-fat Swiss or mozzarella cheese adds creaminess. If you want to skip the cheese, try avocado slices or a dollop of yogurt as an alternative, which adds creaminess without the dairy.
How Do I Properly Caramelize Onions?
Caramelizing onions is all about patience and low heat. It might seem tricky but follow these steps for sweet, soft, golden onions:
- Start with medium-low heat to allow the sugars to release slowly. Heat your skillet and add olive oil, then onions with a sprinkle of salt.
- Cook the onions gently for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. They should turn soft and golden, and the longer you cook, the sweeter they get.
- Add the balsamic vinegar in the last few minutes to enhance that sweet-tangy flavor. Make sure to stir, letting it soak into the onions for an extra kick.
Remember, slow and steady wins the race with caramelized onions!
Healthy Balsamic Caramelized Onion Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound lean ground turkey
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- 4 slices reduced-fat Swiss or mozzarella cheese
- 4 whole wheat hamburger buns
- Optional toppings: lettuce, tomato slices, mustard or light mayo
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 40 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 25 minutes caramelizing the onions and cooking the patties, with another 15 minutes for prep and assembly. A delicious meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Allow them to cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown, which should take about 20-25 minutes. In the last few minutes, stir in the balsamic vinegar to add a sweet tang. Once they’re done, remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Turkey Patties:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional dried thyme. Mix gently until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix the turkey to keep the patties tender.
3. Form Patties:
Divide the turkey mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty that is slightly larger than your hamburger buns since the patties will shrink while cooking.
4. Cook the Patties:
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the turkey patties to the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Add Cheese:
In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Cover the pan with a lid to help melt the cheese.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
If you like, toast the whole wheat buns lightly. On the bottom half of each bun, place a cooked turkey patty with melted cheese. Then top generously with the balsamic caramelized onions.
7. Add Optional Toppings:
Feel free to load up with your favorite toppings like fresh lettuce and tomato slices. Finally, place the top half of the bun over everything.
8. Serve Immediately:
Enjoy your healthy, juicy balsamic caramelized onion turkey burger while it’s hot! It pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Bon appétit!
FAQ for Healthy Balsamic Caramelized Onion Turkey Burgers
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will yield a similarly juicy and flavorful burger. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as it may vary slightly.
What If I Don’t Have Balsamic Vinegar?
No problem! You can substitute balsamic vinegar with red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be a bit different, but it will still be delicious!
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make the Caramelized Onions Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Caramelized onions can be made a day in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them on the stove before adding them to your burgers.
