how long do you cook turkey burgers on the grill

How Long to Cook Turkey Burgers on the Grill for Juicy, Flavorful Patties

Grilling up juicy, delicious turkey burgers is a favorite summer activity for many But knowing how long to cook turkey burgers on a grill can be tricky With lean turkey meat, there’s a fine line between perfectly cooked and dried out hockey pucks. Undercook them and you risk foodborne illness. Overcook them and you’ll have an unsatisfying meal. So what’s the ideal grill time for turkey burgers?

The answer depends on several factors. But in most cases, allow 10-12 minutes per side over direct medium heat for the best results. This cook time allows the patties to cook through without drying out. While grilling times can vary, keeping a close eye on doneness and using a meat thermometer are foolproof ways to avoid over or undercooking.

Read on for more details on how to nail the ideal cook time for moist, flavorful turkey burgers on the grill.

Factors That Affect Turkey Burger Grill Times

There are several elements that impact how long turkey burgers need to cook on the grill:

1. Patty Thickness

Thinner patties cook faster than thicker ones. Burgers that are 1/2-inch thick take the least time, while 1-inch thick patties need the most time over the heat. Adjust grill times up or down accordingly.

1. Turkey Fat Percentage

Ground turkey can range from very lean (93% lean) to fattier varieties (85% lean). The higher the fat content, the longer the cook time since fat cooks slower than lean meat. Leaner turkey dries out fastest.

1. Temperature Setting

Cooking over high heat cooks burgers faster than medium heat. Keep the grill lid closed as much as possible if using high heat.

1. Frozen vs. Fresh

Frozen patties require longer grill times than fresh to cook through. Defrost fully before grilling for best results.

1. Use of Toppings

Adding cheese or other toppings during the last few minutes of grilling adds more cook time.

Recommended Grill Times Based on Patty Thickness

• 1/2-inch thick: 6-8 minutes per side

• 3/4-inch thick: 8-10 minutes per side

• 1-inch thick: 10-12 minutes per side

For example, if cooking 1-inch thick 85% lean turkey patties over direct medium heat, start checking doneness at the 10 minute mark, then continue grilling up to 12 minutes until done.

Checking Temperature for Doneness

Using an instant read thermometer is the most reliable way to check turkey burger doneness when grilling. Insert it into the thickest part of a patty without touching the bone. Turkey burgers are safe to eat once they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

If you don’t have a thermometer, check for visual cues at the recommended cook times. The meat should be lightly browned on the outside with no pink inside when cutting into the thickest portion. Juices should run clear rather than red or pink.

Tips for Grilling Juicy, Flavorful Turkey Burgers

Follow these tips for irresistibly moist and delicious turkey burgers on the grill:

• Use 85-93% lean ground turkey for the best moisture and flavor. Above 93% can dry out.

• Make an indentation in patties to prevent bulging while cooking.

• Preheat grill 10-15 minutes before cooking with lid closed.

• Brush oil on hot grates right before adding patties to prevent sticking.

• Only flip patties once halfway through grilling to prevent moisture loss.

• Use tongs instead of a spatula to flip patties gently without pressing down.

• Allow patties to rest 5 minutes after grilling so juices redistribute before serving.

• Use a digital meat thermometer to accurately determine doneness.

• Don’t press down on patties while they’re on the grill or they’ll dry out.

Grilling Mistakes to Avoid

Some common grilling mistakes contribute to dried out turkey burgers. Be sure to:

• Not use leaner than 93% ground turkey or patties may be overly dry.

• Avoid flare-ups from dripping grease that can char and dry out the meat.

• Prevent overhandling patties when shaping them which makes them dense.

• Refrain from pressing down on patties while cooking. Doing so squeezes out moisture.

• Never partially grill then refrigerate raw patties to finish later. This causes bacteria growth.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips

For convenience, turkey patties can be prepped in advance:

• Refrigerate uncooked patties up to 24 hours, separating layers with parchment paper.

• Freeze uncooked patties in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. They’ll keep 3 months.

• Partially grill pre-shaped patties 2-3 minutes per side until just undercooked. Refrigerate up to 2 days, then finish grilling.

The Takeaway on Turkey Burger Grill Times

Mastering the ideal grilling times helps yield incredibly flavorful and moist turkey burgers all summer long. While a bit more precision is required than with beef burgers, the delicious payoff is well worth it. Just follow proper cook times based on thickness, use a meat thermometer, and avoid common mistakes. Your patience will be rewarded with juicy, grill-kissed turkey burgers the whole family will love.

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