This succulent turkey burger recipe is the perfect blend of savory and smoky flavors. Made from lean ground turkey with a hint of bacon and barbecue sauce, these burgers are not only healthier but also incredibly juicy and delectable. A mix of traditional ingredients and a surprise addition or two gives these turkey burgers a delightful taste that stands out from your usual hamburgers.
Photos of Juicy Turkey Burgers Recipe
Most ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in home kitchens. However, the ground turkey and bacon might not be readily available in your pantry. When shopping, ensure you get lean ground turkey to make the burger healthier. The bacon is an optional ingredient which you can skip if you prefer a less fatty burger, but it does add a fantastic smoky flavor to the burgers.
Ingredients for Juicy Turkey Burgers
Ground turkey: This serves as the main component of the burgers, providing a leaner and healthier alternative to regular beef.
Bacon: Added to the turkey for a hint of smoky flavor and added juiciness. You can skip this if you prefer less fatty burgers.
Egg yolk: Helps to bind the ingredients together.
Seasoned bread crumbs: Adds texture and helps hold the burger together.
Barbecue sauce: Gives the burger a tangy, smoky flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the savory flavor of the turkey.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle hint of garlic flavor.
Onion: Freshly chopped onion adds a bit of crunch and sweetness.
Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to taste.
Hamburger buns: The vessel for your burger. Choose your favorite kind.
Lettuce: Adds freshness and crunch to the burger.
Tomato: Provides a juicy, slightly sweet element.
One reader, Franny Pedersen says:
These juicy turkey burgers are a game-changer! The combination of bacon and barbecue sauce gives them an incredible flavor. The patties are so moist and delicious. I highly recommend this recipe for a tasty and healthier alternative to traditional burgers. It's a hit with my family every time!
Techniques for Crafting Juicy Turkey Burgers
How to form the patties: Gently combine the ground turkey, bacon, egg yolk, bread crumbs, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form the mixture into 4 patties that are ½-inch thick, then use your thumb to create a small indent in the center of each patty.
How to refrigerate the patties: After forming the patties, refrigerate them for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the patties to firm up.
How to preheat the grill: Before cooking the turkey burgers, preheat the grill to medium-high heat to ensure even cooking and a nice sear on the patties.
How to brush the patties with barbecue sauce: Once the grill is preheated, brush the patties with barbecue sauce before placing them on the grill. This adds flavor and helps create a caramelized exterior.
How to grill the patties: Grill the patties for 6 to 8 minutes per side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that the turkey burgers are fully cooked and safe to eat.
How to serve the turkey burgers: Serve the grilled turkey burgers on hamburger buns with lettuce, tomato, and onions for a delicious and satisfying meal.
How To Make Juicy Turkey Burgers
Create some turkey burgers for your next BBQ gathering! These burgers are packed with seasoned flavorings for a truly exciting meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1lbground turkey,not extra lean
- 2slicesbacon,uncooked, diced
- 1egg yolk
- 2tbspseasoned bread crumbs
- 2tbspbarbecue sauce,plus extra for basting
- 1tspWorcestershire sauce
- ½tspgarlic powder
- 1tbsponion,grated
- salt and pepper
For Serving:
- 4hamburger buns
- lettuce,optional
- tomato,optional
- onion,optional
Instructions
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Gently combine the ground turkey, bacon, egg yolk, bread crumbs, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion, salt and pepper in a bowl.
-
Form into 4 patties that are ½-inch thick. Using thumb, create a small indent in the patties.
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Refrigerate 30 minutes
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Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
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Brush patties with barbecue sauce, then grill for 6 to 8 minutes per side or until cooked through at 165 degrees F.
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Serve on hamburger buns with lettuce, tomato, onions, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 388.67kcal
- Fat: 17.17g
- Saturated Fat: 4.97g
- Trans Fat: 0.14g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 6.34g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.33g
- Carbohydrates: 28.42g
- Fiber: 1.33g
- Sugar: 6.14g
- Protein: 29.47g
- Cholesterol: 124.34mg
- Sodium: 499.86mg
- Calcium: 113.19mg
- Potassium: 408.09mg
- Iron: 3.20mg
- Vitamin A: 38.26µg
- Vitamin C: 0.97mg
Key Technique for Juicy Turkey Burgers
When forming your turkey burgers, avoid overworking the mixture. This can result in tough burgers. Instead, gently combine the ingredients until just mixed, then shape into patties. This will ensure your burgers remain tender and juicy. Additionally, the small indent you create in the center of the patties helps them cook evenly and prevents them from puffing up in the middle.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Turkey Burgers
Prep ahead: Prepare the burger patties the night before and refrigerate them. This will allow the flavors to meld and the patties to firm up, saving you time on the day of cooking.
Use a food processor: Use a food processor to finely chop the bacon and onion. This will save time and ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed in the turkey patties.
Grill multiple: Cook extra patties and store them in the fridge or freezer for quick and easy meals later in the week.
Batch cooking: Double or triple the recipe and freeze the extra patties for future use. This way, you'll have ready-to-cook burgers on hand whenever you need them.
Prep station: Set up a designated prep station with all the ingredients and tools you need before you start cooking to streamline the process.
Substitute Ingredients For Juicy Turkey Burgers Recipe
ground turkey - Substitute with ground chicken: Ground chicken can be used as a lean alternative to ground turkey, providing a similar texture and flavor profile.
bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative to traditional bacon, offering a similar smoky flavor and texture.
egg yolk - Substitute with flaxseed egg: A flaxseed egg can be used as a vegan alternative to egg yolk, providing binding properties and moisture.
seasoned bread crumbs - Substitute with panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs can be used for a lighter, crispier texture in the turkey burgers.
barbecue sauce - Substitute with honey mustard: Honey mustard provides a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, complementing the turkey burgers.
worcestershire sauce - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce offers a savory umami flavor, enhancing the depth of the turkey burgers.
garlic powder - Substitute with minced garlic: Fresh minced garlic can be used for a more intense garlic flavor in the turkey burgers.
onion - Substitute with shallot: Shallots provide a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle depth to the turkey burgers.
