Turkey Burgers: A Healthier Twist on a Classic Favorite

Turkey Burgers are the perfect choice for anyone craving a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. Made with lean ground turkey, fresh herbs, and flavorful seasonings, these burgers are juicy, tender, and packed with savory goodness. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ, they’re sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

What makes these turkey burgers stand out is the addition of Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, which help keep the burgers moist while infusing them with extra flavor. For those who like a little more indulgence, you can top them with cheese, avocado, or your favorite condiments. These turkey burgers are incredibly versatile, customizable, and easy to make!

For more healthy and delicious burger recipes, check out these Best Turkey Burger Recipes or explore Healthy Burger Alternatives.

Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions

Turkey Burgers: Healthy and Juicy with Fresh Ingredients

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• Author: Jennifer Mitchell
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These juicy Turkey Burgers are packed with flavor and a healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. The combination of shallots, fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce adds a delicious, savory taste to the turkey, while Greek yogurt keeps them moist. Perfect for a summer BBQ or a quick weeknight dinner, these burgers are customizable with a variety of tasty toppings like avocado, pickles, and cheese.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Burgers:

• 1 medium shallot, finely chopped
• 1/2 small bunch fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 slices cheese (such as provolone or cheddar, optional)
• 4 split hamburger buns (optional)

Topping Options:

• Lettuce leaves
• Sliced tomato
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Mashed or sliced avocado
• Sliced pickles
• Mayonnaise
• Ketchup

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Instructions

• Prepare the Burger Mixture:

  • In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped shallot, fresh parsley, panko breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  • Add the ground turkey to the mixture and gently combine with your hands or a spoon until everything is well mixed. Be careful not to overwork the mixture to avoid tough burgers.

• Form the Patties:

  • Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty. Press a small indent into the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up while cooking.

• Cook the Burgers:

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Once hot, add the turkey patties and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the burgers are golden brown and cooked through.
  • If using cheese, place a slice of cheese on each patty during the last minute of cooking, covering the skillet with a lid to melt the cheese.

• Assemble the Burgers:

  • If using buns, lightly toast them in the skillet or under the broiler.
  • Place each turkey patty on the bottom half of a hamburger bun. Add your desired toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, pickles, mayonnaise, or ketchup.

• Serve:

  • Top with the other half of the bun (if using) and serve immediately. Enjoy your delicious, healthy turkey burger!

Notes

• You can substitute the panko breadcrumbs with crushed whole wheat crackers or oats for a healthier option.
• For a more flavorful kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture or top the burger with jalapeños.
• If you prefer grilling, you can also cook the patties on a preheated grill for 5-6 minutes per side.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main Dish, Healthy, Grill, Comfort Food
• Method: Pan-fry, Grill (optional)
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 burger (without bun)
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Turkey Burgers

Instructions

1. Prepare the Burger Mixture
   In a large bowl, combine the chopped shallot, parsley, panko breadcrumbs, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Add the ground turkey to the mixture and gently stir until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough.
2. Form the Patties
   Divide the turkey mixture into four equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty about ¾ inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb to prevent them from puffing up too much while cooking.
3. Cook the Burgers
   Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you’re adding cheese, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt.
4. Assemble the Burgers
   Toast the hamburger buns in the skillet or under a broiler for a few minutes until golden and crisp. Place a cooked turkey patty on the bottom half of each bun. Top with your desired toppings such as lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, pickles, or a drizzle of mayonnaise and ketchup.
5. Serve and Enjoy
   Add the top bun and serve your turkey burgers with your favorite side dish. Enjoy!

Advanced Techniques

Grilling the Turkey Burgers

If you prefer to grill your turkey burgers, preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the formed patties on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For extra flavor, you can brush the patties with olive oil or a bit of Worcestershire sauce while grilling.

Adding Flavor Variations

For a flavor twist, try adding different herbs and spices to the turkey mixture. You could use fresh basil, oregano, or thyme for an Italian flair, or incorporate cumin, paprika, or chili powder for a Southwest kick. You can also experiment with different types of mustard or swap the Greek yogurt for sour cream for a slightly different texture and flavor.

Making the Patties Ahead of Time

If you’re short on time, you can prepare the patties ahead of time. Once shaped, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover with plastic wrap, and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together, and it makes dinner even quicker to prepare.

See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.

Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover turkey burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the patties in the microwave or on a skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally to avoid drying them out.

Freezing for Later

If you want to make a bigger batch for meal prep, turkey burgers freeze well. Place the cooled patties in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the patties overnight in the fridge and cook on the stovetop or grill.

Storage Tips for Toppings

To keep your toppings fresh, store them separately from the cooked turkey burgers. Sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and onions can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. For avocado, it’s best to slice it just before serving to prevent browning.

Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions

Low-Carb Option

If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can skip the buns and serve your turkey burger in a lettuce wrap instead. You can also swap the panko breadcrumbs for almond flour or crushed pork rinds to keep the burgers low in carbs.

Gluten-Free

For a gluten-free version of the turkey burgers, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of the regular panko breadcrumbs. Be sure to check the label on your Worcestershire sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free.

Dairy-Free

If you prefer a dairy-free option, you can omit the Greek yogurt in the turkey mixture and use a non-dairy alternative like coconut yogurt or simply increase the Dijon mustard for a tangy kick. Skip the cheese topping and enjoy the burgers with avocado or another non-dairy alternative.

FAQs About The Recipe

Can I grill these turkey burgers instead of pan-frying them?

Yes, you can definitely grill these turkey burgers. Simply preheat your grill to medium heat and cook the patties for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For best results, make sure the grill is oiled to prevent sticking.

Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?

Yes, you can use ground chicken in place of ground turkey. The flavor will be similar, though ground chicken may be a little more delicate in texture. Be sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as well.

What can I serve with turkey burgers?

You can serve your turkey burgers with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, sweet potato fries, or a side of coleslaw. For a healthier option, try serving them with baked zucchini fries or a cauliflower rice salad.

Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Turkey Burgers are a lean and flavorful option that is perfect for a healthy twist on traditional burgers. With a few simple ingredients like ground turkey, shallots, parsley, and Greek yogurt, you can create juicy, tender burgers that will satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re grilling for a crowd or enjoying a quick meal at home, these turkey burgers are customizable to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

So, fire up the grill or heat up the skillet, and enjoy these tasty, healthier turkey burgers as a satisfying lunch or dinner. Don’t forget to load them with your favorite toppings for the ultimate burger experience!