Juicy grilled turkey burgers are a tasty and healthy option for your next cookout. Packed with flavor and made with lean turkey, they’re a lighter twist on classic burgers!
These burgers are so easy to make! I love adding my favorite spices and a slice of cheese on top for that extra kick. Perfect for summer BBQs, everyone will want seconds! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of your burgers! If you want a leaner option, ground chicken works well too. For a richer flavor, consider using turkey thigh meat instead of breast.
Breadcrumbs: While these help bind the burgers, you can skip them or use crushed crackers or oats if you’re avoiding bread. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are another great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice flavor and moisture. If you don’t have Parmesan, feel free to use Pecorino Romano or any hard cheese you like, such as Grana Padano.
Spices: The garlic and onion powders boost the flavor profile. Fresh minced garlic can be used for a punchier taste. If you’re out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce offers a similar umami sauce alternative.
Cheese: Provolone and mozzarella are excellent choices, but feel free to experiment with cheddar or pepper jack for a kick!
How Can I Keep My Turkey Burgers from Being Dry?
Turkey can be lean, which often leads to dry burgers if not cooked properly. To keep them juicy, don’t overwork the meat when mixing ingredients—just combine until everything is mixed. Press a slight indentation in the center of each patty to reduce puffing, leading to even cooking.
- Keep the grill heat at medium-high to sear the outside while keeping the inside moist.
- Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, aiming for 165°F (74°C).
- Add cheese in the last minute to melt it nicely without drying out the patty.
How to Make Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional for binding)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 4 slices of provolone or mozzarella cheese
- 4 burger buns
- Leafy lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional sauces: mayonnaise, ketchup, or mustard
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare the ingredients and shape the patties, and around 12 minutes to grill them. In total, you’ll need about 30 minutes to enjoy delicious, juicy turkey burgers fresh off the grill!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs (if using), grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and chopped parsley. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the turkey to keep the burgers tender!
2. Shape the Patties:
Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, making a small indentation in the center of each patty. This will help the burgers cook evenly and prevent them from puffing up while grilling.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. To keep the patties from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in oil.
4. Grill the Burgers:
Place the turkey patties on the hot grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked to the right internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). In the last minute of grilling, add a slice of cheese on each patty to melt nicely.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are grilling, you can toast the burger buns. Place them on the grill for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are golden and slightly crispy. This adds great flavor!
6. Assemble Your Burgers:
Once everything is ready, it’s time to build your burgers! Start by placing a grilled turkey patty on the bottom half of each burger bun. Top it with leafy lettuce, slices of tomato, red onion, and any sauces you enjoy.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finish by placing the top half of the bun on your burger. Serve them right away, maybe with some chips or a simple salad on the side. Enjoy your juicy grilled turkey burgers!
Can I Substitute Ground Turkey with Another Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or even lean ground beef if you prefer. Just be mindful that the cooking times may vary slightly depending on the type of meat used. Always ensure your meat reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for poultry or 160°F (71°C) for beef.
How Can I Keep My Turkey Burgers from Falling Apart?
To help keep your turkey burgers intact, make sure not to overmix the meat when combining all the ingredients. Using breadcrumbs can also act as a binder. If you find the mixture too wet, you can add a bit more breadcrumbs until you get the right consistency.
Can I Make Turkey Burgers in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the burger patties in advance! Shape them and then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours, or freeze them for longer storage. If freezing, place parchment paper between each patty to prevent sticking. Thaw them in the fridge overnight before grilling.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Turkey Burgers?
Leftover turkey burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Adding a splash of water or broth during reheating can help keep them moist!
