The Best Grilled Turkey Burgers – Moist, Delicious & Full Of Flavor

If you are looking for how to make the Best Grilled Turkey Burgers, look no further! After months and months, if not years of trying, I finally found the perfect recipe combination for making burgers that taste great and won’t fall apart when grilling.

Although I love a great big, juicy beef hamburger, I know that it isn’t always the healthiest choice. Therefore, I try to add in a few turkey burgers to my summer grilling rotation.

However, I have struggled to find a turkey burger that didn’t fall apart or didn’t taste like cardboard. I have tried the both prepackaged burgers from the grocery store and frozen turkey burgers.

Unfortunately, because I have an egg allergy, I could only try a few brands. Egg is often added as a binder so the meat has less chance to fall apart.

Therefore, instead of spending the time and money on finding one that I like and can eat, I decided to experiment and make my own.

Key Ingredients In A Turkey Burger

Although you can take a package of ground beef and form a burger with very few ingredients, you can’t do the same for ground turkey.

The texture between the two types of ground meat are completely different. Therefore, in order to make the best grilled turkey burger, a few key ingredients must be added.

1. Ground Turkey

The main reason that most people buy ground turkey is because it is thought to be much healthier than ground beef. Surprisingly when comparing the two, ounce to ounce using the same fat ratio content, the nutritional values are very similar.

Although ground turkey has less saturated fat than ground beef. Turkey instead contains more polyunsaturated fat which is a healthier type of fat.

Although you may be tempted to purchase 99% lean ground turkey to make the healthiest burgers on the block, it is best to use a less lean meat to make burgers.

In fact, it would be best if you used ground turkey thighs rather than using breast meat. However, not everyone has access to a butcher who can grind meat for you.

Therefore, purchase a package of ground turkey that has 85% lean ratio. The meat will not only taste better, but the extra little bit of fat will help the burgers grill up nicely.

2. Mayonnaise

The mayonnaise in this recipe is being added as the binder. Although mayonnaise is made with eggs, you can use a plant based mayo if you have an egg allergy like me.

And if you prefer Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise, you can use that instead.

3. Smoked Paprika

In order to give grilled turkey burgers the best flavor, you will need to add a few spices to the meat mixture.

You can’t go wrong with adding a little garlic powder and onion powder to any homemade burger. However, when you are using turkey meat, in order to get that traditional dark color when grilled, you will want to add in a little paprika as well.

But not just any paprika! Use smoked paprika to give you not only that deep color, but it will also provide a slightly smoky flavor to the burgers as well.

I use smoked paprika frequently in my recipes. From adding it to my favorite dry rub recipe for pork, beef or chicken to adding it in to chili, Stuffed Pepper Casserole, and Chili Lime Chicken, I use it all the time.

It adds so much flavor and can turn a bland recipe into something spectacular.

So now that you know a little more about the ingredients, let’s get to the secrets of forming and grilling turkey burgers.

Best Grilled Turkey Burgers Recipe

*A printable recipe card is located at the bottom of this article which contains the specific measurements, temperatures and cook times. However, continue reading below to learn about more helpful tips about this specific recipe.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 Tbsp. mayonnaise
• 2 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pound ground turkey, 85% lean*

*Although you can purchase ground turkey that is 99% lean, it is best to use ground meat that has a higher fat content. This will not only provide more flavor, but they will also grill better.

INSTRUCTIONS

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set aside.

In a large bowl add the mayonnaise, finely chopped fresh parsley, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Add the ground turkey to the bowl and mix with a fork or just until combined. Do not use your hands to mix the meat.

Doing so will result in over mixed meat and the burgers will become too dense. Instead, use a fork to mix the meat into the other ingredients just until it becomes incorporated.

Once the ingredients for the best grilled turkey burgers have been mixed, it is time to make the patties. Start by dividing the turkey mixture into four equal portions.

I do this by using the edge of my hand to score the meat in half. Then score each section in half again.

Wet your hands in cold water. Then shape each portion into a 1/2 inch thick patty.

Rewet your hands between forming each patty. Again, it is important to not squeeze or over work the meat here.

Next, place a slight thumb indention in the center of each one. This will prevent the burgers from doming up when they cook.

Freeze The Turkey Burgers Before Grilling

Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet with the parchment paper. Place the patties in the freezer for 30 minutes before grilling.

This is a crucial step that you can not skip. The turkey burgers will fall apart and stick to the grill grates if they are not chilled first.

When you are ready to grill, place the burners on medium-high heat. Be sure to oil the grates with vegetable oil or a high heat non-stick cooking spray.

It is best to place the turkey burgers over direct heat when grilled. Grill for 6 minutes on the first side.

Again, don’t touch the burgers for 6 minutes. Otherwise the burgers may stick to grill.

Then flip and cook on the other side for another 6 minutes. The burgers are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

It is important to use an Instant Read Digital Thermometer to check the temperature. You don’t want to overcook the turkey or it will become dry.

Once the internal temperature is at 165°F the burgers will seem soft, but they are cooked to perfection. Remove them from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How To Cook Turkey Burgers On The Stove

Place 1 tablespoon of vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet placed over medium heat. Add the chilled turkey burgers and cover with a lid.

Cook for 5 minutes, flip and then cook uncovered for an additional 5-6 minutes or until cooked through when checked with an instant read digital thermometer.

How To Bake Turkey Burgers

Place the chilled burgers that are on the parchment paper lined rimmed baking sheet in a preheated oven set at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.

Flip and continue to cook for another 10 minutes or until cooked through to 165°F when checked with an instant read digital thermometer.

Enjoy! Mary

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