Presenting Juicy Turkey Burgers
Elevate the burger bun: Choose a high-quality, artisanal burger bun that is soft, yet sturdy enough to hold the juicy turkey patty and toppings. Toast the bun lightly to add a delicious crunch and elevate the overall texture of the burger.
Garnish with fresh greens: Add a pop of color and freshness to the plate by garnishing with a small mixed greens salad lightly dressed with a tangy vinaigrette. This not only adds visual appeal but also provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the turkey burger.
Artfully arrange the toppings: Carefully place the sliced tomatoes and onions on the burger, ensuring an even distribution of each ingredient. This attention to detail enhances the visual presentation and ensures that every bite is perfectly balanced.
Serve with a side of gourmet fries: Accompany the juicy turkey burger with a side of hand-cut truffle fries or sweet potato fries. Arrange the fries in a stylish manner, perhaps in a mini wire basket or a ceramic dish, to add a touch of elegance to the dish.
Drizzle with a balsamic reduction: Before serving, drizzle a small amount of balsamic reduction over the turkey burger. The sweet and tangy flavor of the reduction not only enhances the taste but also creates an artistic presentation on the plate.
Use a branded steak marker: To add a professional touch, consider branding the burger bun with a custom-made steak marker featuring your restaurant's logo or a unique design. This small detail adds a personalized and memorable element to the presentation.
Storing and Freezing Turkey Burgers
To store leftover turkey burgers, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze the turkey burgers for later use, wrap each patty individually in plastic wrap or wax paper, making sure to remove as much air as possible. Then, place the wrapped patties in a freezer-safe container or a resealable freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the date and contents.
Frozen turkey burgers can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, remove the desired number of patties from the freezer and let them thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
To reheat the thawed turkey burgers, you can either grill them over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side or place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are heated through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
If you have uncooked turkey burger patties that you want to freeze, follow the same wrapping and storing process as described above. When you're ready to cook them, you can either thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight or cook them directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time accordingly to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How To Reheat Leftover Turkey Burgers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the turkey burgers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Cover the burgers loosely with another piece of foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
For a quick and easy method, microwave your leftover turkey burgers. Place the burgers on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. This will help retain moisture. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the burgers to become rubbery.
If you have a toaster oven, this is a great option for reheating your turkey burgers. Preheat the toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the burgers on the toaster oven tray and heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through.
For a crispy exterior, reheat your turkey burgers on the stovetop. Heat a small amount of oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the burgers and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
If you have access to an air fryer, this is a healthy and quick way to reheat your turkey burgers. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the burgers in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through.
Interesting Fact About Turkey Burgers
Turkey burgers are a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers, as they are lower in fat and calories.
The Economics of Homemade Turkey Burgers
The cost-effectiveness of this turkey burger recipe is quite favorable. Ground turkey is an affordable protein option, and the addition of bacon and seasonings enhances the flavor without significantly increasing the cost. The use of common pantry ingredients further contributes to its cost-effectiveness. Overall Verdict: 8/10. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $12-$15, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Are Turkey Burgers Healthy or Unhealthy?
The juicy turkey burgers recipe, while delicious, may not be the healthiest option due to a few ingredients:
- Ground turkey: While leaner than beef, ground turkey can still be high in saturated fat, especially if not using lean meat.
- Bacon: Adding bacon increases the saturated fat and sodium content of the burgers.
- Barbecue sauce: Many store-bought barbecue sauces are high in sugar and sodium.
- White hamburger buns: These are typically made with refined flour, which lacks fiber and nutrients.
However, the recipe does include some healthier elements, such as the addition of onion and garlic powder for flavor without excessive salt, and the option to serve the burgers with fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomato.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Use lean ground turkey (93% or higher) to reduce the saturated fat content
- Omit the bacon or replace it with a lower-fat, lower-sodium alternative like turkey bacon
- Choose a low-sugar, low-sodium barbecue sauce or make your own using tomato paste, vinegar, and spices
- Opt for whole wheat or multigrain buns to increase the fiber content
- Add more vegetables to the burger mixture, such as grated zucchini or carrots, to boost the nutrient content and keep the burgers moist
- Serve the burgers with a side salad or roasted vegetables to make a more balanced meal
Editor's Take on This Turkey Burger Recipe
This juicy turkey burger recipe is a delightful twist on the classic burger. The addition of bacon and a blend of savory seasonings elevates the flavor profile, while the use of ground turkey offers a lean and healthier alternative. The incorporation of barbecue sauce and Worcestershire sauce adds a rich and smoky depth to the patties, creating a truly mouthwatering experience. The result is a succulent and flavorful burger that is sure to impress. Enjoy this delicious creation on a warm summer day, paired with your favorite toppings and a side of crispy fries. Bon appétit!
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Why trust this Juicy Turkey Burgers Recipe:
This juicy turkey burger recipe guarantees a mouthwatering experience with its carefully selected ingredients. The combination of ground turkey, bacon, and barbecue sauce creates a flavorful and juicy patty. The addition of worcestershire sauce and garlic powder enhances the savory profile, while the egg yolk and seasoned bread crumbs ensure a perfect texture. The patties are grilled to perfection, ensuring a delicious and safe meal. Trust this recipe for a delightful burger experience that will surely impress your taste buds.
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