These Grilled Turkey Burgers are some of the juiciest and tastiest you'll find anywhere. Onion, garlic, spices, and herbs permeate the meat to enhance the turkey's overall flavor. I've also added Rotel to the recipe which gives it a subtle little kick. If you were like me and wrote off turkey burgers for good, please give these a try.
On the nutritional side of life, I'm bringing in one of my favorite healthy burgers - Juicy Turkey Burgers. Turkey in itself can be quite bland and dry. But the ingredients found in this recipe create a delicious burger that is both juicy and flavorful.
In my younger years, I thought that being healthy just meant losing weight. But the truth is every area of life contributes to my overall health. If I only go after one aspect, say, for instance, working out but my relationships get no attention, I'm not truly healthy. My nutrition, my spiritual life, relationships, productivity in work, my physical well-being, etc - all hold each other in tension. If I allow one segment to eclipse another over an extended period of time the result will be an unbalanced life.
The ingredients for these Burgers
Lean Ground Turkey. When choosing the package of ground turkey, although it is more pricey, I always grab organic. I appreciate that it's free of hormones and antibiotics which gives me peace of mind of not putting those unhealthy additives into my body.
And although you normally want some extra fat in a burger, I went with 93% lean with these. With all the other ingredients, especially the Rotel tomatoes which add some juiciness, you don't even miss the fat.
Chopped Onion and Minced Garlic. These two ingredients are essential in turkey burgers and bring depth of flavor that confronts the ground turkey's blandness. You will always find onions and garlic in my kitchen. Every time I go to the grocery store, I never pass their bins without snagging several.
Salt, black pepper, and cumin. If you want to intensify the flavor of these grilled turkey burgers, definitely don't skimp on the seasonings. Salt and pepper are obvious, but cumin becomes the star seasoning of these burgers by enhancing the meat with an earthy, warm savory edge.
Fresh Herbs - cilantro, sage, and parsley. Not only do these add some color, but they also contribute subtly to the overall satisfying taste of the burger.
A can of Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies (drained). Including the canned tomatoes is what give these grilled turkey burgers some nice juiciness. A faint bit of heat comes along with it as well.
For years, turkey burgers really got a bad rap. Truth be told, if you don't boost its flavor by adding extra ingredients, I fully understand how people can come to that conclusion.
Making the Turkey Burger Patties
You gotta get your hands dirty for this process. You'll notice that the mixture feels very wet and sticky, almost like really thick pudding. I know that sounds odd, but if you don't know that, you'll think you've done something wrong when you're mixing it up.
I'm not a wimpy patty kind-of-girl. If I'm gonna make burgers, their gonna have some "meat" to them - usually, I go with Β½ pound patties. After you've added all of the other ingredients, this recipe makes anywhere from six to eight burgers.
How to Grill these Burgers
You can throw them on the grill or cook the burgers inside on an electric one. I prefer the outside grill in the heat of the summer, but I've done them both ways, and either one comes out great.
Turn the heat to high (450-500°F) on the gas grill or medium-high on the inside electric grill. You want it hot when you begin. Brush the grill with some olive oil before you place the patties on it, otherwise, they will definitely stick. But be careful when cooking them on a gas grill, because the oil will cause the flame to flare up a bit.
Cook on one side for 5 minutes with the lid closed. Don't move them around until they're ready to flip. When you flip them, they should have nice charred grill marks. Cook them for another 4-5 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 160°F. Pull them off the grill and cover with foil. Let them rest for about 5 minutes which should bring the temperature to 165°F.
What to stack on these Grilled Turkey Burgers
You can pretty much add whatever you like on these burgers. I went with simple and chose the following:
Sliced Provolone Cheese. The smooth texture and mild flavor lend themselves perfectly to the turkey burger. Place it on the burger during the last minute or two of grilling for the full melting effect.
Slices of Avocado. The creaminess and flavor of avocados are a great compliment for turkey. When looking for a ripe avocado, it should be slightly soft but not mushy and will yield to firm gentle pressure. Store ripe avocados in the refrigerator if you are not going to eat it that day.
Sliced Tomatoes. If at all possible, choose local home-grown tomatoes. Farmer's markets or roadside produce stands have the best.
Arugula. Nutty and peppery flavors along with a hearty texture is a nice addition to these burgers. But honestly, you can add whatever leafy lettuce you like.
Mayo.
Other ingredient ideas to add: You can spice it up a little by adding some siracha to the mayo. Red onion adds a nice crunch. Pickles will bring a bringing tang to the burger. Guacamole (instead of avocado), although it's messy, is a lovely bonus. The list can continue according to your liking.
Bringing it all together is the bun
The ratio of bun to meat should be in balance with any burger. It is difficult enough to fit this mountain of turkey patty in your mouth without adding too much bread to your bite. My favorite way to create the perfect bun is to brush with some olive oil or butter and toast it cut-side down on the grill.
Healthy Means Wholesome Not Boring
Healthy doesn't mean eating "rabbit" food while we starve ourselves. Healthy means wholesome. There are wonderful recipes out there that add to the quality of our life because of their nutritional value. The flavors found in really good food like these Grilled Turkey Burgers are far more appealing than stuffing our face with something to just appease the hunger.
