Easy Turkey Burgers
These easy turkey burgers are perfect served with spicy mayo, fried onions and your favorite burger toppings. Say hello to your new favorite dinner!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Ground turkey / turkey mince. You could also use chicken if you can’t find lean ground turkey.
- Breadcrumbs. I used fresh breadcrumbs but panko bread crumbs will also work.
- Egg.
- Spices: Garlic powder, chilli powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, fresh parsley, salt and black pepper. Other herbs like thyme, oregano, sage and chives are also delicious with turkey.
- Mayonnaise.
- Hot sauce. I used Crystal but any hot sauce of your choice can be used.
- For the burgers: Burger buns, lettuce, tomato, cheese, onions, pickles, etc.
How to make turkey burgers
- Make the burger patties: Combine turkey with breadcrumbs, beaten egg and spices in a large bowl. Mix well to make sure the ingredients are combined. Wet your hands then divide the mixture into 4 equal portions then form the patties. Place on a plate or cutting board.
- How long to cook turkey burgers: Turkey burgers should be cooked all the way until the center reaches 74°C/165°F on an instant read thermometer. Heat a large skillet, frying pan or grill over high heat. Add the burgers and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until the burgers are cooked through. If you’re using cheese, adding it to the tops of the patties while they are still in the pan will ensure they melt properly. Remove the burgers from the heat and allow to rest for a few minutes while you toast the buns.
- Make the spicy mayo: Combine mayonnaise, chilli powder, paprika, hot sauce and salt.
- Assemble burgers: Add a generous smear of mayo to the buns then top with lettuce, turkey burgers, tomato, onion, pickles, etc. Serve immediately.
Can I make these burgers ahead?
The patties can be made the day ahead. Place on a parchment-lined sheetpan and cover well with plastic then refrigerate. The patties can be frozen for up to 3 months. Form the patties then place on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Place in the freezer and allow to freeze for a few hours then transfer to ziploc bags.
Turkey Burger FAQ’s
Ground turkey is a lean protein and a great choice for burgers. It contains less saturated fat than beef while still packing a huge protein and flavor punch.
Using binders like breadcrumbs and eggs in the burger patty mixture prevents turkey burgers from falling apart while cooking.
All the classic burger toppings work well on turkey burgers. We love fried onions, tomatoes, cheese, lettuce and spicy mayo. Ketchup, mustard, pickles, BBQ sauce and other greens like arugula will also be delicious.
Serving suggestion
Burgers are always delicious with fries, sweet potato fries or potato wedges. I also love classic cookout side dishes like potato salad, macaroni salad and corn on the cob.
Burger recipes
Ingredients
- 500 g (1lb) ground turkey / turkey mince
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp chilli powder
Spicy mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chilli powder
- 2 dashes hot sauce
- salt to taste
For the burgers
- burger buns
- cheese slices
- sliced pickles
- lettuce
- onions
- sliced tomato
Instructions
- Combine the turkey, breadcrumbs, eggs, parsley and spices and mix well.
- Form patties with wet hands (this prevents the burger mix sticking to your hands).
- Heat a skillet, pan or griddle over high heat. Add the burgers and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through. Add cheese, if using, and allow to melt.
- Allow the burgers to rest for a few minutes. Toast the buns in the same pan until golden.
- To make the mayo, combine the ingredients and season to taste.
- To assemble the burgers, add a generous dollop of mayo to the bottom buns. Top with lettuce, cooked burgers and toppings of your choice. Add the top bun and serve.
I made these for dinner last night and WOW!!! My hubby and I really enjoyed them!! We will be eating the leftovers for dinner tonight!! I can’t wait-he even said these taste like something you would get in a restaurant!! Thank you for sharing this fabulous recipe!!
I am so happy to hear that!