Turkey Burgers

Name: Turkey Burgers
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey (93% lean); ¼ cup dried breadcrumbs (or almond meal); 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil for frying)

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By: Diana Posted: 5/15/23

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Looking for a healthier burger option that doesn’t compromise on taste? My homemade turkey burgers are here to satisfy your cravings! Tender turkey patties are seared either on the stovetop or the grill resulting in a juicy bite every time!

Turkey burger in a soft brioche bun, with lettuce, a slice of tomato, and red onion. Placed on a wooden cutting board.

Turkey burgers often get a bad rap. They can be dry. They can be bland. They can be all-around uninspiring! But that doesn’t have to be the case!

Imagine a turkey burger that’s leaner than beef but still tastes amazing. This is the recipe I’ve created for you!

The patties are juicy and tender with a nice sear on the outside and the turkey meat is mixed with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. You’ll love the blend of healthier ingredients and mouthwatering flavors in every bite!

These burgers take a couple of minutes to prep and about 15-20 minutes to pan-sear or grill, so they’re a great choice for a quick dinner. Serve alongside some crispy French fries, creamy coleslaw, or some delicious grilled veggie kabobs and you’re all set!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Trust me when I say homemade turkey burgers don’t have to be dry and boring! This recipe is a leaner alternative to beef burgers, but we aren’t sacrificing any flavor.

I add breadcrumbs and mayo to keep the burgers moist and I season the meat with Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, fresh parsley, and more! Whether you’re grilling them outdoors or searing them on the stovetop, these turkey burgers are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients In Recipe

Ingredients needed for making turkey burgers

There are three main components you need for your turkey burgers. The turkey (obviously!), moisture enhancers, and flavor/seasonings. All of these ingredients combined will give you a tasty juicy bite every time!

Ground turkey: I use 93% lean turkey and you’ll need 1 pound to make 4 burgers.
Moisture enhancers: Dried breadcrumbs (you can use panko or regular) and mayonnaise. Store-bought or homemade mayo will do the trick! Both of these ingredients not only help the burgers stay together, but they also deliver extra moisture which is key to avoiding a dry turkey burger.
Flavor/Seasonings: I usually add Worcestershire sauce, garlic, smoked paprika, chopped fresh parsley, and salt and pepper. The Worcestershire gives the burgers a deeper flavor. You could also add a drop of liquid smoke to add some smokiness if you’re pan-frying the burgers.
Optional: Want to add some heat? Throw in a pinch of dried red chili flakes to the turkey mixture for an added kick.

Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

How to Cook Turkey Burgers

The secret to juicy turkey burgers is to add some moisture to the meat mixture and to cook them just until done. I’m sharing a couple of options for cooking the turkey patties, so you can choose which one works best for you.

Collage of four images showing how to make turkey burgers

Make burger mixture. Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, mayonnaise (these add moisture!), Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and seasonings in a large bowl. Mix everything together with your hands but be careful not to overmix or you’ll end up with dry tough patties.
Form patties. Divide the mixture into 4 or 6 portions and gently flatten and shape. They should be about a ½ inch thick.
Cook the patties using either the stovetop or grilling method.
Assemble. Place your turkey burgers on a toasted bun and add your favorite toppings to complete the experience!

Stovetop Method

Heat oil in a pan or skillet over medium-high heat and add the patties to the pan. Be careful not to overcrowd your pan or the burgers will steam instead of sear.
Cook on both sides for about 10 minutes. Resist the urge to continuously flip the patties as this can cause them to break apart. Usually flipping once is enough.
The burgers are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C.

Tip!

Avoid pressing down on the patties as they cook. You’ll squeeze out all of the delicious juices!

Grill Method

Preheat the grill to medium heat (around 350°F/180°C). Clean and oil the grates and lay the patties on the grill.
Cook them for about 10 minutes on both sides. Again, only flip the burgers once.
The burgers will be done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.

Turkey burger in a soft brioche bun, with lettuce, a slice of tomato, and red onion. Placed on a wooden cutting board with a bunch of tomatoes and brioche buns in the background.

Tips for Juicier Burgers

Create a slight indentation in the center of the patties to help them cook evenly and to avoid a bulge in the middle.
Prevent sticking by oiling the grill grates. Dip a folded paper towel in vegetable oil and use tongs to rub it along the grill grates.
Let your burgers rest for a few minutes after cooking so the juices settle back into the patty.

Sliced turkey burger in half to show the inside of it, held with a hand.

What To Serve With

When it comes to side dishes, the sky’s the limit with these tasty turkey burgers. Turkey is a mild flavor which means it goes so well with basically anything!

French fries are an obvious choice, or you could go with sweet potato fries or rutabaga fries for healthier alternatives to the original fried version.

For a lighter option, you can try this tangy red cabbage slaw or a fresh and fruity strawberry spinach salad.

And don’t forget the toppings! Go with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, and cheese or switch it up and try adding cranberry sauce, or tzatziki sauce for some extra zing!

Recipe FAQs

Can I make turkey burgers in advance?

Yes, you can! Mix the ingredients and form the turkey burgers and place them on a plate. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to one day before cooking.
I like to separate the patties with pieces of parchment paper so I know they won’t stick together.

Can I freeze homemade turkey burgers?

Absolutely! The best way to freeze them is to place the patties on a plastic wrap-lined baking sheet or tray in a single layer and cover them loosely with plastic wrap.
Place the sheet into the freezer and let the patties freeze then store them in a single layer in a ziptop bag for up to 1 month. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight.

How do I prevent my turkey burgers from falling apart?

The breadcrumbs and mayonnaise will act as binders to help hold the meat together. Make sure that you handle the burgers carefully when you’re flipping them, so they don’t fall apart.
You can also chill the burgers for 30 minutes before cooking them to help them hold together.

How do I know when my turkey burgers are done?

Turkey burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the patty to check the temperature.