These juicy grilled turkey burgers are a tasty twist on a classic favorite! Packed with flavor and so easy to make, they are perfect for a summer cookout.
Don’t worry if they fall apart a bit; that’s just more for your plate! 🥳 I love topping mine with fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and a little mayo for that extra yum factor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: I recommend using dark meat turkey for these burgers. It adds so much more juiciness compared to white meat. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground chicken works well, but expect a drier texture.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help bind the burgers. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs. I like using panko for extra crunch!
Parmesan Cheese: This adds flavor and helps keep the burgers moist. If you’re not a fan of Parmesan, you can use Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free alternative!
Smoked Paprika: This is optional, but it infuses a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or even a pinch of cayenne pepper can add some kick.
How Can I Keep My Turkey Burgers Tender and Juicy?
One of the biggest challenges with turkey burgers is keeping them tender. Here are a few tips to help you:
- Mix the ingredients gently. Overmixing can make the burgers tough.
- Shape them into patties without packing them too tightly. A looser patty retains moisture better.
- Make a small dent in the center of each patty before grilling. This helps them cook evenly and prevents bulging.
- Don’t press down on the patties while they cook; this squeezes out juices!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have juicy turkey burgers every time!
How to Make Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 pound ground turkey (preferably dark meat for juiciness)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (or oats)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For Assembling the Burgers:
- 4 hamburger buns
- Leafy lettuce (for layering)
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Cheese slices (such as Swiss or cheddar)
- Olive oil (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to grill, making the total time approximately 30 minutes. You’ll mix the ingredients, form the patties, and grill them to perfection, ready to enjoy with your favorite toppings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Turkey Burger Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this helps keep the patties tender!
2. Shaping the Patties:
Next, divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty that’s about 3/4 inch thick. Making the patties thicker helps them stay juicy while grilling.
3. Preheating the Grill:
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, lightly brush the grill grates with olive oil. This will help the patties not stick to the grill and will give them a nice finish.
4. Grilling the Patties:
Once the grill is hot, place the turkey patties on the grill. Cook them for about 5-6 minutes on one side. You want them to be nicely browned and to release easily from the grill. After that, flip the patties and cook for another 5 minutes. If you love melty cheese, add a slice on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking to let it melt.
5. Toasting the Buns:
While the patties are grilling, you can toast the hamburger buns. Simply place them on the grill until they’re lightly browned. This adds a nice crunch to the burgers!
6. Assembling Your Burgers:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Start with the bottom half of a bun. Layer it with leafy lettuce, then place your turkey patty with melted cheese on top. Add some slices of tomato and red onion, and finish it off with the top bun. It’s a beautiful sight!
7. Serving:
Serve your juicy grilled turkey burgers immediately, alongside your favorite condiments and sides. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Breast Instead of Dark Meat?
Yes, you can use ground turkey breast, but the burgers may be slightly drier since it has less fat than dark meat. To help keep them juicy, consider adding a little extra olive oil or incorporating some finely grated veggies like zucchini into the mixture for moisture.
What Can I Substitute for Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, oats are a great alternative! You can also use crushed crackers or cornmeal. For a gluten-free option, try ground almonds or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Just make sure to adjust the amount as needed to achieve the right consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Turkey Burgers?
Store any leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them; just wrap each patty tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating!
Can I Grill These Burgers on a Stovetop?
Absolutely! If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the turkey burgers on a stovetop in a skillet. Heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 6-7 minutes per side, making sure they are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
