Who knew grilled turkey burgers could be so juicy and tasty?! I’m going to show you how to make the best turkey burgers all summer long!
Traditional beef hamburgers are our favorite, but these moist turkey burgers are fun to try every once in a while when we want something different and lighter. Turkey burgers sometimes get a bad rap, but they can be super mouthwatering when done right!.
We’re adding some tasty seasonings to these juicy turkey burgers to make them taste even better, grilling them just right so they don’t get dry, and adding a secret ingredient to keep the patties together on the grill so they stay nice and moist.
Grilled turkey burgers can be a delicious, lighter alternative to traditional beef burgers However, with turkey’s leaner meat, getting the cook time right is essential to preventing dry, overcooked burgers Follow this guide to learn exactly how long to grill turkey burgers for the juiciest, most flavorful results.
Choosing the Right Ground Turkey
Not all ground turkey is created equal. To achieve tender and moist turkey burgers you need to select the right fat content. Ground turkey labeled “extra lean” generally has only 7% fat, which will likely lead to dry burgers. For the best texture and moisture, look for ground turkey with at least 15% fat. Ground turkey thigh meat tends to be fattier than breast meat.
Mix in Flavor Boosters
In addition to fat content, incorporating certain ingredients into the raw turkey patties helps ensure a juicy interior. Try adding a couple tablespoons of mayonnaise, yogurt, olive oil, or egg. Breadcrumbs or panko also help retain moisture. For extra flavor, mix in minced garlic, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, BBQ sauce, or fresh herbs. Resist overworking the meat so the burgers don’t get dense and tough.
Proper Thickness Prevents Overcooking
Shape the turkey patties about an inch thick, which allows for more even grilling. Thinner patties will overcook and dry out faster. Press an indentation into the center of each patty to prevent bulging as they cook. Chilling the patties in the fridge for 30 minutes firms them up for easier handling.
Grill Setup Matters
Preheating your grill properly improves the cooking process. Bring the temperature to about 450-500°F. Let it preheat for at least 10 minutes so the grates get ripping hot This helps sear the patties faster for better caramelization. Also, thoroughly clean and oil the grates right before placing the burgers to prevent sticking.
Grill Time Per Side
The actual grilling takes 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Resist the urge to press down on the patties, as this causes vital juices to escape. Use a spatula to gently flip the burgers just once halfway through. Expect a total cook time of 10-14 minutes for turkey burgers to reach 165°F internally. Watch for any flare-ups from drippings.
Finish with Cheese
If making cheeseburgers, add slices on top during the last 1-2 minutes so the cheese melts nicely without overcooking the patties. Pepper jack, cheddar, and Swiss work well. You can also mix in cheese crumbles into the raw turkey for pockets of melted cheese.
Doneness and Carryover Cooking
Use an instant-read thermometer to test doneness; turkey burgers need to reach 165°F for food safety. The temperature will continue rising 5-10°F during resting time. Don’t cut into them right away or juices will spill out. Let them rest for 5 minutes under tented foil before serving.
Add Flavorful Toppings
Build your turkey burger with fixings that complement the meat’s flavor. Classics like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, and condiments like mustard, mayo or BBQ sauce are always crowd-pleasers. Get creative with avocado, mushrooms, grilled peppers, pineapple, fried eggs or crispy bacon.
Lock in Juiciness with a Pan Sear
You can absolutely cook turkey burgers indoors! Use a heavy cast iron skillet or griddle pan over medium-high heat. Add just enough oil to coat the pan and sear the patties 4-5 minutes per side. They’ll develop a nice crust without overcooking. Or bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 18-22 minutes.
Cooking for a Crowd? Go Big!
Making turkey burgers for a backyard BBQ or party? Form the patties ahead of time and refrigerate overnight, separating layers with parchment paper. You can even freeze them for longer storage. Grill from frozen by adding 2-3 minutes per side to the cook time. Set up a DIY topping bar for guests to customize their burgers.
With the right prep and techniques, you can achieve supremely moist and delicious turkey burgers off the grill. Follow these timing guidelines for 5-7 minutes per side over direct medium-high heat. Check the internal temperature and resist the urge to press down. Now fire up the grill and enjoy your juiciest turkey burgers yet!
How long to cook turkey burgers
The time it takes to grill turkey burgers is usually just a little longer than the time it takes to grill beef burgers. Turkey burgers take about 5-6 minutes per side on the grill for a total of 10-12 minutes.
You can always fry the burgers in a cast iron skillet with a little oil over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes per side if you can’t grill them. I swear we run out of gas in our gas grill once a summer and are never ready for it.
You can have a party with these moist turkey burgers, your favorite buns, and all the toppings. Each guest can make their own perfect burger.
The Asian Lettuce Wraps can be made with ground turkey or chicken. If you like ground turkey, you should also try the Turkey Stuffed Bell Peppers.
Best turkey burger toppings
- mayo or homemade aioli
- bbq sauce
- ketchup
- mustard
- sliced onion (I like turkey burgers with red onion best)
- cheese (especially cheddar, montery jack, or pepper jack)
- green leaf lettuce
- pickles
- sliced avocado
- sauteed mushrooms
- cilantro leaves
- crispy bacon
- bacon jam
How To Grill TURKEY BURGERS on a Weber Q | BONUS SECRET TECHNIQUE To Keep Them MOIST!
FAQ
How long does it take to grill turkey burgers?
How do you know when turkey burgers are done?
Will turkey burgers stick to the grill?
How long do you Grill a turkey burger?
Based on the factors discussed above, the following are recommended grilling times for turkey burgers of different thicknesses: For burgers that are 1/2-inch thick, grill for 6-8 minutes per side. For burgers that are 3/4-inch thick, grill for 8-10 minutes per side. For burgers that are 1-inch thick, grill for 10-12 minutes per side.
How long do you cook burgers on a grill?
Grill the burgers for 5 minutes on each side until just cooked through (an internal temperature of 165 degrees). Add the cheese, if using, during the last minute of cooking. Close the top of the grill while the cheese melts. Place the split buns, cut sides down on the hot grill for just about 10 seconds, then remove them.
How do you cook a turkey burger on a Weber Q?
Place the turkey burgers on the grill and cook for five minutes, covered, until nice grill marks form. Flip and continue to cook, covered, for 3-5 minutes more. Heat the buns on the grill, assemble the burgers, and serve. How To Grill TURKEY BURGERS on a Weber Q | BONUS SECRET TECHNIQUE To Keep Them MOIST!
How long does a turkey burger take to cook?
The Best Ever Turkey Burger takes just 15 minutes and a few secrets to get the most perfect, juicy turkey burger either on the stovetop or on the grill. Whether you are trying to avoid red meat, or you simply want a lighter option at your backyard barbecue, turkey burgers are a great option.
How do you cook turkey burger patties?
Set them on the prepared baking sheet. Transfer the baking sheet with the turkey burger patties to the freezer. Chill for at least 20 minutes. Grill prep: Meanwhile, as the turkey burger patties chill, prep the grill. Prepare the grill for medium-high direct heat grilling, about 450-500 degrees F.
What temperature should a turkey burger be grilled at?
Answer: The ideal grill temperature for turkey burgers is medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C). This temperature is high enough to cook the burgers through while still achieving a nice sear on the outside. 2. How Long Should I Grill Turkey Burgers On Each Side?