Healthy Juicy Turkey Burgers Recipe – Best Ever!
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These healthy turkey burgers are so juicy and flavorful, you’ll never miss the beef! They are so moist and full of flavor, this is the only ground turkey burger recipe you’ll ever need!
These juicy turkey burgers are a healthier alternative to beef and taste so delicious! If you are used to dry tasteless turkey burgers, you’ll need to try this recipe and you’ll change your mind! These turkey burgers are so succulent, you’ll love biting into this moist juicy meat!
Why You’ll Love Healthy Juicy Turkey Burgers
- These turkey burgers are packed with flavor, thanks to the Worcestershire sauce and olive oil, making every bite incredibly satisfying. No more bland or dry turkey burgers!
- They are super easy to prepare, taking just 15 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
- Healthier than traditional beef burgers, these are a great option for anyone watching their fat intake or looking for a leaner protein alternative.
- You can easily customize the toppings to suit your taste. Go classic with lettuce and tomato or get creative with avocado, spicy mayo, or grilled veggies.
- The recipe offers versatile options like serving the patties bunless for a low-carb meal or turning them into lettuce wraps for a keto-friendly dish.
This ground turkey burger recipe is very simple, and simple is always best! All you need for a juicy turkey burger is ground turkey, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Olive oil seals in the moisture, Worcestershire sauce adds delicious flavor and the ground turkey cooks into a perfectly browned burger patty that tastes so good!
Ingredients For Healthy Juicy Turkey Burgers
- Ground turkey – The star of this recipe! Lean and flavorful, it forms the perfect base for these juicy burgers.
- Olive oil – Adds moisture and helps seal in juiciness while cooking.
- Worcestershire sauce – Provides a savory, umami boost to elevate the flavor.
- Salt and pepper – Simple seasonings that bring out the best in the turkey.
- Toppings of choice – Customize with buns, lettuce, tomato, pickles, onions, cheese, mustard, or ketchup for your perfect burger.
For exact measurements, see the printable recipe card at the bottom of this article.
There are many recipes online of turkey burgers with bread crumbs or eggs added to the ground turkey mixture – you don’t need this “filler” products! Remember, these are BURGERS, not meatballs or meatloaf! Bread crumbs and eggs don’t go into the burger patties – burgers should be made of 100% meat!
To keep the turkey burgers juicy, make sure you don’t overcook them! Cook the turkey burgers over medium-high heat for 5 minutes per side. Do not cook them over medium or low heat, as it will lengthen the cooking time and turn the turkey rubbery. The turkey is cooked through when the internal temperature is 165F.
Kitchen Tools You Need To Make Healthy Juicy Turkey Burgers
- Mixing bowl – To combine the ground turkey with the other ingredients.
- Measuring spoons – For accurately measuring oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Large non-stick skillet – Ensures even cooking and prevents the patties from sticking.
- Spatula – For flipping the burgers with ease.
These turkey burgers freeze very well. If you’d like to freeze them for later, you need to freeze them uncooked. To freeze turkey burgers, just put the sheets of parchment paper between turkey patties so they don’t stick together and freeze in a ziploc bag. When ready to cook the burgers, just cook them directly from frozen and add an extra 2 minutes to cooking time.
To turn a turkey burger into cheeseburger, add the cheese slices on top of turkey patties during the last 3 minutes of cooking, so the cheese melts. You can be really creative with your turkey burgers by adding the toppings of your choice. On my burgers, I like mustard, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, pickles and onions. If you are on a low carb diet, you can just omit the buns and serve the turkey burger patties only with a side dish like roasted broccoli or a creamy cucumber salad. You can also wrap the burgers into the large Romaine lettuce leaves and turn them into lettuce wraps!
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these turkey burgers with a side of Crispy Air Fryer French Fries Recipe or Healthy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedge for a classic combo.
- Serve alongside a Green Salad with Lettuce, Tomato, and Shredded Parmesan or a Tomato and Feta Parsley Salad – Healthy Mediterranean Recipe for a light, refreshing meal.
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Transform them into a low-carb option by swapping the bun for Romaine lettuce leaves to wrap the patties. Looking for more ways to use Romaine lettuce? Check this out >> Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps – Easy Low-Carb Dinner Idea
- Add a Best Creamy Sweet Coleslaw Recipe – Classic Restaurant Style or Easy Grilled Corn on the Cob as a tasty barbecue-inspired side.
- For a fun twist, serve the patties on top of Easy Bone Broth Cooked Rice or Mediterranean Greek Quinoa Salad for a deconstructed burger bowl.
Tips For Success
- Choose the right ground turkey: For the juiciest burgers, opt for ground turkey with a mix of white and dark meat. Lean-only ground turkey may result in drier patties.
