Let’s play a little word association game! When I say “turkey burger,” you say …? I think I heard “bland,” “dry,” “flavorless,” “pointless.” You know what I say? “No thank you!” Until now.
I have never been a big meat-eater, even though I think there’s a place for high-quality grass-fed beef in one’s diet if you like it. At barbeques, I’m usually the one looking for the non-beef burger option, but I had never met a turkey burger that I liked. Father’s Day is around the corner, and there are lots of dads who are trying to cut back on beef, so I think now’s a good time to post a great turkey burger recipe.
My goal is not to make a turkey burger that tastes like beef, because it won’t. But I want to make the turkey taste savory and moist and like something you would actually want to eat, as opposed to something you are settling for and all the time wishing you were actually eating a hamburger. I also want a basic burger that everyone in my family will like, especially my hamburger-loving husband who once claimed that real men don’t eat turkey burgers. I accept the challenge!
It’s amazing what a few simple ingredients do to boring ground turkey. I add a little olive oil for fat, minced onion for flavor and moisture and worcestershire for a meaty undertone. A bit of dijon and ketchup get mixed in for an additional boost and my husband declared he would eat this turkey burger any day. Of course, you can tailor this burger to your liking and make it a little fancy, if you want. Add in some finely chopped sundried tomato and basil or go Tex-Mex with some red bell pepper, corn, cilantro and cayenne. How ever you make it, I have a feeling you’ll hear “Mmmmm……that’s tasty!”
Tasty Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds ground turkey, white or dark meat
- 6 Tablespoons minced raw onion, cook the rest of the onion for a delicious burger topping
- 1 ½ Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ Tablespoons ketchup
- 1 ½ Tablespoons worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ Tablespoons unrefined, cold-pressed olive oil + more for the griddle
- ¾ teaspoon fine grain sea salt
- 6 sprouted grain or whole wheat buns or lettuce leaves
- Toppings: grilled onions, avocado, sprouts, tomato, lettuce, cheese, barbecue sauce
Instructions
- Heat a griddle to 400 degrees or an outdoor grill to medium heat.
- In medium bowl, mix the turkey with all the other ingredients. This is a very moist mixture.
- Form into 6 patties, about 5-inches in diameter.*
- Brush the griddle or grill with a small amount of olive oil.
- Carefully transfer the patty to the griddle and cook for 4-5 minutes. Turn over and cook for another 4 minutes, or until cooked through.
Notes
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!
My daughter’s favorite! We make these all the time. Sautéed mushrooms and onions her favorite topping! I’ve done them baked in the oven and as well as on a grill pan. Prefer the latter as baking brings about so much moisture tastes more like meatloaf. Still delish- just a bit less burger-y.
Completely agree that grilling these burgers result in a better flavor. Glad to hear these are a hit!
6 thumbs up!
Thank you, Susan!
I just realized that I have made these a couple of times now and didn’t tell you how fantastic they are. So moist and flavorful. I just like them by themselves. The kids got leftovers in their lunches the last time I made them. Even if you aren’t a fan of turkey burgers, these may change your mind. 🙂
That’s a huge compliment! I have taken to eating these in lettuce cups lately and I prefer that to really taste the flavor of the burger!
What kind of lettuce do you use for the lettuce cups?
I like to use butter lettuce or little Gem lettuce. You can use any green lettuce and pick out the smaller leaves.
I don’t always love turkey burgers….would this work with ground chicken?
Absolutely!
My friend Leslie Scheid shared your website with me, I needed quick, easy and healthy meal plans. I am now hooked and my husband is forever greatful! 🙂
It’s so nice to have you here! Lucky husband! 😉
I just discovered your blog the other day and just love your recipes and articles. While I do not eat it, my husband and two sons like to eat meat. I had some ground turkey in the fridge and decided to try your turkey burger recipe. My husband loved it and ate two burgers and my 9 year old proclaimed this to the BEST burger recipe ever. My 7 year old (who is my mr. picky) didn’t hate it. Victory!
Thank you!
Nice to have you here, Jennifer! You and I are alike. I don’t really like meat and poultry much, but my kids and husband like them very much. These turkey burgers are my son’s favorite! Thanks for writing in. 🙂
These sound delicious! I don’t have a grill, and I learned from you that grilling is not the ideal method of cooking anyways : ) so my question is: How would you suggest going about cooking these indoors?
I don’t grill animal protein that much, you are correct! I make these on a griddle pan with a little oil. You could use a large skillet as well or whatever you make pancakes on. 🙂