If you crave recipes that are accompanied by "buns," you will definitely want to try these:
Bison Burgers with Peppadew Sauce
Slow Cooker Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Please consider liking and following me on my Facebook Page - Lingeralittle
PrintGrilled Turkey Burgers
These Turkey Burgers are some of the juiciest and tastiest I've ever had. Rotel gives it a little kick and the spices intensify the flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 Large Turkey Burgers 1x
- Category: Burgers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Lean Ground Turkey Breast
- 1 10 oz can Rotel Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilies, drained
- 1 medium Sweet Onion, finely chopped
- 6 large Garlic Cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley, chopped
- 4 teaspoons Fresh Sage, chopped
- 4 tablespoons Fresh Cilantro, chopped
- 1 heaping teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 Β½ teaspoons Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- Hamburger Buns
- Olive Oil or butter for brushing on the Hamburger Buns
- Other Ingredients: Sliced Provolone Cheese, Arugula, Sliced Avocado, Sliced Tomatoes
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine 2 pounds lean ground turkey, 10 ounces can of Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained), 1 medium finely chopped onion, 6 large minced garlic cloves, 4 tablespoons each chopped parsley, sage, cilantro, 1 heaping teaspoon ground cumin, 1 Β½ teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.
- Divide into 6 or 8 balls and flatten into patties with the palm of your hand. At this point, the meat is going to feel wet and sticky.
- Heat a gas grill to 450-500F or an indoor electric grill to medium-high heat.
- Brush olive oil on the grill when hot but be careful as the flames will flare-up.
- Add the patties to the hot grill. Close the lid and cook for 5 minutes on one side and flip over. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer is 160° F. Add slices of cheese to each patty.
- Remove the patties from the grill and cover with foil. Let them rest for 5 minutes while the temperature increases to 165F.
- Brush olive oil or melted butter on the cut side of the hamburger buns and place on grill until they are toasted with grill marks.
- Garnish the Turkey Burgers with arugula, sliced avocados, and sliced tomatoes. Add mayo or your favorite aioli to the burger.
Notes
- When making the turkey patties, the mixture will feel very wet and sticky, almost like really thick pudding. I know that sounds odd, but if you don't know that, you'll think you've done something wrong when you're mixing it up.
- You can throw the burgers on the grill or cook them inside on an electric one. I prefer the outside grill in the heat of the summer, but I've done them both ways, and either one comes out great.
- Brush the grill with some olive oil before you place the patties on it, otherwise, they will definitely stick. But be careful when cooking them on a gas grill, because the oil will cause the flame to flare up a bit.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Turkey Burger with Bun
- Calories: 319
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 616 mg
- Fat: 2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 93 mg
Sharon Rigsby says
Hey Kristy,
I really enjoyed your post and your awesome photos!
Sharon
Kristy Murray says
Thank you, Sharon! I hope you and your sister are doing great!
Niki Medlin says
These look so good! We're definitely going to try this recipe! Great photos, Kristy!
Kristy Murray says
Awww Thanks Niki! Let me know what you think if you do try them. I prefer these over a regular burger.
Albert Bevia says
oh my! these turkey burgers are calling my name! I will take 2 please π great post, so true, sometimes we just get caught up in our routine and forget about whatΒ΄s really important
Kristy Murray says
Thanks Albert! If you try these, would love to hear how they turn out. Also, hope you have a great weekend!
Karly says
These look amazing! This is exactly how I like my burgers!! Thanks for sharing!
Kristy Murray says
You're so welcome Karly. Thanks so much for stopping by. Have a wonderful weekend.
Christian says
Awesome posts. The one from Panama is amazing. Canβt wait to go!
Eric says
Your photos make this burger look so awesome. The spices and the fresh herbs in this recipe add great flavor to the finished burger.
Hannah Flack says
These meatballs are so good. My family loves themβ¦kids included. Theyβve become my βgo toβ turkey meatball recipe. Iβve made them quite a few times and finally decided I should say thank you for a good recipe. Thank you π
Kristy Murray says
Hi Hannah. Thanks so much for your kind comment. I'm happy that your family loves the recipe. And what a great idea to make these into turkey meatballs. I so appreciate you taking the time to stop by and let me know what you think.
Mark Houston says
Can you make this burgers a day ahead and grill the next day?
Kristy Murray says
Hi Mark. Yes, you definitely can make these a day ahead. Hope you enjoy.
Katerina says
Oh my gosh, Kristy - they look so delicious and juicy! I actually love turkey and often use turkey mince in risotto because it cooks so quickly. I would LOVE one of these for Sunday lunch - what a treat!
Kristy Murray says
Hi Katerina. Thanks so much! And I love your idea of turkey mince in risotto. Sounds fantastic.
Carrie says
Another yummy recipe, Kristy! I'm all about making a healthy burger and then topping it with everything unhealthy I can find, LOL!!! This looks fantastic!
Kristy Murray says
Carrie, you're so sweet! I am with you about all the unhealthy toppings. Somehow, it's just not the same without all the other stuff.
Eric says
These are turkey burgers deluxe. All the flavors from the spices and herbs seems to take these burgers over the top. Perfect grilling weather right now too.
Kristy Murray says
Thanks Eric. Turkey burgers can seem a little bland, but boy these are loaded with flavor. And I'm so happy that it is long-awaited grilling weather.
Maire says
Absolutely delicious! I canβt wait to try more of your recipes.
Kristy Murray says
Thanks so much Maire. I'm thrilled you enjoyed the Turkey Burgers. Look forward to hearing more from you!