Grilled turkey burgers are a juicy, flavorful, and healthy option for summer grilling. They are simple to make and perfect for family gatherings or quick weeknight meals. With their savory flavors and satisfying texture, everyone will enjoy this delicious dish!
Table of Contents
The Best Grilled Turkey Burgers
Why This Grilled Turkey Burger Recipe Works
This recipe stands out because it combines lean ground turkey with savory ingredients, creating juicy and flavorful burgers. By using finely grated onion and garlic, we ensure that every bite bursts with umami goodness. Plus, chilling the patties before grilling helps maintain their shape while cooking.
Ingredients for Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers
Gather these simple ingredients to create your perfect grilled turkey burgers:
- 1 ⅓ pounds 93% lean ground turkey (90-92% lean acceptable)
- ½ medium yellow onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Oil for grilling grates
Essential Equipment for Grilling Burgers
To make grilling a breeze, you’ll need a few essential tools:
- Grill (gas or charcoal)
- Grill brush for cleaning
- Spatula for flipping burgers
- Parchment paper or foil for preparation
How to Make Grilled Turkey Burgers
Preparing the Turkey Burger Mixture
Start by preparing a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Finely grate the onion using a box grater. Blot the grated onion with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated onion, garlic, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined, avoiding overworking the mixture.
Forming and Chilling the Patties
Divide the mixture into four equal portions, approximately 6 ounces each. Form each portion into a 1-inch thick patty and place them on the prepared baking sheet. To help the burgers maintain their shape while cooking, chill the patties in the freezer for at least 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can separate the patties with wax paper and refrigerate them for up to three days.
Grilling the Turkey Burgers
Preheat your grill to medium-high direct heat, around 450-500°F. Clean the grates with a wire brush. Just before placing the burgers on the grill, oil the grates generously using a paper towel dipped in high smoke point oil, like avocado or grapeseed oil. Place the patties on the grill, making a slight indent in the center of each with your thumb. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping with a spatula. Avoid pressing down on the burgers to retain their juices.
Tips for Perfectly Grilled Turkey Burgers
To check for doneness, use an instant-read thermometer. The burgers should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you’d like to add cheese, do so in the last two minutes of cooking. Serve your grilled turkey burgers on buns with your favorite toppings for a delicious meal!
Stovetop Alternative for Turkey Burgers
If grilling isn’t an option, you can cook these burgers in a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring even cooking and browning.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Turkey Burgers
Serve your grilled turkey burgers on soft buns topped with fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and a spread of creamy mayonnaise or tangy mustard. Pair them with crispy sweet potato fries or a refreshing summer salad for a complete meal that everyone will love.
Flavorful Variations for Grilled Turkey Burgers
Lemon Herb Turkey Burgers
Add lemon zest and chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, dill, or mint for a bright twist!
Greek Turkey Burgers
For a Mediterranean flair, add dried oregano, double the garlic, and lemon zest. Serve with tzatziki and a Greek salad. You can find a great recipe for Greek Turkey Burgers on our website!
Spicy Chipotle Turkey Burgers
Incorporate chopped chipotle peppers or chipotle mayo for a smoky kick. Serve with guacamole and salsa for a fiesta on your plate!
Moroccan Turkey Burgers
Mix in ras el hanout or a spice blend of cumin, cinnamon, and coriander. Top with chermoula sauce for an exotic flavor experience!
Storing and Reheating Grilled Turkey Burgers
Store any leftover grilled turkey burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, simply pop them in the microwave until warmed through.
FAQs
What ingredients do I need for grilled turkey burgers?
You need 93% lean ground turkey, onion, garlic, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, and oil for grilling.
How do I make grilled turkey burgers step by step?
Combine all ingredients, form into patties, chill, then grill on medium-high heat until cooked through.
Can I make grilled turkey burgers ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the patties and refrigerate them for up to 3 days or freeze them for later use.
How should I store leftover grilled turkey burgers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in the microwave.
Related Recipes to try
- Greek Turkey Burgers
- Ground Turkey Bowl
- Turkey Burger Casserole
- Turkey Meatballs
- Ground Turkey
- Turkey Skillet
Conclusion
These grilled turkey burgers are not only delicious but also a healthy choice for any meal. They’re easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion. For more inspiration, check out our Pinterest page for creative meal ideas and recipes!
Grilled Turkey Burgers: Delicious and Easy Summer Delight
Equipment
- box grater
- paper towels
- large bowl
- baking sheet
- parchment paper or foil
- grill
- wire brush
- Spatula
- Instant-read thermometer
- cast iron skillet
Ingredients
- 1 ⅓ pounds 93% lean ground turkey (90-92% lean acceptable)
- medium yellow onion finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (or sour cream/yogurt)
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Oil for grilling grates (high smoke point oil)
Optional Cheese
- cheese (e.g., cheddar, provolone)
For Serving
- burger buns
- desired toppings
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Finely grate the onion using a box grater and blot with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large bowl, gently combine ground turkey, grated onion, minced garlic, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Avoid overworking the mixture.
- Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and form into 1-inch thick patties. Place patties on the prepared baking sheet and chill in the freezer for at least 20 minutes to firm up.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (450-500°F) and clean the grates with a wire brush. Just before cooking, generously oil the grates using a paper towel dipped in high smoke point oil.
- Place patties on the oiled grill grates, creating a slight indent in the center of each with your thumb. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, flipping once with a spatula. Do not press down on the burgers.
- Check for doneness with an instant-read thermometer, removing burgers when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add cheese in the last 2 minutes of cooking if desired.
- Serve the grilled turkey burgers on buns with your favorite toppings.
Stovetop Alternative
- Cook in a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.