Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe
This Turkey Burger Recipe is a total winner! The patties are packed with protein, incredibly easy to make, perfectly juicy and full of flavor using simple ingredients. Cook them on the stove or grill for a delicious dinner in just 20 minutes!
Get ready to be blown away by this turkey burger recipe! No dry turkey burgers here! We’re packing these patties with the perfect seasonings and flavorings, plus a touch of mayonnaise so every bite is juicy and delivers the flavors that rival the classic beef burgers we all love. Additionally, turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef, offering a better-for-you option you can enjoy guilt-free.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Healthier alternative: Made with lean turkey, this turkey burger recipe is a lighter option without compromising flavor.
- Easy to make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make these a great dinner option for busy weeknights.
- Juicy and moist: This recipe guarantees a perfectly juicy patty every time.
- Customizable: Pile on your favorite toppings and serve with buns, lettuce wraps or even over a salad.
Really great turkey burger recipe! We eat a lot of ground turkey and turkey burgers, but this recipe is really flavorful and juicy! I added stone ground mustard instead of Dijon. Amazing!
— Jana
Ingredients you’ll need
This turkey burger recipe is made with simple, flavorful ingredients that make a burger you’ll want on repeat. Check out the recipe card below for the exact measurements!
- Ground turkey: Use turkey that’s no leaner than 93% for juicy, flavorful burgers.
- Mayonnaise: Adds moisture and richness to keep the patties tender.
- Dijon mustard: Brings a subtle tang and depth of flavor. Regular mustard works in a pinch.
- Worcestershire sauce: Enhances the savory, umami taste of the turkey.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: Infuses the patties with a robust, savory taste.
- Smoked paprika: Adds a smoky, slightly sweet kick that complements the turkey. Regular paprika will work if that’s what you have.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the flavor and adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Olive oil: For frying, ensuring a crispy, golden exterior while keeping the patties moist inside.
- Optional toppings: I love to serve these on hamburger buns with cheese, avocado, tomato, lettuce, red onion and the best burger sauce or ketchup.
Substitutions and variations
- Change the meat: Swap the ground turkey with ground chicken for a similar lean protein, or use ground beef for a richer flavor.
- Mayo: Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option or sour cream for a tangier twist.
- Worcestershire sauce: Replace with soy sauce, tamari or coconut aminos for a similar savory kick.
- Use dried herbs: If you’d like to use dried parsley (reduce the amount to 2 teaspoons) or substitute with fresh cilantro or chives for a different herbaceous flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Regular paprika or chili powder can be used for a different spice profile.
How to make this recipe
This is everything you’ll need to make the most flavorful turkey burgers ever! Follow these simple instructions and get ready for the rave reviews to come pouring in!
Step 1. In a medium bowl, mix together the ground turkey, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and chopped parsley.
Step 2. Use damp hands to avoid the meat sticking, and shape the mixture into four patties, about ½ inch thick. Make an indention using your thumb in the center of each patty. This will result in a more evenly cooked burger.
Step 3. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Place the patties in the heated skillet and cook them until browned on the outside and cooked through (160ºF*), about 5 minutes per side. You can add a slice of cheese when they’re almost done cooking, if you’d like.
Step 4. Serve immediately on a toasted bun with all your favorite burger fixings.
Helpful tips
Here are my top tips for keeping your turkey burgers deliciously juicy!
- Don’t overmix: Combine the ingredients just until incorporated to keep the burgers tender. Overmixing can make them tough.
- Choose the right turkey: Use ground turkey that’s no leaner than 93% to ensure the burgers stay juicy and flavorful.
- Grilling: If you’d prefer to grill your patty, place the patties in the freezer for 20 minutes before grilling to help them keep their shape. You’ll also want to generously grease the grill grates, so there’s no sticking.
- Cook over medium heat: Avoid high heat, as it can dry out the turkey. Cook on medium heat with a generous amount of olive oil for a juicy result.
- Don’t press the patties: Resist the urge to press down on the patties while cooking, as it releases the juices.
- Rest before serving: Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices.
Frequently asked questions
If you’ll be cooking these in a skillet, you shouldn’t have any problems with them falling apart. However, if you plan to grill them, place them in the freezer for about 20 minutes. This allows the ground meat to firm up and helps to keep them from falling apart during cooking.
