These juicy grilled turkey burgers are a tasty twist on the classic! They’re packed with flavor, yet lean and healthy. Perfect for summer barbecues or weeknight dinners!
Who doesn’t love the smoky taste from the grill? I love piling on my favorite toppings, and you can never go wrong with a side of sweet potato fries. Yum! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of the dish! For a leaner burger, use ground turkey breast, but it can be a bit dry. I like the regular ground turkey for its balance of flavor and moisture.
Breadcrumbs: They add moisture and bind the ingredients together. If you’re avoiding gluten, use crushed gluten-free crackers or oats. Also, I’ve even skipped them sometimes, and the burgers still turn out great!
Parmesan Cheese: It adds a wonderful nutty flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can skip it or use nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Worcestershire Sauce: This boosts umami flavor. If you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative, try soy sauce or coconut aminos for a similar taste.
Provolone Cheese: I love the creaminess it brings. You could swap it for cheddar, mozzarella, or any cheese you enjoy. Goat cheese could also be a unique choice!
How Can I Keep My Turkey Burgers Juicy?
Keeping turkey burgers juicy can be a challenge, but it’s all about mixing the ingredients correctly and cooking them right. Follow these steps for great results:
- Combine your ingredients gently. Over-mixing creates a dense burger, so just mix until everything is blended.
- Form patties evenly and make a small indentation in the center. This helps them cook more evenly and prevents puffing up.
- Cook on medium-high heat, and flip only once. This helps create a nice crust while keeping the inside moist.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 165°F (75°C). It’s the best way to ensure perfect cooking every time.
How to Make Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for moisture)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 4 slices provolone cheese (or cheese of choice)
- 4 whole wheat burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and around 15-20 minutes for cooking on the grill. In total, you can expect to spend about 30-35 minutes to enjoy these delicious turkey burgers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burger Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs (if using), grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and chopped parsley (if desired). Mix everything until just combined. Be careful not to over-mix—this will help keep your burgers juicy!
2. Form the Patties:
With your hands, shape the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb—this helps them cook more evenly. Set them aside while you preheat the grill.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready! Preheat it to medium-high heat. For best results, lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the burgers from sticking.
4. Grill the Turkey Burgers:
Place the turkey patties on the grill. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on one side. Then, carefully flip them and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and they look nicely browned.
5. Add the Cheese:
In the final minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each burger patty. Close the grill lid to help the cheese melt beautifully.
6. Toast the Buns:
Don’t forget the buns! Place the whole wheat burger buns on the grill for about 1-2 minutes until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
7. Assemble Your Burgers:
Now it’s time to build your juicy burgers! Start with a lettuce leaf on the bottom bun, add the turkey patty with melted cheese, followed by fresh tomato slices and red onion rings. Finally, place the top half of the bun on your masterpiece.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your grilled turkey burgers right away with your favorite condiments. Enjoy each bite of your delicious creation!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey with Another Meat?
Absolutely! Ground chicken or lean ground beef can work as great alternatives. Just keep in mind that the cooking time might vary slightly. Make sure to check the internal temperatures: beef should reach 160°F (71°C) and chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
How Can I Keep My Turkey Burgers from Falling Apart?
To help your burgers hold their shape, make sure not to over-mix the meat mixture and always add a binding ingredient like breadcrumbs or an egg. You can also chill the formed patties in the fridge for about 30 minutes before grilling to help them firm up.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Turkey Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze them, wrap each cooked patty in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Cheese?
Of course! You can easily omit the cheese if you prefer a dairy-free version. Alternatively, try substituting with vegan cheese or avocado for a creamy texture without dairy. Just make sure to adjust any other toppings as you see fit!
