These juicy grilled turkey burgers are packed with flavor and are a tasty twist on a classic favorite. They’re easy to make and perfect for any barbecue or weeknight meal!
I love how simple they are to whip up—just mix the ingredients, form the patties, and grill them to perfection. Pair with your favorite toppings and enjoy a delicious bite! 🍔
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of the burgers! Use lean ground turkey for a healthier option. If you prefer, you can swap it for ground chicken or even beef for a different flavor.
Breadcrumbs: I suggest plain breadcrumbs since they don’t alter the flavor much. If you’re gluten-free, try using crushed gluten-free crackers or oats instead!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a lovely depth to the burgers. If you don’t have it, mozzarella or a hard cheese like Pecorino makes a great substitute.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is best for a more vibrant taste. However, garlic powder can work in a pinch if that’s what you have on hand.
Worcestershire Sauce: This sauce adds umami flavor to the patties. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can use soy sauce or a vegan Worcestershire sauce.
Smoked Paprika: This adds a nice smoky flavor. If you don’t have it, regular paprika or even chili powder can be used as an alternative.
How Do I Keep the Burger Patties from Puffing Up on the Grill?
Making perfectly shaped patties is key for even cooking. To avoid puffing up, it’s helpful to follow these steps:
- Form the patties gently; overmixing can make them dense.
- Make a small indent in the center of each patty. This helps them stay flat while they cook.
- Cook them on medium-high heat to get a nice sear without drying them out!
Keeping these techniques in mind will help you serve up juicy and nicely shaped burgers every time.
How to Make Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (preferably plain)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 4 slices of mozzarella cheese (or your preferred cheese)
- 4 burger buns
For Serving:
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Olive oil (for grilling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. You’ll be enjoying your delicious turkey burgers in about 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Burger Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. Use your hands or a spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be gentle—overworking the meat can make the burgers tough!
2. Shape the Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and then flatten it gently to form a patty. Don’t forget to make a small indent in the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up while grilling.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Set your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s heating up, brush the grill grates with olive oil. This will help keep the burgers from sticking!
4. Grill the Turkey Patties:
Carefully place the turkey patties on the grill. Let them cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want to cook them until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
5. Add the Cheese:
When the patties are almost done cooking, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each patty. Close the grill lid for about a minute to allow the cheese to melt beautifully over the turkey!
6. Toast the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, pop the burger buns on the grill for about 1 minute or until they are golden brown. This adds a nice crunch and flavor!
7. Assemble Your Burgers:
To put together your burgers, place a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun. Add the turkey patty with the melted cheese, then layer on some tomato slices and red onion rings. Finally, top with the other half of the bun.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your turkey burgers right away with your favorite condiments. Enjoy every juicy bite of your delicious grilled turkey burgers!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Ground Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken makes a great substitute for ground turkey in this recipe. Just be sure to handle the meat gently and watch the cooking time, as ground chicken can vary slightly in moisture content compared to turkey.
How Can I Make These Burgers Gluten-Free?
For a gluten-free version, simply replace the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. Ensure that any additional condiments or sauces used are also gluten-free. This way, you can still enjoy delicious turkey burgers!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave them for about 1 minute or warm them on the grill for a few minutes until heated through. If you want to freeze them, wrap the patties individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Can I Add Veggies to the Burger Patties?
Yes, adding finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach can enhance the flavor and nutrition of the burgers. Just make sure to drain excess moisture from veggies to prevent the patties from becoming too soggy!
