Cooking juicy, flavorful turkey patties on the stovetop can seem tricky, but it’s easy to get perfect results every time. With the right temperature control and a few simple techniques, you’ll have tender, moist turkey patties coming off your skillet
Why Stovetop Cooking is Ideal for Turkey
The stovetop allows you to precisely control the temperature which is key for delicate ground turkey. It can dry out quickly under high heat. The stove gives you the ability to gently cook the interior while developing enough exterior browning for texture and flavor. An open grill or oven can be harder to manage.
Finding the Goldilocks Temperature
You want the heat high enough to create a nice sear but low enough to prevent overcooking. For tender turkey patties the ideal stovetop temperature range is medium-low to medium (275°F to 325°F). This gives you enough sizzle for browning without toughening the ground meat.
If your skillet starts smoking immediately when adding the patties, the heat is too high. For the best results, aim for a gentle sizzle. Adjust the temperature lower until it’s just right.
Prepping the Turkey Patties
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Use 85% lean ground turkey The higher fat content will keep the patties tender and moist Extra lean turkey dries out more easily.
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Gently shape the patties without over-working or compressing the meat too much. Make them slightly wider than the bun.
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Add a divot in the center of each patty with your thumb. This prevents bulging as they cook.
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Before cooking, brush both sides lightly with oil. This helps form a nice sear.
Step-by-Step Stove Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked turkey patties every time:
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Heat a cast iron skillet or nonstick pan over medium-low to medium heat.
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Add just a teaspoon of oil and swirl to coat the bottom. Wait 1 minute for it to shimmer.
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Gently place the patties in the pan spaced apart. Don’t press down once they’re in.
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Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until deep golden crust forms underneath.
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Carefully flip with a thin spatula just once. Add cheese now if using.
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Cook 4-5 minutes on second side until cheese melts and interior reaches 165°F.
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Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
Cook Time Adjustments
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If the patties are still pink inside when flipping, lower the heat slightly and cook 1-2 minutes longer.
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If the exterior is burnt before the interior cooks, use thinner patties next time and lower the heat.
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If you can’t get the crust browned enough, increase the heat slightly for a better sear.
Serving Suggestions
Turkey patties pair well with classic burger toppings. Get creative with add-ins like:
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Guacamole, bacon, and pepper jack cheese
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Sauteed mushrooms and Swiss cheese
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Pesto mayo and roasted red peppers
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Jalapeno mustard and crispy fried onions
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Goat cheese, arugula, and sun-dried tomato spread
Cooking Frozen Turkey Patties
For cooking frozen turkey patties, use the same gentle medium heat. Just add 1-2 minutes per side to compensate for the frozen start. Thaw first in the fridge overnight for best results. For quicker cooking, run frozen patties under cool water for 2-3 minutes before frying to remove surface ice crystals.
Beyond the Stovetop
While pan frying is a quick and easy way to cook moist turkey patties, you can also use:
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Grill: Gets nice char flavor. Use medium heat.
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Broiler: Cooks fast but watch closely to prevent burning.
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Air Fryer: Makes them crispy without oil. Adjust cook time.
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Instant Pot: Steam cooks then brown afterward for tender patties.
Get the Perfect Turkey Patties Off Your Stove
With the right temperature control, pan-frying is a great way to get deliciously juicy turkey patties for burgers, sandwiches, wraps and more. Just keep the heat gentle, let them rest when done, and enjoy the tender, flavorful results. Your new go-to turkey patty recipe is just a stovetop away!
What You’ll Need To Make Skillet Turkey Burgers
Place ground turkey in a medium-size bowl. Add salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ricotta cheese, bread crumbs, and mustard.
Using your hands, mix until well blended.
Divide meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Lightly roll one piece into a ball by tossing it from hand to hand. Then, using your fingertips, gently press the ball into a 3/4-inch-thick patty with a small depression in the middle. This will keep the burgers from puffing up when they’re cooked. Repeat with remaining portions.
Heat a large, heavy, ovenproof skillet over medium heat until very hot, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the oil to the pan and swirl to coat the bottom. Place the burgers on the pan and cook over medium-low heat, without moving them, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bottom of each one is dark golden brown and crusty.
Flip the burgers over and cook for another three minutes, or until the bottom side is light brown but not crusty. Put the pan in the oven and cook for another 7 to 8 minutes, or until the burgers are done (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the middle of a burger from the side should read 160°F). Remove the turkey burgers from the pan and serve immediately.
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Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe
FAQ
How do you know when a turkey burger is done on the stove?
How long does ground turkey take to cook on the stove?
Do turkey burgers take longer to cook?
How long do you cook turkey burgers?
The cooking time for turkey burgers will vary depending on the thickness of the burgers and the heat of your stove. For thin burgers, cook them for about 5 minutes per side. For thick burgers, cook them for about 7 minutes per side. Once the burgers are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Can you cook a turkey burger on the stove?
Now you can have a guilt-free juicy turkey burger without the hassle or setback of firing up the grill. Classic Turkey Burgers on the Stove is a great recipe to have on hand for busy weeknights and fun get togethers. You can form the burger patties ahead of time and just refrigerate (or freeze) prior to cooking.
How do you cook ground turkey patties?
Add the seasoning to the ground turkey and mix well. Make the turkey patties, about ½ inch thick, or a little bigger in diameter than your bun (as they’ll shrink up when cooking). Heat a cast iron skillet or a non-stick pan with cooking oil on medium to medium-high heat. When hot, cook the patties, about four mins on each side.
How to cook turkey burgers in a pan?
When cooking turkey burgers in a pan, it is important to cook them to the correct temperature. Turkey burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that they are cooked through and safe to eat. The cooking time for turkey burgers in a pan will vary depending on the thickness of the burgers.
How long do you cook burger patties?
Heat a cast iron skillet or a non-stick pan with cooking oil on medium to medium-high heat. When hot, cook the patties, about four mins on each side. Assemble your burger with your favorite condiments and toppings! I find cooking the patties for more than a total of 8 minutes will dry out the meat.
How do you cook a turkey burger in a crock pot?
Add turkey, mayonnaise, steak sauce, and parsley. Mix gently with your hands until fully incorporated. Divide into 4 equal portions and gently form into patties. Season tops with garlic salt and pepper. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, place in burgers, seasoned-sides down.