Turkey Burgers
Ditch the beef and try these juicy turkey burgers. Packed with flavor, they’re cooked to perfection in just 10 to 15 minutes.
Looking for a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers? These flavorful turkey burgers are the perfect solution! Made with ground turkey, seasoned with Worcestershire sauce, onion and garlic powder, and mixed with breadcrumbs or panko, these burgers are juicy and packed with great flavor. Cooked to perfection in a skillet in just 10 to 15 minutes, they’re easy to prepare and perfect for any meal. Serve them on buns with your favorite toppings and condiments for a mouthwatering experience that’s sure to please!
Why You’ll Love These Burgers
Juicy and flavorful. Ground turkey can be dry, but this version stays moist with a blend of simple pantry ingredients.
Quick and weeknight-friendly. From prep to plate in under 30 minutes—no grill required.
Customizable toppings. Add your favorite cheese, veggies, or sauces to make it your own.
Healthier than beef. A leaner alternative to traditional burgers, perfect for lightened-up meals.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Turkey: A 93/7 blend or dark meat (like ground turkey thighs) works best for juicy burgers.
- Breadcrumbs or Panko: Helps bind the burgers and improves texture.
- Worcestershire Sauce & Dijon Mustard: Add umami and depth of flavor.
- Egg: Acts as a binder and adds moisture.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper bring balanced flavor.
- Olive Oil: For pan-frying and added richness.
- Toppings: Use whatever you like—classic lettuce and tomato, or go bold with remoulade or pickled onions.
Steps to Make Turkey Burgers
- Mix the ground turkey with egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire, ketchup, Dijon, garlic and onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined but not overmixed.
- Form into four patties, making an indentation in the center of each to help them cook evenly. Chill the patties briefly if needed to help them hold together.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the patties for 5 to 7 minutes per side or until browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Assemble the burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings and condiments.
Tips for Perfect Turkey Burgers
- Use an 85/15 or 93/7 ground turkey blend for juicier results—avoid 99% lean breast meat if possible.
- Don’t overmix the burger mixture—this helps prevent dense or tough patties.
- Make an indentation in each patty to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.
- Pan-frying in olive oil adds richness and helps develop a flavorful crust.
- Use a thermometer to ensure doneness—look for 165°F in the center.
Recipe Variations
- Mediterranean: Add a few tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley, some crumbled feta cheese, and a dash or dried oregano to the turkey mixture. Serve with tzatziki, cucumbers, red onion, and tomatoes.
- Chipotle: Mix in a teaspoon or more of chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce and a dash of smoked paprika. Top the burgers with avocado slices and pepper jack cheese.
- Italian: Incorporated a few tablespoons of Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and replace the ketchup with marinara sauce. Serve on ciabatta rolls with fresh basil, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
What to Serve With Turkey Burgers
- Fries: Choose French fries or sweet potato fries, or bake a tray of tater tots.
- Coleslaw: Slaw is refreshing and crunchy, and complements the flavors of the burgers nicely.
- Potato Salad: Make a creamy egg and potato salad or try this lighter potato salad.
- Corn: Serve them with grilled corn on the cob or this tasty Korean corn.
- Grilled Veggies: Choose zucchini, peppers, and asparagus for a healthy, colorful side.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The crisp, caramelized edges add delicious flavor to a burger meal.
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerate: Store cooked burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.
Freeze: Wrap each patty in plastic wrap and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
To Reheat: Warm burgers in a skillet over low heat or microwave briefly until heated through.
Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey, 93/7 lean to fat ratio
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1/3 cup panko crumbs, or fine, dry breadcrumbs
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted if desired
- Optional Toppings: Sliced tomato, lettuce, red onion, pickles
- Optional Condiments: Mayonnaise, BBQ sauce, ketchup, mustard, remoulade sauce
Instructions
- Combine: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well but gently to avoid overmixing.
- Shape the Burgers: Shape the mixture into 4 burger patties, using your thumb or finger to make an indentation in the center of each one. If desired, place them in the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes to firm them up a bit more.
- Cook: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the burgers for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side or until browned. They should register at least 165 F on an instant-read thermometer, which is the minimum safe temperature for ground poultry.
- Assemble: Arrange the burgers on buns with your favorite toppings and condiments.
Nutrition
Disclaimer:
Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.
