These juicy grilled turkey burgers are a tasty twist on the classic! Made with lean turkey meat, seasonings, and topped with your favorite fixings, they’re sure to please everyone at the barbecue.
I love how quick they cook on the grill—just a few minutes and you’re ready to eat! Add some fresh veggies and a bun, and enjoy a delicious meal that leaves you feeling good!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the star of the show and gives a lean option compared to beef. If you want a richer flavor, ground chicken or lean beef works too. You can experiment with ground pork for a different twist!
Bread Crumbs: I used regular breadcrumbs for texture. If you’re gluten-free, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Panko can be used for extra crunch, too.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds nice flavor. If you don’t have any, you can use Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
Smoked Paprika: This ingredient brings a lovely smoky taste. If you’re out, regular paprika or even cayenne for heat could work. You can also try adding a dash of liquid smoke!
Egg: This helps bind the ingredients. If you need a substitute, a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water) works well for a vegan option.
How Do I Ensure My Turkey Burgers Don’t Fall Apart on the Grill?
Keeping your turkey burgers intact is important! Here are some steps to ensure they hold up well on the grill:
- Don’t overmix the meat! Combine until just mixed to maintain tenderness.
- Form the patties with a slight indentation in the center. This helps them cook evenly and reduces shrinkage.
- Let the patties rest for a few minutes before grilling, allowing them to firm up.
- Be gentle when flipping—use a wide spatula and wait to flip until they release easily from the grill.
Following these steps will help you create juicy burgers that stay together. Enjoy grilling!
How to Make Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Turkey Burgers:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For Assembly:
- 4 hamburger buns
- Lettuce leaves
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices of mozzarella or provolone cheese
- Olive oil for grilling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to grill the burgers. So, you’ll have juicy grilled turkey burgers ready in about 30-35 minutes, perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Turkey Burger Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps the burgers nice and tender.
2. Shape the Patties:
Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty, making a small indentation in the center of each one. This helps the burgers cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up.
3. Preheat the Grill:
Get your grill ready by preheating it to medium-high heat. Brush some olive oil on the grill grates to help prevent the burgers from sticking while cooking.
4. Grill the Turkey Patties:
Place the turkey patties on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on one side. Carefully flip them over and cook for another 5 minutes. During the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese on each patty so it can melt perfectly!
5. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are finishing up, place the hamburger buns on the grill. Toast them for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown. This adds a nice crunch when you take a bite!
6. Assemble Your Burgers:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Start with a lettuce leaf on the bottom half of each bun, then add the turkey patty with the melted cheese. Top with fresh tomato slices and thin slices of red onion, then place the other half of the bun on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your juicy grilled turkey burgers are ready to go! Serve them immediately while they’re hot and enjoy every delicious bite!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute for turkey in this recipe. Just keep in mind that ground chicken may have a slightly different flavor and texture, but it will still create delicious burgers. Follow the same instructions without any changes needed to the cooking process!
What Can I Use Instead of Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs on hand, you can use crushed crackers, oat flour, or even cooked quinoa for a gluten-free option. Just make sure the substitution binds well with the turkey mixture so that the burgers hold together during cooking.
How Should I Store Leftover Burgers?
To store leftovers, place the burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them by wrapping each burger tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. Just thaw in the refrigerator before reheating!
Can I Make These Burgers Spicier?
Yes! If you enjoy spicy food, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture. You can also season the burgers with cayenne pepper or chili powder for extra heat. Adjust the spice level to your preference!
