Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers Recipe for Backyard Bliss
Sizzling summer evenings call for a mouthwatering grilled turkey burgers recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.
Packed with juicy flavor and perfect seasoning, these burgers stand out from ordinary patties.
Ground turkey takes center stage, delivering a lean and delicious protein option for your backyard cookout.
Herbs and spices blend seamlessly to create a burger that’s both succulent and satisfying.
Each bite offers a delightful combination of smoky grilled notes and rich, savory goodness.
Grilling these turkey burgers guarantees a delectable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Grab your spatula and get ready to become the grill master of your neighborhood.
Ingredients for Ultimate Grilled Turkey Burgers
For Protein Base:
Ground Turkey: Lean and versatile meat that provides a healthier alternative to beef, ensuring a lighter burger with rich flavor profile.
Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and bold taste, selecting fresh cloves for maximum pungency.
For Moisture and Binding:
Mayonnaise: Creamy ingredient that keeps turkey burgers juicy and tender, preventing dryness during grilling.
Worcestershire Sauce: Umami-rich condiment that enhances overall meat flavor and adds subtle tangy complexity.
Onion: Adds moisture, subtle sweetness, and helps bind ingredients together, choosing sweet or yellow varieties for best results.
For Seasoning and Finishing:
Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that brings out natural meat taste, using kosher or sea salt for optimal seasoning.
Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat and aromatic sharpness, freshly ground for maximum intensity.
Cheese (Optional): Melty topping that adds richness and extra flavor, selecting varieties like cheddar or Swiss for best results.
Buns: Soft bread vessels for serving, choosing sturdy bakery-style buns that can hold burger's moisture.
Tools for Making Grilled Turkey Burgers
Box Grater: Essential for finely grating onion with minimal effort.
Baking Sheet: Perfect for preparing and chilling patties before grilling.
Paper Towels: Helpful for pressing moisture from onion and oiling grill grates.
Mixing Bowl: Large enough to combine turkey and seasonings without overmixing.
Tongs: Crucial for safely handling and flipping burgers on the grill.
Meat Thermometer: Ensures turkey burgers reach safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Grill: Provides ideal cooking surface for creating delicious charred burgers.
Grilling Instructions for Turkey Burgers
Onion Prep Grate the onion super finely and squeeze out extra moisture using paper towels to keep the burger texture perfect.
Burger Base Mix ground turkey with grated onion, minced garlic, a splash of mayo, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Blend ingredients gently with your hands to maintain a light, tender texture.
Patty Formation Create four hearty patties about an inch thick. Place them on a lined baking sheet and pop into the freezer for a quick 20-minute chill to help them hold together.
Grill Setup Warm up the grill to a medium-high temperature. Lightly oil the grates using a paper towel and tongs to prevent sticking.
Cooking Magic Grill the patties for 6-7 minutes on each side, ensuring they reach a safe internal temperature. For cheese lovers, add a slice during the final two minutes of cooking.
Burger Assembly Slide the juicy patties onto fresh buns and dress with your favorite toppings and condiments for a mouthwatering meal.
Flavor Upgrades for Grilled Turkey Burgers
Freezing turkey patties for 20 minutes helps them hold together, prevents crumbling, and locks in juicy flavors during grilling.
Grating onion instead of chopping releases more moisture and distributes flavors evenly throughout the turkey mixture, creating a more balanced taste profile.
Experiment with unique combinations like caramelized onions, crispy bacon, avocado slices, or tangy blue cheese to elevate the classic turkey burger experience.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F, and avoid pressing patties while grilling to maintain moisture and prevent tough, dry meat.
Serving Grilled Turkey Burgers Creatively
Pair with Zesty Sides: Complement the turkey burgers with crispy sweet potato fries or a refreshing cucumber-dill salad for a balanced meal that adds extra flavor and texture.
Create a Flavor Explosion: Top burgers with caramelized onions, melted sharp cheddar, or a tangy avocado spread to elevate the taste and make each bite more exciting.
Build a Complete Meal: Serve alongside a light summer coleslaw or grilled corn on the cob to create a satisfying and colorful dinner that brings everyone together around the table.
Cool Drink Pairing: Refresh the palate with a cold craft beer, crisp white wine, or homemade lemonade that complements the savory grilled turkey burger perfectly.
How to Store Grilled Turkey Burgers
Refrigerate Wisely: Store uncooked turkey burger patties in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Separate patties with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual raw patties in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months for quick weeknight dinners.
Reheat with Care: Warm leftover cooked burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
Pack Lunch Safely: Keep cooked burgers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Pack with separate buns and toppings to prevent soggy sandwiches.
Juicy grilled turkey burgers promise a Mediterranean-inspired feast packed with herbs and feta cheese. Home cooks can savor these delectable patties that blend lean protein with bold Mediterranean flavors, creating a perfect summer meal.
Ingredients
Scale
1 ⅓ lbs (0.6 kg) ground turkey, 93% lean
2 tbsps mayonnaise (optional)
2 tsps Worcestershire sauce
1 ½ tsps kosher salt
½ medium yellow onion, finely grated and squeezed of excess moisture
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
½ tsp ground black pepper
Oil, for the grill grates
Burger buns
Cheese
Lettuce
Tomatoes
Onions
Pickles
Mustard
Ketchup
Aioli
Instructions
Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for a clean burger-making surface.
Flavor Base: Grate onion and eliminate excess moisture by pressing with paper towels to ensure a compact burger mixture.
Mixing: Combine ground turkey with onion, garlic, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, blending gently with hands to maintain meat’s delicate texture.
Shaping: Form 4 equal patties, creating a slight center depression to prevent swelling during grilling, then chill in freezer for 20 minutes to stabilize shape.
Grill Preparation: Heat grill to medium-high (400-450°F), lubricating grates with oil-dipped paper towel to prevent sticking.
Cooking: Grill patties 6-7 minutes per side, rotating once to achieve attractive cross-hatch marks and ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Finishing: Optional cheese melting during final cooking moments, followed by a 2-3 minute resting period to redistribute internal juices.
Serving: Assemble on toasted buns with selected garnishes like lettuce, tomato, onion, and preferred condiments.
Notes
Moisture Management: Grate and thoroughly squeeze out onion liquid to prevent soggy, dense burger texture.
Gentle Handling: Mix ingredients lightly with hands to keep turkey meat tender and prevent tough, compact patties.
Chilling Technique: Freeze patties for 20 minutes before grilling to help maintain shape and improve structural integrity.
Temperature Precision: Use meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing both food safety and juicy results.
The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)
Program: Classic Culinary Arts
Focus: An intensive curriculum rooted in classical French techniques, artisanal bread production, and contemporary culinary methods.
Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking.
Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.
Michael Rivera
Co-Founder & Culinary Instructor
Expertise
Education
The French Culinary Institute (now part of the International Culinary Center)
Michael Rivera is a seasoned chef and culinary instructor based in San Francisco, CA. Trained in Classic Culinary Arts at The French Culinary Institute, he refined his skills in Michelin-starred kitchens, mastering classic French techniques and artisanal bread baking.
Passionate about making gourmet methods accessible, Michael co-founded thatsmyhome.com to share his expertise through interactive online lessons and innovative, plant-based recipes. He loves blending traditional techniques with modern ideas, encouraging home cooks to enjoy the art of cooking in a relaxed, fun environment.