These juicy grilled turkey burgers are a tasty twist on a classic favorite! Made with ground turkey, they are lean and full of flavor, perfect for a sunny BBQ.
Trust me, they won’t dry out! I love piling mine high with fresh veggies and a dollop of your favorite sauce. Give them a try for a delicious meal that’s light but filling!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey is perfect for these burgers, keeping them juicy but healthier. If you want a richer flavor, try using ground chicken or a mix with higher fat content turkey, but the cooking time may slightly increase.
Breadcrumbs: I prefer whole wheat breadcrumbs for added nutrition and flavor. You can easily substitute with plain white bread, crushed crackers, or gluten-free breadcrumbs if you’re avoiding gluten.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice cheesy flavor. If you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can provide a cheesy taste, or you can use vegan cheese for a similar effect.
Egg: The egg acts as a binder. If you’re vegan or allergic, try using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 2.5 tablespoons water, mixed and let sit for a few minutes) or applesauce as alternatives.
Cheese: Provolone is my cheese of choice because it melts beautifully! Feel free to use mozzarella, cheddar, or American cheese based on your preference.
How Can I Shape the Perfect Turkey Burger Patty?
Shaping the patties is key to getting the perfect burger. To avoid dry, tight patties, follow these tips:
- Mix the ingredients gently—overmixing can lead to tough burgers.
- Divide the mixture evenly for consistent cooking, about 1/4 pound each.
- Create a slight indentation in the center of each patty; this helps prevent puffing and promotes even cooking.
By following these steps, your turkey burgers will turn out juicy and flavorful! Enjoy your grilling!
How to Make Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Turkey Patties:
- 1 pound ground turkey (lean)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably whole wheat)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 slices of provolone cheese (or cheese of choice)
For The Burgers:
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup lettuce leaves (such as romaine or green leaf)
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo) as desired
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to grill. In total, you’ll spend about 30-35 minutes making these delicious turkey burgers. Perfect for a quick, tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mixing the Patty Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a wooden spoon to mix everything together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix this mixture; you want the burgers to stay juicy!
2. Forming the Patties:
Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal parts. Shape each part into a patty, making sure to create a slight indentation in the center of each one. This helps keep the patties from puffing up while they grill.
3. Prepping the Grill:
Turn on your grill and preheat it to medium-high heat. To prevent the patties from sticking, lightly oil the grill grates with cooking spray or a paper towel dipped in oil.
4. Grilling the Patties:
Place the turkey patties on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). In the last minute of grilling, add a slice of provolone cheese on top of each patty to let it melt. Yum!
5. Toasting the Buns:
While the patties are finishing up, toast your hamburger buns on the grill for 1-2 minutes until they’re lightly browned. This adds a nice crunch!
6. Assembling Your Burgers:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Start by placing one grilled turkey patty on the bottom half of each bun. Top it with a handful of lettuce, a few slices of tomato, and some thinly sliced red onion.
7. Adding Condiments:
Put on your favorite condiments like ketchup, mustard, or mayo (or all three!). Finish it off with the top half of the bun.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your juicy grilled turkey burgers are ready to serve! Enjoy them with your choice of sides, like crispy chips or a fresh salad. Dig in and savor every bite!
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great alternative and will yield similar results for moist and flavorful burgers. Just make sure to check the fat content; a slightly higher fat percentage can help keep the burgers juicy!
Can I Make These Burgers Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the whole wheat breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground oats. Just ensure your other ingredients, like condiments and cheese, are also gluten-free.
How Can I Store Leftover Turkey Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or skillet until heated through, and consider adding a slice of cheese to melt on top for extra flavor!
Can I Grill These Burgers Indoors?
Definitely! If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop. Just preheat the pan over medium-high heat and follow the same cooking instructions. Ensure the pan is well greased to prevent sticking.
