These Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers are a fun twist on your regular burger! They’re sweet, spicy, and super juicy, topped with creamy avocado sauce that makes every bite special.
I’ll be honest, the avocado sauce is a game changer! I love slathering it on my burgers. It’s like a party in my mouth! 🎉 Plus, they’re easy to make for a quick weeknight dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: I recommend using 93% lean for moist bites without too much fat. If you want a different meat, try ground chicken or beef. Just adjust cooking times based on the meat’s fat content.
Jalapeños: These add heat and flavor! If you’re sensitive to spice, use bell peppers instead, or just one jalapeño with the seeds removed. You can also use other peppers like poblano for a milder taste.
Honey: This sweetness creates a nice balance with the jalapeños! You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer a different sweetener. Adjust the amount based on your taste.
Avocado: For the creamy sauce, a ripe avocado makes it smooth. If you’re out of avocados, you can mix in some store-bought guacamole or Greek yogurt for creaminess, though the flavors will differ a bit.
What’s the Best Way to Form and Cook Turkey Patties?
Shaping the patties and cooking them properly is key to keeping them juicy. Follow these simple steps:
- Mix ingredients by hand gently to avoid tough burgers. It’s best to just combine them until you don’t see dry spots.
- Chill the patties for 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps them hold their shape and remain juicy.
- Cook over medium-high heat and don’t flip them too often. Aim for 5-6 minutes per side, cooking only once to keep the moisture locked in.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked fully to 165°F (74°C) without overcooking.
Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 small clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- A few fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
For Topping & Serving:
- Fresh corn kernels (about 1 cup, can be raw or lightly cooked)
- Additional sliced jalapeños (optional)
- Diced red onion
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Brioche or soft burger buns, toasted
- Lime wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and about 10-15 minutes for cooking, making the total time around 30-35 minutes. It’s a quick and flavorful meal perfect for any night of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Burger Mix:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped red onion, honey, chopped jalapeños, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined, making sure not to overwork the meat for a tender burger.
2. Form Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions based on how big you want your burgers. Shape each portion into a patty about ¾ inch thick. Place the patties on a plate and put them in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes. This helps the patties hold together during cooking.
3. Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
While the patties chill, prepare the avocado sauce. In a food processor or blender, add the ripe avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If you like cilantro, toss in a couple of leaves, then blend again. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Cook the Burgers:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the turkey patties carefully. Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side or until they are cooked through, with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (74°C). Try not to press down on the patties while cooking; this keeps them juicy!
5. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, you can toast the brioche buns. Lightly butter them if you like, and toast them on a grill or in a toaster until golden brown.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
On the bottom bun, spread a generous amount of the creamy avocado sauce. Place the cooked turkey burger on top. Add a spoonful of fresh corn kernels, some diced red onion, sliced jalapeños (if using), and a few cilantro leaves. Finish with the top half of the bun.
7. Serve:
Serve your delicious turkey burgers immediately, with lime wedges on the side for extra flavor. Enjoy the combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy goodness!
Enjoy making and indulging in your sweet, spicy, and creamy Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers!
FAQ for Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Ground Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well in this recipe and will yield similar results. Just ensure you adjust the cooking time as needed based on the fat content.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you’d like less heat, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before chopping. You can also use a milder pepper, like a bell pepper, for flavor without the spice!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store leftover cooked turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. You can also microwave them, but be careful not to overcook!
Can I Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the avocado sauce up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and sprinkle a little lime juice on top to help prevent browning.
