This easy turkey burger recipe is simple and delicious, perfect for a quick, weeknight dinner. You can also make them ahead and freeze them!
Best Turkey Burger Recipe
I wanted to create a basic turkey burger you can eat on a bun, just like a beef burger. Something with no added veggies, like my Turkey Zucchini Burgers or Turkey Broccoli Rabe Burgers, which are delicious too. I’ve purchased turkey burgers, like Bubba Burgers, from the supermarket, and I think they’re awful. This turkey burger recipe is delicious, perfect for a quick dinner or a casual weekend get-together. It’s versatile and made with condiments you already have in your kitchen. Feel free to get creative with your toppings or mix in different herbs and spices to the ground turkey mixture to make it your own!
Turkey Burger Ingredients
- Ground Turkey: Choose 93% lean ground turkey. 99% ground turkey meat would be too dry. If you prefer a beef burger, substitute 90% lean ground beef.
- Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the turkey together.
- How do you add flavor to ground turkey? Dried onion flakes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, grated garlic, and salt flavor turkey burgers.
- Burger Buns: I prefer whole-wheat buns often use Martin’s whole wheat potato rolls or Old Tyme’s 647 rolls for fewer carbs and calories and more fiber.
- Popular Burger Toppings: Cheese, tomato, red onion, iceberg lettuce, sliced pickles, ketchup, mustard, caramelized onions, and avocado are all great options.
How to Make Turkey Burgers
- Make the Patties: Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, dried onion flakes, ketchup, Worcestershire, garlic, and salt. Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions and press down into half-inch thick patties.
- Cook on the Stove: Heat a large nonstick skillet on medium-low heat. When hot, lightly spray it with oil, add the burgers, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for four to five minutes on each side until browned and cooked through (the internal temperature should be 165°F).
- Air Fryer: Air fry turkey burgers 400F about 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
- Grill Turkey Burgers: Clean the grill well and wipe the grates with a paper towel covered in oil to prevent sticking. Cook the burgers on medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side.
- Assemble the Burgers: While the patties cook, toast the buns, and prepare your toppings. Place the meat on the bread and top with your veggies and condiments.
How to Grill Turkey Burgers without Falling Apart
Turkey burgers can stick to the grill due to their lower fat content than beef. However, there are a few ways to prevent it from happening:
- Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before you put the burgers on. A hot grill helps sear the meat quickly, keeping the juices in and preventing sticking.
- Oil the Grill Grates: Before you start grilling, rub a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil over the grates, which will create a nonstick surface.
- Don’t Move the Burgers Too Soon: After placing your burgers on the grill, let them cook undisturbed until they release easily, typically about five to six minutes. If you flip them too soon, they may stick.
- Use a Spatula: When it’s time to flip your burgers, use a wide spatula and scoop under the meat completely to prevent them from falling apart.
What to Serve with This Turkey Burger Recipe
You can go the traditional route and serve these healthy turkey burgers with sweet potato fries, French fries, or onion rings. Potato salad, macaroni salad and corn salad are some other options. I went with grilled asparagus for something lighter, but this creamy cucumber salad, cabbage slaw, or green salad would also work.
How to Freeze Turkey Burgers
Turkey burger patties are perfect for meal prep because you can freeze them raw. Store them in the freezer in a zip-locked bag with pieces of parchment in between so they don’t stick together. Then when you’re ready to serve them, thaw them in the fridge and cook them according to the instructions.
Once cooked, leftover turkey burgers will last up to 4 days refrigerated.
FAQs
Is a turkey burger healthier than a beef burger?
Turkey burgers are typically healthier than beef burgers. It depends on the type of ground turkey you’re using. I always choose 93% turkey, which is lean without being dry.
What do you use to keep turkey burgers from falling apart?
You need a binder to prevent turkey burgers from falling apart. I used whole wheat breadcrumbs in this recipe, but gluten-free panko would also work.
More Turkey Burger Recipes You’ll Love
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 burger
Optional For Serving: (not inlcuded in n.i)
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In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, dried onion flakes, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic and salt.
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Make 4 equal patties, press down to flatten so they are not too thick, about 1/2 inch thick so they cook in the center.
To cook on the stove:
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Heat a large nonstick skillet on medium-low heat. When hot, lightly spray oil.
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Add burgers to the pan and reduce the heat to low. Cook 4 to 5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Keep an eye on the bottom to prevent burning and to make sure the burgers are cooked all the way through.
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While the burgers are cooking, prepare your buns and toppings. Toast the buns if you like.
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When the burgers are done, place them on the buns, add your desired toppings, and serve immediately.
If grilling:
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Clean grill well before cooking and spray with oil spray to prevent sticking.
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Cook the burgers on medium heat about 5 minutes on each side, or until no longer pink in the center and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
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Air Fryer Option: Air fry turkey burgers 400F about 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
Last Step:
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- Preheat the Grill: Ensure your grill is hot before you put the burgers on. A hot grill helps to sear the meat quickly, keeping the juices in and preventing sticking.
- Oil the Grill Grates: Before you start grilling, take a paper towel soaked in vegetable oil and, using tongs, rub it over the grill grates. This will create a non-stick surface.
- Don’t Move the Burgers Too Soon: After placing your burgers on the grill, let them cook without disturbing them until they release easily from the grill, typically about 5-6 minutes. If you try to flip them too soon, they may stick and fall apart.
- Use a Spatula: When it’s time to flip your burgers, use a wide spatula and make sure to scoop under the burgers completely to prevent them from falling apart. Remember to make sure your turkey burgers reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are cooked safely.
Serving: 1 burger, Calories: 352 kcal, Carbohydrates: 34 g, Protein: 29 g, Fat: 12 g, Saturated Fat: 3 g, Cholesterol: 84 mg, Sodium: 761 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 9 g