If cooking on the stovetop, these will take about 5 minutes per side. To ensure you don’t overcook and dry out the burger patty, it’s best to use a thermometer to check for doneness. They’ll continue cooking for a few minutes after being taken off the heat, so cook them to an internal temperature of 160°F. Allow them to rest a few minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Turkey burgers can dry out if overcooked or if leaner turkey (99% lean) is used. Opt for 93% lean ground turkey and cook just until the internal temperature reaches 160°F. Then, allow them to rest until they come to a temperature of 165ºF.
Yes! This recipe doesn’t require breadcrumbs or egg, as the mayo and mustard help keep the patties moist and cohesive.
Serving suggestions
Here are some great side dish ideas to serve with burgers:
- Fries: Classic French fries, sweet potato fries, or even crispy roasted red potatoes.
- Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy coleslaw for a crunchy contrast.
- Grilled vegetables: Try grilled zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus or corn on the cob.
- Salad: A simple mixed greens salad, potato salad or a fresh cucumber tomato salad.
- Onion rings: Crispy, golden onion rings for an extra indulgence.
- Chips: Nothing goes better with burgers than crunchy potato chips!
- Macaroni salad: I love this greek pasta salad for a hearty side.
Storage recommendations
- To store cooked patties: Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- Storing uncooked patties: If you’ve prepped patties but haven’t cooked them, store them in an airtight container with parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To freeze: Let cooked patties cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped turkey burger patties in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze uncooked patties, transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until firm. Transfer the frozen patties to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Reheat cooked patties in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven at 350°F, or in the microwave until warmed through. For frozen patties, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
More delicious burger recipes
If you try this recipe, let me know! Leave a comment and if your family loves it as much as mine does, be sure to give it a five star ⭐️ rating! Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey, not any leaner than 93% lean
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard, regular mustard works too
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup chopped fresh parsley, (can use 2 teaspoons dried parsley)
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
- Optional for serving: buns, cheese slices, sliced tomato, lettuce, red onion and any other toppings and/or sauces that you’d like.
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ground turkey, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika and chopped parsley.
- Use damp hands to avoid the meat sticking, and shape the mixture into four patties, about ½ inch thick. Make an indention using your thumb in the center of each patty. This will result in a more evenly cooked burger.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
- Place the patties in the heated skillet and cook them until browned on the outside and cooked through (160ºF*), about 5 minutes per side. You can add a slice of cheese when they’re almost done cooking, if you’d like.
- Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in the juices. Serve on a toasted bun with all your favorite burger fixings.
Notes
- Grilling: If you’d prefer to grill your patty, place the patties in the freezer for 20 minutes before grilling to help them keep their shape.
- Use a thermometer: To ensure you don’t overcook and dry out the turkey burgers, it’s best to use a thermometer. They’ll continue cooking for a few minutes after being taken off the heat, so cook them to an internal temperature of 160°F. Allow them to rest a few minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Did you make this recipe?
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These are a hit with my family! We love them and they are often part of the dinner rotation!
Really great turkey burger recipe! We eat a lot of ground turkey and turkey burgers, but this recipe is really flavorful and juicy! I added stone ground mustard instead of Dijon. Amazing!
Delicious, succulent and very tasty. I’ve used this recipe several times now. Loved by everyone. Would even be chosen over beef burgers.
These are the BEST turkey burgers we have ever had!!! We never make beef burgers anymore because the flavor of these are so amazing.
We loved these burgers! So tasty!
Best turkey, or chicken, burger recipe I’ve ever made. Others aren’t even close. Thank you for this!
Never was a fan of turkey burgers but my wife doesn’t eat beef and we tried this out.
Have to admit these were amazing. Best turkey burgers I’ve ever had!
Great recipe!
So happy to hear you enjoyed!
These are fantastic burgers. Turkey, or Chicken, burgers finally are turned into something worth eating. I’d give this six stars if I could.
I made this recipe last night, followed the directions as written. By far the best tasting turkey burgers I have had. Will definitely be adding this recipe into my cooking routine. It’s a keeper.
I made it exactly as written & it was fantastic !!!! My husband even commented on how good it was.
I love turkey burgers but they can tend to be dry. What a great recipe for solving that problem. These were great!