These juicy grilled turkey burgers are simply delicious and packed with flavor! Made with lean turkey meat, spices, and grilled to perfection, they’re a healthier twist on a classic.
I love how easy they are to make! Just mix, shape, and grill. You’ll impress your friends and family, and they won’t even guess they’re eating turkey! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: The star of the dish! Turkey is leaner than beef, offering a healthier option. However, if you’re looking for a different flavor or higher fat content, ground chicken or even a mixture of turkey and beef works well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the meat chosen.
Breadcrumbs: These are optional but can help bind the mixture. If you’re avoiding bread, finely crushed oats or ground almonds can be a great gluten-free substitute. I sometimes skip them entirely for a lighter burger.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds great flavor! If you need a dairy-free option, you can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. I also like to mix in some mozzarella when I have it on hand for extra gooeyness.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce brings depth to the burgers. For a vegetarian alternative, try soy sauce or tamari. Not a fan of the taste? Just leave it out; they’ll still be flavorful!
Spices: Smoked paprika adds that nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, a pinch of regular paprika with a bit of cayenne can spice things up. Customize the flavors based on your preference!
How Do I Shape Turkey Patties to Avoid Puffed Burgers?
Shaping the patties properly is key to ensuring they cook evenly and don’t puff up. Here are the steps:
- After mixing the ingredients, divide the mixture into four equal parts.
- Gently shape each part into a patty, but don’t overwork the meat—this helps keep them juicy.
- Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps them maintain their shape while grilling.
Taking these steps will lead to perfectly cooked turkey burgers that stay flat and juicy. Plus, they cook evenly, making sure every bite is delicious!
How to Make Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burger Patties:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for binding)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For Assembling:
- 4 whole wheat burger buns
- Lettuce leaves (for garnishing)
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Slices of cheese (such as Swiss or cheddar) (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 12-15 minutes to grill. Your total time from start to delicious grilled turkey burgers is about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Grill:
Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat. This is important to get those nice grill marks and to ensure the burgers cook evenly.
2. Prepare the Burger Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs (if you’re using them), Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix everything gently until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the turkey, or your burgers might become tough!
3. Shape the Patties:
Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, making a small indentation in the center of each one. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up.
4. Grill the Burgers:
Place your patties on the preheated grill. Let them cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side without moving them. This will create a nice sear. When they’re ready, flip the burgers gently. If you’re adding cheese, place a slice on top of each patty now. Grill for another 5-6 minutes until the turkey is fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
5. Toast the Buns:
While your burgers are grilling, place your burger buns on the grill for about 1-2 minutes. Toast them until they are golden and warm, which adds a nice crunch!
6. Assemble Your Burgers:
Once everything is grilled to perfection, it’s time to assemble! Start by placing a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun. Add the turkey burger next, followed by slices of tomato and red onion. Top it off with the other half of the bun.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your juicy grilled turkey burgers right away with your favorite side, like sweet potato fries or a fresh salad. Dig in and enjoy the mix of flavors!
Can I Use Lean Ground Turkey for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Lean ground turkey works well, but it can be drier than regular ground turkey. To combat this, you may want to add a tablespoon of olive oil or a bit more Worcestershire sauce to keep the burgers juicy.
What Can I Use Instead of Breadcrumbs?
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option or just don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can substitute with crushed cornflakes, rolled oats, or even ground flaxseed. Just make sure to adjust the quantity slightly to maintain the right consistency!
How Do I Store Leftover Turkey Burgers?
Any leftover cooked turkey burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back on a skillet or grill until heated through, which helps retain the juiciness!
Can I Freeze the Patties Before Cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked patties! Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight before grilling!
