Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers
These juicy grilled turkey burgers are flavored with hoisin sauce, cilantro, and green onions. Use turkey thighs for the juiciest and most flavorful turkey burgers.
These hoisin-spiked turkey burgers are anything but boring. Using ground turkey thighs ensures a juicy, tender burger, while green onions and cilantro add freshness and flavor. The hoisin sauce not only seasons the meat—it helps keep the patties moist and caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
You can cook these burgers on an outdoor grill, indoor grill pan, or in a skillet, making them perfect for any time of year. Tuck them into toasted buns with your favorite toppings and serve with your go-to summer sides or simple veggie chips.
What You’ll Like About This Dish
Extra juicy texture. Ground turkey thighs keep the burgers tender and flavorful.
Fresh and bold flavor. Hoisin sauce, green onion, and cilantro elevate these burgers beyond basic.
Grill or skillet friendly. Cook outdoors or indoors—whatever works for your kitchen.
Ingredient Notes
- Ground turkey thighs: Higher fat content keeps the burgers juicy—avoid extra-lean turkey.
- Hoisin sauce: Adds sweet-savory flavor and helps lock in moisture.
- Green onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that blends right into the patties.
- Cilantro: Brings brightness and balance—sub parsley if preferred.
- Garlic powder: For depth and savory notes without overpowering the herbs.
- Salt and pepper: Season generously to bring everything together.
- Hamburger buns: Toasted or grilled for best texture and flavor.
Steps to Make Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers
- Combine turkey, hoisin sauce, green onion, cilantro, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Shape the mixture into four large patties or slider-sized burgers.
- Preheat and oil the grill grates (or heat a grill pan/skillet).
- Grill burgers over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until they reach 165°F internally.
- Toast the buns, if desired, then assemble burgers with your favorite toppings.
Tips for Grilling Turkey Burgers
- Use turkey that’s 85–90% lean for the best balance of moisture and flavor.
- Make a slight indentation in each patty to prevent puffing in the center.
- Chill the patties briefly before grilling if they feel too soft to handle.
- Use a grill pan or cast iron skillet if cooking indoors.
- Don’t press down on the burgers while grilling—it squeezes out juices.
Recipe Variations
- Add shredded carrot. Mix in ¼ cup for color and subtle sweetness.
- Spicy version. Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper or a squirt of Sriracha.
- Cheesy burgers. Top with sharp cheddar, provolone, or pepper jack before serving.
- Asian-style slaw. Serve burgers with a slaw of cabbage, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
- Gluten-free. Use gluten-free hoisin and buns or wrap in lettuce leaves.
Serving Suggestions
- Fries: Serve with sweet potato fries, steak fries, or baked potato wedges.
- Salad: Pair with coleslaw, cucumber salad, or a sesame kale salad.
- Chips: Add veggie chips or kettle chips for a no-fuss side.
- Grilled veggies: Try grilled zucchini, peppers, or corn on the cob.
- Pickles: Offer dill pickles, kimchi, or pickled red onions for a tangy contrast.
How to Store
Refrigerate: Store leftover cooked burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked patties between layers of parchment in a zip-top bag or container for up to 3 months.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet, covered, or in the microwave until hot throughout. Avoid drying them out by reheating gently.
Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey, thighs, or 85% to 90% lean ground turkey
- 4 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix the ground turkey with the hoisin sauce, chopped green onion, cilantro, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Shape the meat mixture into four large burgers or about six to eight slider-size burgers.
- Oil the grill grate with vegetable oil. Grill the turkey burgers over medium heat for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the burgers register at least 165 F on an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the thickest burgers.
- Grill or toast the buns, if desired.
- Assemble the turkey burgers in buns with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, or your favorite toppings.
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.
