Im sharing 4 takes on juicy turkey burgers: Mediterranean, Cajun, Mushroom Shallot, & Parmesan Turkey Burgers. Check out my favorite turkey burger toppings as well.
I love a good turkey burger. Its nice to have some variation in flavor profile and my wallet certainly appreciates it with the price of beef these days.
That said, Ive had some bad turkey burgers in my day and I bet you have too. Turkey is quite a bit leaner than beef which means turkey burgers can easily turn out dry. Thats why I always mix things in with my turkey burgers. Whether its avocado mayo, parmesan, feta or veggies cooked in olive oil, ground turkey needs a little something extra to make a truly delicious, juicy turkey burger.
Im sharing my Mediterranean turkey burgers today which get extra moisture from sundried tomatoes and feta. Im also sharing 3 other variations on turkey burgers though so you can satisfy whatever craving strikes!
Also, feel free to sub ground chicken in any of these recipes if its what you have on hand or if youd rather make juicy chicken burgers.
Personally, when I grill I love grilling my side dishes as well. Whether its grilled fruit or a simple grilled veggie side, grilling the entire meal just makes dinnertime so simple. For some seriously tasty inspiration, check out this article on How to Grill Vegetables from Carnivore Style. It walks you through exactly how to grill different veggies, without undercooking or burning.
Turkey burgers can sometimes get a bad rap for being dry and bland. But with the right toppings you can make turkey burgers that are juicy flavorful and downright delicious. The key is picking toppings that add moisture and complement the flavor of the turkey.
Here are 15 of the best ideas for flavorful toppings and condiments to liven up your turkey burger:
Classic Burger Toppings
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Lettuce – Crisp lettuce adds freshness and texture. Opt for butter lettuce, romaine or iceberg
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Tomato – Sliced tomato is a must for any great burger. Look for ripe, in-season tomatoes for best flavor.
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Onion – Raw onion slices lend pungency. For sweeter flavor try caramelized onions.
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Pickle – Dill pickles add briny tang and crunch. Pickle relish also works well.
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Ketchup – Sweet, tangy ketchup is a classic burger condiment. Try spicy ketchup for a kick.
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Mustard – Yellow mustard delivers tangy flavor. Dijon or whole grain mustard work too.
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Mayo – Creamy mayo makes burgers juicier. Flavored mayo like chipotle mayo adds excitement.
Cheese
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Cheddar – Sharp cheddar offers classic cheeseburger flavor.
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Swiss – Nutty, melty Swiss cheese pairs wonderfully with turkey.
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Pepper Jack – For spice lovers, pepper jack gives a nice heat.
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Blue Cheese – Bold blue cheese crumbles take burgers upscale.
Creative Toppings
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Guacamole – Fresh, creamy guacamole makes burgers extra juicy and delicious.
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Salsa – Tomato salsa, corn salsa, or black bean salsa lend vibrant flavor and texture.
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Pesto – Basil or sun-dried tomato pesto spreads pack a flavor punch.
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Hummus – Chickpea hummus offers a Mediterranean vibe and healthy fats.
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Coleslaw – Cool, creamy coleslaw balances the turkey burger wonderfully.
Hearty Toppings
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Bacon – Crispy bacon crumbles or strips for smoky, salty crunch.
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Fried Egg – A runny fried egg takes any burger up a notch.
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Avocado – Creamy avocado slices or mashed avocado for richness.
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Mushrooms – Sautéed mushrooms lend a meaty, umami flavor.
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Chili – A spoonful of hearty beef or turkey chili makes a filling topping.
Sweet and Savory Toppings
For something unexpected, try these sweet-savory toppings:
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Barbecue sauce – Sweet and tangy barbecue sauce
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Fig jam – Fruity, spreadable fig jam
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Caramelized onions – Sweetened onions
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Pineapple salsa – Juicy pineapple salsa
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Apple slices – Crisp apple slices
The options for tasty turkey burger toppings are endless. Don’t limit yourself to boring plain burgers! With the right condiments and toppings, you can make juicy, decadent turkey burgers to rival any beef burger.
Get creative with global flavors, mix and match textures, and balance out the turkey’s leanness with fat and moisture from cheeses, spreads, and produce. A well-built turkey burger will make you forget you aren’t eating beef.
For best results, try to limit yourself to about 3-4 complementary toppings. Piling on too many conflicting flavors will just make a muddled mess. Pick ingredients that work together and let the turkey flavor shine through.
Next time you make turkey burgers, take them to the next level with mouthwatering toppings. Your tastebuds will thank you! What are some of your favorite condiments for sprucing up turkey burgers?
