Hawaiian Turkey Burger Recipe – An Easy & Healthy 15 Minute Recipe

If you are looking for a delicious and unique twist when making burgers, you are going to love this Hawaiian Turkey Burger recipe! These quick and easy burgers offer a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional ground beef burgers.

However, if you have ever tried a classic turkey burger in the past, you may be hesitant to try one again. That is because most turkey burgers are overcooked, dry and crumbly.

Luckily, with this recipe you will end up with moist burgers that pack in a ton of flavor! With just a few simple ingredients you can turn ground turkey into a delicious burger that is ready to eat in only 15 minutes!

In fact they have become one of my favorite weeknight dinner recipes because they are so quick and easy to make. However if you want them done even faster you can prepare the burgers ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator.

Then all you have to do is put them on the grill or in a hot skillet when you are ready to eat. Once the burgers are cooked through add a grilled pineapple ring on top to give it that extra Hawaiian flavor!

Why Is It Called A Hawaiian Burger?

The Hawaiian Burger gets its name from the ingredients used in the recipe. The use of a pineapple slice as a condiment is of course one of the main reasons.

However, the ingredients included in the actual burger itself also plays a role in how it got its name. Soy sauce, ginger, cilantro and garlic are all common ingredients used in a variety of Hawaiian dishes.

Combining the tropical taste of pineapple with the savory flavors of the turkey burger gives this dish a classic Hawaiian taste.

What Type of Ground Turkey To Use

When choosing ground turkey, you’ll often find two options: 85/15 and 93/7. The first number refers to the lean meat percentage, and the second number represents the fat content.

A higher fat content, like 85/15, will yield a juicier burger, while 93/7 will be leaner. Additionally, you will also have a choice between white and dark ground turkey.

White turkey is leaner and has a milder flavor, while dark turkey is rich and more flavorful.

How To Flavor Turkey Burger

To enhance the flavor of your Hawaiian turkey burger you will first season the ground meat with fresh ingredients like minced garlic, red onion, and cilantro. However instead of adding diced onion, we will grate the onion which allows more flavor and moisture throughout the burger.

Then by adding soy sauce and ginger the meat becomes savory and takes on a slightly spicy kick. Add the pineapple ring on top and you have just created a deliciously flavored burger!

The Keys To Getting Moist Turkey Burgers

As mentioned above, adding minced onion into the burger mixture adds moisture which helps prevent the patties from drying out while cooking.

Although there is another key step in making sure that your Hawaiian Turkey Burgers turn out perfect. It is key that you cook the burgers at a lower temperature than when grilling ground beef burgers.

In addition, be sure to keep them covered as they cook. This will allow the steam to be trapped in and around the burger. You can do this by closing the lid to your grill or adding a lid on top of your skillet.

How To Know When A Turkey Burger Is Done Cooking

To prevent overcooking the burgers, it is best to use an instant-read digital thermometer to check for doneness. Simply insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the patty.

Once the internal temperature hits 160°F, you can pull the burger off the grill. As it rests, it will continue to heat up and get to the safe to consume temperature of 165°F.

Keep in mind that visual cues, like a beautifully browned exterior and a firm texture, can also hint at doneness, but an instant read thermometer provides the most accurate results. If you let it go much past the target temperature range you are at risk for it to become dried out and tough to eat.

Let The Burgers Rest

Allowing the burgers to rest for a few minutes after cooking not only ensures that they will reach the ideal internal temperature, it also helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.

This is another reason why you will end up with moist and delicious burgers when following this recipe. While the burgers are resting, use this time to warm up the pineapple slices to use as a topping.

Outdoor Grilling Instructions

To grill Hawaiian Turkey Burgers outdoors, preheat your grill to medium heat. Cook the patties for about 5 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

Then remove the burgers from the grill and let them rest before adding the grilled pineapple slices.

To cook the burgers indoors heat a skillet to medium. Add a little extra virgin olive oil to the pan and add the burgers.

Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F.

What To Serve With Hawaiian Turkey Burger

Serve your Hawaiian Turkey Burgers with classic sides like coleslaw, potato salad, or grilled vegetables. You can also pair them with tropical-inspired dishes like mango salsa or a refreshing fruit salad for a complete island-themed meal.

Hawaiian Turkey Burger 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

• 1/2 pound ground turkey
• 1/4 small red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/4 tsp dried ginger
• 2 slices pineapple – Use the remaining pineapple slices to make Ramekin Pineapple Upside Down Cake)

INSTRUCTIONS

Place the ground turkey in a medium size bowl. Then using a box grater or a food processor to grate the onion over the turkey meat.

Next add the cilantro, minced garlic, soy sauce, and ground ginger to the bowl. Use a fork to stir the ingredients until just combined.

Be sure not to over mix the meat mixture or the burgers may become too dense when cooked. Next, divide the meat in half and form each half into a burger.

Be sure to indent the center with your thumb to prevent the burgers from becoming dome shaped once cooked. Cover and place the Hawaiian Turkey Burger patties in the refrigerator if you plan to make them later.

Cooking Instructions

When you are ready to cook the burgers heat a skillet or grill over medium heat and spray with nonstick spray or oil. Cover and cook the burgers for 5 minutes.

Then flip the burgers over, cover and cook another 4-5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 160°F when checked with an instant read digital thermometer. Remove the burgers from the heat and let them rest for 5 minutes.

While the burgers rest add the pineapple slices to the skillet or grill and heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. Place the burgers on a bun and top each one with a pineapple slice.

There you have it, a delightful and unique Hawaiian Turkey Burger recipe that’s sure to impress your family and friends! This delicious dish brings the tropical vibes to your table, making it a perfect choice for summertime gatherings or simply to break away from the ordinary burger routine.

Enjoy! Mary

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