These juicy grilled turkey burgers are a tasty twist on the classic! Made with lean turkey, they are flavorful and perfect for a sunny day outside.
Don’t worry about dry burgers; these stay moist and delicious! I love adding my favorite toppings, like avocado or a slice of cheese. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: I recommend using 93% lean turkey for a good balance of flavor and juiciness. If you’re concerned about fat, you can also try ground chicken or turkey breast, but they may be drier.
Bread Crumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the burgers together. If you’re gluten-free, you can use ground oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs. I sometimes use crushed crackers as a fun alternative!
Onion and Garlic: Fresh onion and garlic give great flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use onion powder and garlic powder instead, but fresh really enhances the taste.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth to the taste. If you want a vegetarian option, opt for soy sauce or a splash of balsamic vinegar for a different kick.
Cheese: Swiss and American are classic choices, but feel free to use cheddar or pepper jack for a spicy twist. If you prefer non-dairy, there are plant-based cheeses available.
How Do You Shape the Perfect Turkey Burger Patties?
Shaping your patties is key to getting that juicy outcome. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine the turkey and other ingredients gently. Overmixing can make the burgers tough.
- Use a kitchen scale or your hands to portion the mixture into 4 equal balls.
- When forming patties, make a slight indentation in the center. This helps cook them evenly and keeps them from puffing up on the grill.
- Aim for about 3/4 inch thick patties. This allows them to cook through without drying out.
Give these simple techniques a try for the best turkey burgers you’ve ever made!
How to Make Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 pound ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For Serving:
- 4 slices of cheese (Swiss or American)
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 12-15 minutes of grilling time. So, in total, you should set aside around 30 minutes to have delicious, juicy turkey burgers ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by preheating your grill to medium-high heat. This will ensure your burgers cook evenly and get a nice char on the outside.
2. Mix the Burger Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it). Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Remember, if you mix too much, the burgers can become tough, so be gentle!
3. Shape the Patties:
Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, and create a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up on the grill.
4. Get Ready to Grill:
Lightly oil the grill grates with cooking spray or a paper towel dipped in oil to keep the burgers from sticking. Once oiled, place the patties on the grill.
5. Grill the Burgers:
Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on one side. When they’re ready to flip, you should see nice grill marks. Carefully flip the burgers over, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty, and grill for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Toast the Buns:
During the last minute of cooking, place the hamburger buns on the grill to toast them. This will add a lovely crunchy texture!
7. Assemble Your Burgers:
Once the patties are cooked and the buns are toasted, it’s time to build your burgers! Place a turkey patty on each bun and add your favorite toppings: lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and red onions. Feel free to get creative with extra toppings if you’d like!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the burgers immediately with your favorite condiments on the side. Enjoy your juicy grilled turkey burgers with family and friends!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken can be a great substitute for ground turkey in this recipe. Just make sure to check for a similar fat content (around 93% lean) for the best results. The cooking times will remain the same, but feel free to adjust the seasoning if you prefer a different flavor profile.
How Can I Make These Burgers Low-Carb?
To make lower-carb burgers, replace the breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. You can also serve the burgers wrapped in lettuce instead of using buns. Experiment with different toppings like avocado or sautéed mushrooms to enhance flavor without extra carbs!
What Should I Do if the Patties Fall Apart on the Grill?
If you find that your patties are falling apart, it could be due to overmixing the meat or not having enough binder. Try adding a little more breadcrumbs, or even an egg, to help hold everything together. Also, make sure to handle the patties gently when forming them and avoid pressing down on them while grilling.
How to Store Leftover Turkey Burgers?
Store any leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave for a quick option, or heat them on a skillet or grill over medium heat until warmed through. If you want to save them longer, consider freezing the patties individually wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months!
