Turkey Burgers
The juiciest grilled turkey burgers will make a memorable summer meal that's still healthy. Enjoy this easy dish for barbecues, cookouts, picnics or just a weeknight dinner. They can even be made gluten-free if desired!
This post contains affiliate links. Affiliate links support A Joyfully Mad Kitchen at no additional cost to you. I receive a commission if you choose to make a purchase through these links.
Turkey Burgers Recipe
When grilling season rolls around, you know I'm here to give you all the recipes your heart desires. I am loving sharing some of my go-to favorites on the grill with you, like these grilled chicken thighs, but once you get a bite of these turkey burgers I may just be your new bestie.
Once you know how to grill, you can really make anything on the grill. Often, my kids beg me to make burgers. We tend to eat turkey more often than beef, so making some burgers out of lean ground turkey meat can be a really healthy meal!
Shop My Favorite Grilling Tools
Sometimes I make these sweet potato turkey burgers on the skillet, especially on a super hot day when it's too hot to be outside on the grill - the one downside of living in Arizona! But when I can grill the other nine months of the year, I do!
This juicy turkey burger recipe never disappoints. I end up with a flavorful burger patty every time, and it makes such a good burger! So if you need a good swap for the traditional burger, then give this recipe a shot.
Why You'll Love this Recipe
While turkey burgers seem like they wouldn't be as yummy as hamburgers, they really are delicious! Turkey burgers are a great dinner choice for a few reasons:
- Turkey meat is much more lean than beef, which makes it a great healthy option. With fewer calories and more protein, turkey makes a great alternative to beef.
- You can really easily make these burgers gluten-free by using almond flour.
- This recipe makes about 10-12 burgers, so you can easily serve a crowd, have leftovers for days, or freeze them for an easy future dinner. Feel free to halve the recipe if you don't need this many turkey burgers.
Essential Grilling Tools
If you grill burgers often, you should pick up a few of my favorite tools for grilling. Here's what I recommend:
- Non-stick spray: Grill spray coats the grates and makes them easy to clean. You can also rub half an onion on the grates for extra flavor.
- A meat thermometer: Meat thermometers help you find the proper doneness for beef hamburgers as well as turkey burgers. We have a simple handheld meat thermometer, but I've been eyeing the wireless, Bluetooth thermometers.
- A grill brush: A good-quality grill brush will help you clean off any burnt-on residue from the burgers without scratching the grates.
- Utensils: A great pair of tongs and a turner will go a long way in helping you flip anything you cook, from burgers to chicken wings to corn on the cob.
If you're planning any barbecues or cookouts this summer, you will need all of these!
Ingredients
Here is what you'll need to snag at the grocery store to make these delicious turkey burgers on the grill:
- ground turkey
- almond flour
- egg
- salt
- black pepper
- onion powder
- garlic powder
- buns
Substitutions and Variations
I prefer to use almond flour since we try to limit our gluten intake in my family, and we tend to have almond flour on hand anyway! But you can also substitute breadcrumbs if you prefer.
Similarly, you can use gluten-free buns if you like, or just serve them on your favorite buns. My friend Jenni makes amazing sourdough hamburger buns. I also love these potato buns for a classic take.
Feel free to use a seasoning blend that you enjoy to season up these turkey patties. My burger seasoning would totally work on turkey burgers!
Turkey Burger Toppings
Oh, and don't forget the toppings! Lettuce and tomato is, of course, the classic route. And some sliced cheese like swiss or provolone would be so yummy.
I also like to use guacamole or avocado slices on my homemade turkey burger. My kids love ketchup on theirs! If I am serving a crowd, I will usually add mustard, mayonnaise, onion and lettuce to the spread so that folks can serve themselves. Burger sauce is always a great option too!
How to Make Turkey Burgers
Ready to make the most amazing, lean burgers? Then follow these instructions and in no time, you'll flavorful turkey burgers ready to eat:
Preheat your grill to 350ºF (177°C) or medium-high heat, then use a grill brush to clean off the grill grates.
While the grill is preheating, mix together all of the burger ingredients in a large bowl, until well combined.
Form baseball-sized balls, and then flatten them into a patty shape.
Place burgers onto the preheated, greased grill. Do not flip until you can see the patties are halfway cooked through, or your patties may fall apart. Resist the urge to flip a lot, so that the patties can cook thoroughly.
Cook on the second side until burgers are cooked to a 165ºF (74°C) internal temperature. (Turkey and chicken are not like beef, so you don't want rare AKA raw turkey burgers!)
Always check the temperature!
Use an instant-read meat thermometer to verify the meat is cooked all the way. The thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) when the turkey is done.
Let the turkey patties rest for 5 minutes before serving, then serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
How to Store Leftover Grilled Turkey Burgers
Allow leftovers to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or zip top freezer bags. Then store in the fridge for up to 4 days or the freezer for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw before reheating. For best results, reheat in the oven. You can also reheat patties on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What to Serve with Turkey Burgers
Like hamburgers, turkey burgers are endlessly customizable! You can serve them with all kinds of sides.
Fries, of course, are a go-to. Who doesn't love fries?! These oven-baked french fries are a great healthy option. You also can't go wrong with sweet potato fries.
Oven-fried pickles are another favorite of mine, especially with ranch on the side!
A good veggie side is welcome too. You can cook your favorites in your grill basket (like squash and zucchini) or straight on the grill as I do with these grilled prosciutto-wrapped asparagus.
Or you can prepare sides in your kitchen while the burgers cook. My sons and I love this oven-roasted broccoli.
Bacon herb potato salad is another classic side for barbecues, as is this simple fruit salad. My friend introduced me to smoked mac and cheese and it's a new favorite. So many options to choose from!
Tips for success
The flavor profile of these burgers is off the charts good! With these few tips, you can ensure an out-of-this-world burger every time:
- Once the grill is preheated, use a grill brush to scrape any remaining food on the grill grates. Then grease the grill with grill spray or naturally grease the grill by cutting an onion in half and using tongs to rub the cut side of the onion across the grill grates.
- Always use a meat thermometer. Be careful to check the temperature of burgers a few minutes after flipping to the second side to avoid drying out the turkey.
- Top with cheese when flipping to the second side so that it can get all gooey and melty!
FAQ
Using a binder, like egg and almond flour, is a key step in creating patties that don't fall apart. However, it is also important that you do not over-flip the patties. If you keep flipping them, they're more likely to start breaking apart.
Ground turkey is safe to consume when it reaches 165ºF (74°C). Use an instant-read thermometer to test each patty for the correct doneness.
More Delicious Grilling Recipes
Did you make this recipe?
If you make and love this recipe, please leave a ★★★★★ review below! It means so much to me when you try my recipes, and I'd love to know how it goes. Please leave a comment below if you have any questions.
Turkey Burgers
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground turkey 93% lean
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 12 hamburger buns
- toppings like ketchup, cheese or guacamole
Instructions
- Preheat grill to 350°F (177°C) or medium-high heat. Use a grill brush to clean off the grates while they are warm.
- Grate red onion or finely dice using a food processor.
- Mix together ingredients in a large bowl, until well mixed.
- Form baseball-sized balls, then flatten them into a patty shape.
- Place onto preheated, greased grill. Cook for about 8-10 minutes per side. Do not flip until you can see the patties are halfway cooked through, or your patties may fall apart.
- Cook on the second side until burgers are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve on buns with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
My friends call me Mad and you can too. Here you'll find easy, wholesome recipes, and designed to share with those you love.