- Don’t overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just until they’re blended. Overmixing can make the patties dense and tough.
- Form even patties: Shaping the patties to be uniform in size ensures they cook evenly. Use your hands to press them gently into shape.
- Cook at medium-high heat: This temperature sears the outside while keeping the inside juicy. Lower heat may overcook the meat and lead to dry burgers.
- Avoid pressing the patties: Resist the urge to press the patties with a spatula while cooking. This squeezes out the juices and can make them less flavorful.
- Use a meat thermometer: For food safety and perfect results, check that the internal temperature of the burgers reaches 165°F.
- Rest before serving: Let the patties rest for a minute or two after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Customize to your taste: Don’t be afraid to experiment with toppings, sauces, or spices to make the burgers uniquely yours.
Variations And Substitutions
- Low-carb option: Swap the burger buns for large Romaine lettuce leaves or portobello mushroom caps to create delicious lettuce-wrapped burgers.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free buns or skip the bread altogether and serve the patties with a side of roasted vegetables.
- Dairy-free: Leave off the cheese or use a plant-based cheese alternative to keep the recipe dairy-free.
- Add a flavor boost: Mix in minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro, or a dash of smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or mix in diced jalapeños for a spicy kick. Top with spicy mayo or sriracha for an added heat element.
- Cheesy core: Turn these burgers into stuffed patties by placing a cube of your favorite cheese in the center of the raw patty before cooking.
- Change the protein: This recipe works wonderfully with ground chicken or a combination of turkey and chicken for a different taste profile.
- Vegetarian adaptation: Substitute with a pre-made plant-based ground meat substitute to create a veggie burger using the same technique.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerating leftovers: Store cooked turkey burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let them cool to room temperature before sealing them up.
- Freezing uncooked patties: To freeze, place parchment paper between raw patties and store them in a zip-top freezer bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Freezing cooked patties: Cooked patties can also be frozen. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheating: For refrigerated patties, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side until warmed through. Frozen patties can be reheated in the same way but may require an extra 2-3 minutes per side. Alternatively, use a microwave, heating in 30-second intervals until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these turkey burgers on the grill?
Absolutely! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat, and cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Be sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
What can I use instead of Worcestershire sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or coconut aminos can work as a substitute. They will add a similar depth of flavor.
How do I prevent turkey burgers from falling apart?
Since this recipe avoids fillers like breadcrumbs, ensure you don’t overmix the meat, and press the patties gently but firmly when shaping them. Chilling the patties in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before cooking can also help them hold their shape.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe is easy to scale! Simply double the ingredients and cook the patties in batches if necessary.
How do I know when the turkey burgers are fully cooked?
The best way to ensure your burgers are cooked through is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the patty, and once it reads 165°F, they are ready to serve.
If you like these juicy turkey burgers, you will also love these easy healthy recipes:
Turkey Spinach Meatballs – these baked meatballs are super healthy and made with a mixture of turkey and spinach!
Baked Turkey Tacos – a big batch of tacos is assembled in a casserole dish and baked, so easy and delicious!
Baked Parmesan Oven Fries – these crispy fries are baked in the oven, so healthy and perfect for serving with these turkey burgers!
Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad – this colorful refreshing salad goes really well with burgers and so yummy!
Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf – juicy turkey meatloaf baked with gooey melted cheese inside, yum yum yum!
Best Juicy Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/3 tsp pepper
- Toppings of choice - buns lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, cheese, mustard, ketchup
Recommended Kitchen Tools (click the links below to see the items used to make this recipe)
- Large non-stick skillet
Instructions
- Put ground turkey, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper in a bowl. Mix with your hands until combined.
- Form the turkey mixture into 4 burger patties.
- Spray a large non-stick skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Put the burger patties on a frying pan so they are not touching. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip the burgers with the spatula and cook on another side for 5 minutes (or until the juices run clear and no longer pink in center). To make it a cheeseburger, put cheese slices on top of patties during the last 3 minutes of cooking.
- Assemble the turkey burgers by putting the meat on buns and adding desired toppings.
Notes
- To keep the burgers moist, avoid overcooking.
- These burgers freeze well uncooked. Stack patties with parchment paper between them and store in a zip-top bag. Cook from frozen, adding 2 extra minutes to the cooking time.
More Main Vegan Dish Recipes
- Air Fryer Jackfruit Tacos Recipe – Plant-Based Meat Substitute
- Easy Refried Bean Quesadillas with Cheese – 15-Minute Meal
- Skillet Fried Potatoes with Eggs – Simple Breakfast Recipe
Wonderful recipes ! I really enjoy them.
easy and healthy choices
Many thanks
When I found this recipe, I was hopeful but not expecting much. To my surprise, these turkey burgers were so juicy and full of flavor 👌
I loved how quick and easy they were to prepare..