These turkey burgers are a tasty and healthy twist on the classic. Made with lean ground turkey, they are juicy and packed with flavor, perfect for grilling or pan-frying!
I love adding some herbs and spices for an extra kick. Serve them with your favorite toppings and enjoy a lighter burger night without missing out on any fun. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of your burger! Lean ground turkey keeps it healthy. If you prefer a different meat, ground chicken or lean beef work well too. Just remember that cooking times might vary.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs add texture, but if you want a lighter option, panko is fantastic—that’s what I usually choose! You can also use crushed crackers or rolled oats if you’re out of breadcrumbs.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice depth of flavor. Grated Parmesan is my choice, but any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano can be swapped in. If you need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast gives a similar flavor.
Spices: Oregano and smoked paprika boost taste. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even cayenne pepper can add a nice touch. Feel free to adjust spices to match your heat preference!
Buns: Sesame seed buns are classically delicious, but whole grain or gluten-free buns work just as well. I love a toasted bun for added crunch!
How Do I Make Sure My Turkey Burgers Don’t Fall Apart?
To keep turkey burgers from crumbling, it’s key to mix ingredients just right. Here’s how to do that:
- Combine the turkey, breadcrumbs, cheese, and spices in a bowl without overmixing. Overmixing can lead to tough patties.
- Use an egg as a binder. Make sure to blend it well, so it evenly coats the turkey mixture.
- Shape them gently into patties, about 3/4 inch thick. This thickness helps them cook evenly without breaking apart.
Additionally, don’t flip them too early—let them brown on one side before turning. Cooking at medium heat is ideal for even cooking without drying them out.
How to Make Delicious Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burger Patties:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or panko for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 large egg
For Assembling the Burgers:
- 4 hamburger buns (sesame seed or your choice)
- Lettuce leaves (for topping)
- Sliced pickles (for topping)
- Sliced red onions (for topping)
- Your favorite condiments (such as ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have delicious and juicy turkey burgers ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, oregano, smoked paprika (if you’re using it), and the egg. Mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix or the burgers might be tough!
2. Shape the Patties:
Divide the mixture into four equal portions. Take each portion and shape it into a patty, making each one about 3/4 inch thick. This size will help them cook evenly and stay juicy.
3. Cook the Patties:
Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet over medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or the skillet to help prevent sticking. Place the turkey patties on the grill or skillet, cooking for about 5-6 minutes on one side. Then, carefully flip them over and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures they’re fully cooked and safe to eat!
4. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, you can toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in a toaster if you’d like them warm and crispy. This step adds a nice touch!
5. Assemble Your Burgers:
Once the patties are cooked, it’s time to assemble! Place a turkey patty on the bottom half of each bun. Top it with lettuce leaves, slices of pickles, and red onion. Add any condiments you love, like ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise.
6. Enjoy!
Place the top half of the bun over your tasty toppings, and your turkey burger is ready to serve! Enjoy your meal with friends or family and savor that delicious flavor!
Can I Use Leaner Ground Turkey for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Lean ground turkey works well, but keep in mind it may result in slightly drier burgers due to the lower fat content. To counteract this, you can add a tablespoon of olive oil or some additional seasonings to enhance moisture and flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Egg in the Mixture?
If you’re looking for an egg substitute, try using 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water (let it sit for a few minutes to thicken). These alternatives will help bind the ingredients together without compromising texture.
How to Store Leftover Turkey Burgers?
Store any leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. For best results, reheat in the oven to retain their juiciness and texture!
Can I Grill These Turkey Burgers Instead of Cooking on a Skillet?
Yes, grilling is great for turkey burgers! Just make sure your grill is preheated and well-oiled to prevent sticking. Cook them as instructed in the recipe, keeping an eye on the temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C). Grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor!
