If you’re searching for a healthy spin on a classic backyard favorite, Grilled Turkey Burgers deliver every bit of summer sizzle with a juicy, savory bite! This recipe leans on simple yet bold flavor boosters, creating burgers that are lighter than beef but absolutely not lacking in taste. These burgers are easy enough for a weeknight meal yet impressive enough for your next cookout, and you’ll love just how versatile and family-friendly they are.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Grilled Turkey Burgers comes from a handful of pantry staples that each add their own twist—juiciness, savory depth, and a pop of smoky flavor. Keep these ingredients on hand and you’ll always be ready to fire up the grill!
- Ground turkey (93% lean): Offers the perfect balance of flavor and moisture for burgers that are tender but not greasy.
- Finely chopped onion: Melts into the patties as they cook, adding sweetness and extra juiciness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings umami depth and a little tang—think of it as the secret ingredient that dials up the savory goodness.
- Garlic powder: An easy way to sprinkle robust, garlicky flavor throughout the patties.
- Onion powder: Enhances the overall savoriness and complements the fresh chopped onions.
- Smoked paprika: Delivers subtle smokiness, perfect for grilled recipes.
- Salt: Essential for developing all those wonderful flavors.
- Black pepper: Gives a little kick and rounds out the spice mix.
- Olive oil (for grilling): Prevents sticking and helps the exterior get that irresistible crust.
- Burger buns and toppings: Choose your favorite fixings—lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, and condiments let everyone build their dream burger.
How to Make Grilled Turkey Burgers
Step 1: Mix the Turkey Burger Base
Start by grabbing a large bowl—this will be your burger laboratory! Add the ground turkey, finely chopped onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Using clean hands or a fork, gently combine the mixture. Be careful not to overwork it, as too much mixing can make your Grilled Turkey Burgers dense. Aim for a just-blended mix; you want all those flavors swirled together without compressing the meat.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Divide your seasoned turkey into four equal portions. Shape each into a patty, roughly 3/4 inch thick, and don’t forget to make a slight indentation in the center with your thumb. This little trick keeps the burgers from puffing up in the middle and ensures they cook evenly with a picture-perfect finish.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Grill
Fire up your grill to medium-high heat (about 400 to 425°F). Before you place the patties on, brush the grates with oil to prevent sticking. Then, lightly brush the surface of each burger patty with olive oil—this not only aids browning but also helps lock in moisture for ultra-juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers.
Step 4: Grill to Juicy Perfection
Place the patties on the hot grill and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. Resist the urge to press them down with a spatula (no squeezing out that precious juiciness!). Flip once, and grill until a thermometer reads 165°F at the thickest part. Let the burgers rest for 2 to 3 minutes before assembling—this gives the juices time to redistribute, so every bite is tender.
Step 5: Build and Serve
Toast your buns lightly on the grill if you love a little crunch. Then pile the rested Grilled Turkey Burgers onto the buns and layer on your favorite toppings: crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, tangy pickles, sharp cheese, and all the sauces you crave. Now, it’s time to dig in!
How to Serve Grilled Turkey Burgers
Garnishes
Take your burgers past basic by adding layers of fresh, crunchy, and creamy garnishes. Classic lettuce, tomato, and onion pair beautifully, but don’t shy away from tangy pickles, peppery arugula, or a quick homemade slaw. A slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese can bring the melty factor, while a dollop of zesty aioli or chipotle mayo doubles down on flavor.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with sides that complement the smoky, lean flavors of your Grilled Turkey Burgers. Think crispy sweet potato fries, a colorful corn salad, or even grilled veggies for a healthy feast. Potato chips, macaroni salad, or a chilled watermelon salad are also fantastic BBQ companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up burger night by transforming your Grilled Turkey Burgers into sliders for a party platter, or swap buns for toasted sourdough or lettuce wraps for a lower-carb option. Set up a DIY burger bar so everyone can layer their favorites and turn dinner into a build-your-own feast that’s as fun as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve got extra burgers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to three days. Store without the buns and toppings so they stay as juicy as possible. They’re just as good for quick lunches or protein-packed snacks!
Freezing
Grilled Turkey Burgers freeze beautifully, whether raw or cooked. Layer uncooked patties between sheets of parchment and freeze in a zip-top bag for up to three months—thaw overnight before grilling. For cooked burgers, cool completely, wrap each patty, and freeze for up to two months.
Reheating
To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water and lid on, or microwave gently until warmed through. This helps maintain moisture, so each bite tastes nearly as fresh as off the grill.
FAQs
How do I keep Grilled Turkey Burgers from falling apart?
Turkey mixture can be a little softer than beef, but forming tight patties and chilling them for 20 minutes before grilling really helps. Also, avoid over-flipping on the grill and use a well-oiled grate.
Can I make Grilled Turkey Burgers in advance?
Absolutely! Shape the patties up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and keep in the fridge. You can even freeze formed patties for a future grilling day.
Are Grilled Turkey Burgers healthier than beef burgers?
Yes, turkey burgers are generally lower in saturated fat and calories compared to beef, making them a great choice if you’re aiming for a leaner meal without giving up on flavor.
What toppings work best with Grilled Turkey Burgers?
Classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles pair perfectly, but don’t hesitate to try avocado, spicy mustard, or smoky gouda cheese for an extra punch.
Can I cook Grilled Turkey Burgers on a grill pan or stovetop?
You sure can! Preheat your grill pan or skillet over medium-high, oil lightly, then cook the patties as directed. They’ll still get a lovely crust and plenty of juicy flavor.
Final Thoughts
It’s impossible to resist a platter of Grilled Turkey Burgers fresh off the grill—perfectly seasoned, juicy, and ready for your favorite fixings. Give this recipe a try and make it your own; I’m betting it’ll become a regular star at your table all summer long!
Print
Grilled Turkey Burgers Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Juicy and flavorful, these Grilled Turkey Burgers are a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Made with lean ground turkey and a blend of savory seasonings, these burgers are perfect for a quick and healthy meal straight off the grill.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for grilling)
- burger buns and desired toppings (lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese, condiments)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates. Brush the patties lightly with olive oil.
- Grill the burgers for 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for a few minutes before serving on buns with your favorite toppings.
Mix gently until just combined—do not overwork. Form into 4 equal patties, making a slight indentation in the center of each to prevent puffing.
Notes
- For juicier burgers, avoid overcooking and consider adding 1 tablespoon of plain Greek yogurt or mayo to the mix.
- These patties can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 patty (no bun)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
