The Best Turkey Burgers
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Ingredients
Cooking Process
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Steps
Add garlic, cumin, salt, harissa, Worcestershire, mayo, and onion to a large bowl. Use a fork to mix them together until well - combined.
Add the turkey to the bowl and mix thoroughly until it's well - combined with the other ingredients.
Coat a large plate with nonstick spray or oil.
Spray a 1/3 cup dry measuring cup with oil.
Use the oiled measuring cup to scoop up the turkey mixture and form about 6 mounds. You can also use your hands or an ice cream scoop instead. Transfer these mounds to the coated plate.
Place the plate with the turkey mounds in the refrigerator to chill for at least 10 minutes and up to 2 hours. This step will help keep the burgers firm.
If you plan to chill the turkey mounds for more than 2 hours, cover the plate with plastic wrap and you can chill them for up to 2 days. If you're grilling the burgers, please read the instructions found at the end of the blog post, under 'How to make turkey burgers on the grill.'
Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Working in 2 batches, transfer the turkey mixture from the plate into the skillet. Use a spatula to press the mixture into patties.
Cook the patties until they are dark brown on the bottom, which should take about 3 minutes.
Turn the patties over. If you're using cheese, add it on top of the patties now.
Cook the patties on the second side until they are fully cooked. Insert an instant - read thermometer into the thickest part of a patty; it should read 165°F (74°C). This will take about 2 more minutes.
Let the cooked burgers rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Per serving (2 servings)
193
Calories
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FAQ
Recipe Questions
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FAQ
Recipe Questions
How many servings does this turkey burger recipe make?
This recipe yields 3 - 4 servings.
What can I substitute for harissa in the recipe?
You can use other hot chili sauces like sambal oelek as a substitute for harissa.
How long should I chill the turkey mounds in the fridge?
Chill the turkey mounds for at least 10 minutes and up to 2 hours; if over 2 hours, cover and chill up to 2 days.
What temperature should the turkey burgers be cooked to?
The turkey burgers are fully cooked when an instant - read thermometer inserted in the thickest part reads 165°F (74°C).
Are there any allergens in this recipe?
Yes, this recipe contains dairy and soy allergens.
How long does it take to make these turkey burgers in total?
The total time to make the turkey burgers is about 30 minutes, including prep and cook time.
Substitutions
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Substitutions
granulated garlic or garlic powder
fresh garlic cloves, minced
Fresh garlic has a stronger, more pungent flavor compared to granulated or powdered garlic. You'll need about 1 - 2 medium cloves, minced, to substitute for 1 tsp of granulated garlic or powder. The texture will be different, with small pieces of garlic in the mixture.
ground cumin
ground coriander
Ground coriander has a slightly citrusy and sweet flavor, which is different from the earthy and warm flavor of cumin. However, it can still add a nice depth of flavor to the burgers. Use the same amount (1 tsp) as a substitute.
kosher salt
sea salt
Sea salt has a coarser texture and a slightly different mineral flavor compared to kosher salt. You can use the same amount (1 tsp) as a substitute, but be aware that some sea salts may be more intense, so you may want to taste and adjust accordingly.
harissa or other hot chili sauce
sriracha
Sriracha is a popular hot sauce with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor, different from the more complex and spicy flavor of harissa. Use 2 tsp of sriracha to substitute for the harissa or other hot chili sauce. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
Worcestershire sauce
soy sauce
Soy sauce is a common substitute for Worcestershire sauce. It has a salty and umami flavor, but lacks the tangy and complex flavor of Worcestershire. Use 2 tsp of soy sauce as a 1:1 replacement, but be aware that soy sauce is saltier, so you may need to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
mayonnaise
Greek yogurt
Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative to mayonnaise. It has a similar creamy texture but a tangier flavor. Use 2 tbsp of Greek yogurt to substitute for the mayonnaise. The burgers may be slightly less rich, but it can add a nice freshness.
ground turkey
ground chicken
Ground chicken is a good substitute for ground turkey. The flavor is similar, and the cooking time will be the same. Make sure to cook the chicken burgers to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are safe to eat.
olive oil
canola oil
Canola oil has a neutral flavor, which is different from the slightly fruity flavor of olive oil. It has a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying. Use the same amount (4 tbsp) to substitute for the olive oil.
Storage & Reheating
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Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Store cooked turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freezer
You can freeze cooked turkey burgers in a freezer - safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
Storage Tips
- • Keep the burgers in airtight containers to prevent freezer burn and maintain freshness.
- • Separate the burgers with parchment paper if freezing to make it easier to take out individual burgers.
Reheating Tips
- • Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Place the burgers on a baking sheet and cover with foil to avoid drying out. Reheat for about 10 - 15 minutes until heated through.
- • If using a microwave, place the burger on a microwave - safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in short intervals, checking and flipping the burger between intervals.
Safety Notes
- • Always ensure the internal temperature of the reheated turkey burger reaches 165°F (74°C) to prevent foodborne illness.
Troubleshooting
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Troubleshooting
The turkey mixture doesn't hold together well when forming patties
Likely cause: The mixture wasn't chilled long enough, or the turkey wasn't mixed thoroughly with the other ingredients
Place the turkey mixture back in the refrigerator for at least 10 more minutes. If it still doesn't hold, take the mixture out and mix it again more thoroughly with a fork or your hands
The burgers are undercooked in the middle
Likely cause: The cooking time was too short, or the heat was too low
Continue cooking the burgers for an additional 1 - 2 minutes per side, and use an instant - read thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
The burgers are overcooked and dry
Likely cause: The heat was too high, or the burgers were cooked for too long
Reduce the heat to low - medium and cover the skillet with a lid to help retain moisture. If the burgers are already very dry, you can brush them with a little olive oil
The burgers are sticking to the skillet
Likely cause: The skillet wasn't properly coated with oil, or the non - stick spray was ineffective
Add a little more oil to the skillet and let it heat up for a minute before adding the burgers. You can also try using a different non - stick spray or oil
The burgers taste bland
Likely cause: Not enough seasonings were used, or the seasonings weren't mixed well
Mix a little more granulated garlic, ground cumin, kosher salt, and harissa into the remaining turkey mixture if you have some. For the cooked burgers, you can sprinkle some extra seasonings on top and let them sit for a minute to absorb the flavors
The cheese doesn't melt properly on the burgers
Likely cause: The heat was turned off too soon, or the cheese was added too late in the cooking process
Turn the heat back on to low and cover the skillet with a lid for a couple of minutes to help the cheese melt. You can also use a cheese that melts more easily