Turkey (B Vitamins, Selenium, Zinc, Phosphorus, Choline)
In addition to being a low fat source of protein, turkey contains significant amounts of B vitamins, selenium and zinc. B vitamins are important for red blood cell formation, amino acid formation and maintaining energy levels.
Healthy Turkey Burger Variations
If youre not in the mood for Mediterranean, I have 3 other healthy turkey burger variations for you today! Each of these uses the same concept – adding some sort of fat or moisture to compensate for the lean meat and give you a juicy, never dry, burger. However, thats where the similarities end. From spicy Cajun to Italian-inspired parmesan turkey burgers, these each have a totally different flavor profile.
For parmesan turkey burgers, combine 1# ground turkey (or chicken), 4 oz grated parmesan, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, 1 tsp parsley and 1/3 cup avocado mayo.
Form into 4 patties and cook on a grill for 4-5 minutes per side. Alternatively, you can bake in the oven at 425 F for 20-25 minutes, until cooked through to 165F.
Serve on buns or lettuce wraps with lettuce, tomato, optional mayo and shredded lettuce.
For my Cajun turkey burgers, youll first saute some onion, garlic and peppers and then mix that into the ground turkey before forming the patties. The veggies along with a healthy dose of Cajun seasoning give these burgers a nice hit of spice and a ton of bold flavor!
First, finely chop 1/2 red onion, 3-4 cloves garlic, the white portion of 1 bunch of green onions and 1/2 jalapeno (remove seeds & ribs for less heat). Saute veggies plus 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning in 1T olive oil over medium heat for 3-5 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
In a bowl, mix sautéed Cajun veggies into 1# ground turkey (recommend using hands). Form into 4 patties.
Cook burgers on a grill (outdoor or indoor) for ~4-5 minutes per side. Or bake in 425 F oven ~20-25 minutes. Serve burgers in gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps topped w/ avocado slices.
Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe
FAQ
How to make turkey burger taste better?
- Don’t overwork the meat.
- Go bold with the seasoning.
- Add a spoonful of mayonnaise.
- Double down on sauce.
- Stack on the condiments.
What seasoning to add to turkey burger?
Garlic and onion powder with a fresh, finely minced Italian herb like basil, oregano, or thyme.Apr 20, 2020
What to put in ground turkey to make it taste better?
With ground turkey, you need fresh aromatics to season it. Chopped yellow onions, scallions, cilantro, and red bell pepper all help add flavor.
What is a good topping for a burger?
Common toppings for a hamburger include: Lettuce – Adds crunch and freshness. Tomato – Provides juiciness and flavor. Onions – Can be raw, grilled, or caramelized for different flavors. Pickles – Adds a tangy crunch. Cheese – Popular options include cheddar, American, Swiss, and blue cheese.
What to put on a turkey burger?
A fried egg is the ultimate burger topping. The runny yolk acts as its own sauce and adds protein. Simply fry an egg and place it gently on top of the cooked burger patty. Heavenly! 7. Grilled Pineapple For a tropical twist, top your turkey burger with grilled pineapple rounds.
How to make a healthy burger?
There are different ways to make a healthy burger. Traditional bread can be replaced by wholemeal bread or skillet bread rich in fiber or other similar preparations. The sauce used can be a homemade avocado sauce or beet hummus for example. Meat can be prepared at home with ground beef and natural seasonings or you can use shredded chicken breast or canned tuna. Lettuce, tomato and onion are also welcome and a healthy burger.
How do you make a good turkey burger?
Sautéed mushrooms lend a meaty, umami flavor to turkey burgers. Shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms all work beautifully. Simply sauté the mushrooms in olive oil or butter until lightly browned. 5. Bacon Crispy cooked bacon crumbles add a smoky, salty crunch and tons of flavor. Turkey and bacon are simply meant for each other.
What are the best Turkey Burger toppings?
The best turkey burger toppings are the ones that are both healthy and delicious. 1. Grilled Jalapenos Let’s start with something spicy. I love a good hot pepper, but roasting jalapenos will bring out their sweetness and cut the heat a fair amount.
What is a good seasoning for turkey burgers?
Some popular wet seasonings for turkey burgers include Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, mustard, and honey. * Compound butters: Compound butters are a great way to add flavor and richness to turkey burgers. To make a compound butter, simply mix softened butter with your favorite herbs, spices, and other ingredients.
Can you put a topping on a turkey burger?
A flavorful topping won’t save a dry, overcooked turkey burger. Be sure to start with a moist, well-seasoned turkey patty. Here are some tips: Choose ground turkey that’s 93% lean. The higher fat content helps keep burgers juicy. Add a little mayo and Worcestershire sauce to the raw turkey. They act as binders and seasoning.