These juicy grilled turkey burgers are a tasty and healthy option for your next meal. Made with lean turkey and your favorite spices, they’re packed with flavor!
I love throwing some toppings on and enjoying them at a BBQ. Honestly, who doesn’t love a good burger on a sunny day? Plus, they cook up in no time, making dinner a breeze!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: I recommend 93% lean turkey for the right balance of flavor and moisture without too much fat. If you’re looking for a leaner option, go for 99% lean ground turkey, but keep in mind it may turn out a bit drier.
Breadcrumbs: These are optional but help bind the patty and add texture. If you want a gluten-free option, try using crushed gluten-free crackers or oat flour instead.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a savory kick. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can work nicely for a dairy-free alternative.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes a big difference in flavor. If you’re in a pinch, jarred minced garlic can be used, but adjust the amount to about 1/2 teaspoon since it’s usually more concentrated.
Worcestershire Sauce: This adds depth. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, opt for a soy sauce or liquid aminos for a similar umami flavor.
How Do You Shape Perfectly Sized Turkey Patties?
Shaping turkey patties is easier than you think! Here are some tips to ensure they cook evenly and hold together:
- Mix the ingredients gently. Overmixing can lead to tough burgers, so combine just until everything is incorporated.
- For even cooking, divide the mixture into four equal portions. A kitchen scale can help, or eyeball it!
- Shape each patty to about 3/4 inch thick, and press a slight indentation in the center. This indentation helps prevent the patties from puffing up while grilling.
How to Make Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Patties:
- 1 pound ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for texture)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 4 slices of cheese (e.g., Swiss or cheddar)
For Serving:
- 4 whole wheat or regular burger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Condiments (e.g., ketchup, mustard, mayo) to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 15 minutes of cooking time. So, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish for some delicious, juicy grilled turkey burgers ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Patty Ingredients:
Start by taking a large bowl and adding the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything until it’s just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat. This helps keep the burgers tender!
2. Shaping the Patties:
Now, divide the mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty that’s about 3/4 inch thick. Remember to make a little indentation in the middle of each patty. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up while grilling.
3. Preheating the Grill:
Next, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. To keep the patties from sticking, lightly coat the grill grates with a little oil. You can use an oil spray or a paper towel dipped in oil for this.
4. Grilling the Patties:
Place the turkey patties on the grill. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes until they’re nicely browned on one side. Then, flip them over and add a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Grill for another 5-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is all melty and delicious!
5. Toasting the Buns:
While the patties are grilling, take your burger buns and lightly toast them on the grill until they’re golden brown. This adds a nice crunch and flavor!
6. Assembling the Burgers:
Once everything is cooked, it’s time to assemble your burgers! Place a turkey patty on the bottom half of each bun. Top it off with some crisp lettuce, a few slices of tomato, some red onion, and your favorite condiments. Finally, put the top half of the bun on and you’re good to go!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your juicy grilled turkey burgers are ready to devour! Serve them immediately and enjoy a delicious meal that’s sure to please everyone.
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and can yield similarly juicy burgers. Just make sure to handle it gently when mixing to keep the texture nice. Cook it until it reaches the same internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
How Can I Make These Burgers Gluten-Free?
You can easily make these turkey burgers gluten-free by substituting the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. Just ensure all the condiments used are also gluten-free!
What Should I Do if My Patties Fall Apart on the Grill?
If your patties are falling apart, try chilling them for about 30 minutes before grilling to help them firm up. Additionally, make sure not to overmix the meat mixture, as this can cause the patties to lose their structure.
Can I Store Leftover Turkey Burgers?
Yes! Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, grill them for a few minutes on each side or microwave them, ensuring they are heated all the way through before serving.
