With ground turkey, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, and a few other basic ingredients, these Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers are guaranteed to turn out tender, delicious, and perfect for warm-weather dinners!
If you’re craving more burger options, check out my California Burgers, Salmon Burgers, and Black Bean Burgers for a variety of flavors that are just as amazing.
Grilling turkey burgers can seem tricky compared to beef burgers. Without the right technique lean turkey meat easily dries out and sticks to the grill grates. However, with some simple tips on temperature control grill prep, and cook times, you can achieve irresistibly juicy, flavorful turkey burgers right in your own backyard. This guide covers everything you need to know about what temperature to grill turkey burgers for the best results.
Why Temperature Matters For Grilling Turkey
Ground turkey is much leaner than ground beef with less intramuscular fat, so it doesn’t have as much moisture and tenderness built right in That means cooking turkey burgers properly to prevent overcooking and drying them out is especially important.
Cooking over high heat is usually ideal for getting a nice sear on beef burgers. However, this same direct high heat will cause turkey burgers to toughen up and turn dry. A more moderate grill temperature gives you a better margin of error to achieve fully cooked, yet still juicy turkey burgers.
Ideal Grill Temperature For Turkey Burgers
The ideal grill temperature for turkey burgers falls between 375°F-425°F (190°C-218°C). This level of medium-high heat is hot enough to create some char while still preventing overcooking.
Some grill temperature guidelines to follow:
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375-400°F (190-204°C) – Provides a little slower cooking time to keep patties moist. Use for thicker 1-inch burgers.
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400-425°F (204-218°C) – Cooks a bit faster to prevent underdone centers while still avoiding dryness. Use for thinner 3/4-inch burgers.
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Below 375°F (190°C) – Won’t properly sear the patties. Burgers may turn out undercooked.
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Above 500°F (260°C) – Will overcook the exterior before the interior cooks through. Burgers will be dry.
Other Ways To Prevent Dry Turkey Burgers
Monitoring grill temperature is the most critical factor, but a few other simple techniques will also boost your chances of success:
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Use 85-93% lean ground turkey for the best moisture and flavor. Going above 93% will be overly dry.
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Brush oil on the grill grates right before cooking to prevent sticking. Use high heat oil like avocado or grapeseed.
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Allow the grill to preheat 10-15 minutes before cooking. This helps prevent sticking issues.
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Use a digital meat thermometer to accurately determine doneness instead of cutting patties open prematurely.
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Don’t press down on patties while they cook or you’ll press out all the juices.
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Let patties rest 5 minutes after cooking so juices redistribute rather than run out.
Cook Times Based On Grill Temperature
Cook times will vary slightly based on the factors discussed above, but these general guidelines will help you perfectly grill turkey burgers every time:
At 375°F (190°C):
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1/2 inch thick patties – Cook 8-10 minutes per side
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3/4 inch thick patties – Cook 10-12 minutes per side
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1 inch thick patties – Cook 12-14 minutes per side
At 400°F (205°C):
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1/2 inch thick patties – Cook 7-9 minutes per side
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3/4 inch thick patties – Cook 9-11 minutes per side
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1 inch thick patties – Cook 11-13 minutes per side
At 425°F (218°C):
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1/2 inch thick patties – Cook 6-8 minutes per side
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3/4 inch thick patties – Cook 8-10 minutes per side
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1 inch thick patties – Cook 10-12 minutes per side
Checking Turkey Burgers For Doneness
The most foolproof way to confirm turkey burgers are fully cooked to a safe 165°F (74°C) interior temperature is to insert an instant read thermometer into the thickest part of the patty.
If you don’t have a thermometer, check for other signs of doneness after the recommended cook time. The meat should be browned on the outside with no traces of pink on the inside. Any juices running from the patty should be clear rather than tinted pink or red.
With the right grill setup and temperature control, you can achieve restaurant-quality turkey burgers in your own backyard that are perfectly seared on the outside and deliciously juicy on the inside every time.
Common Turkey Burger Grilling Mistakes To Avoid
It’s easy to go wrong grilling turkey burgers if you aren’t aware of a few common pitfalls. Here are some key mistakes that lead to dried out, overcooked turkey patties along with tips to avoid them:
Cooking over high heat – Direct high heat causes exterior charring before the interior cooks through. Stick with medium-high 375-425°F.
Not oiling the grill grates – Turkey sticks easily without oil. Always brush grates with an oil-soaked paper towel held by tongs.
Using ultra-lean ground turkey – Meat needs some fat for moisture and flavor. Opt for 85-93% lean ground turkey.
Pressing down on patties – Flattening patties as they cook pushes out all the flavorful juices. Resist the urge.
Not using a meat thermometer – It’s easy to over or undercook without checking exact internal temp. Invest in a thermometer.
Under-preheating the grill – If grill grates aren’t hot enough at the start, burgers will stick. Allow 10-15 minutes preheat time.
Flipping patties too often – Frequent flipping leads to uneven cooking. Only flip once halfway through grilling.
Serving burgers immediately – Letting patties rest 5 minutes allows juices to redistribute rather than run out when cut.
Avoiding these common mistakes takes a little extra care and patience, but the reward of wonderfully juicy and flavorful grilled turkey burgers is well worth it!
Grilled Turkey Burger Recipe
Now that you know the secrets to grilling turkey burgers like a pro, give this foolproof recipe a try for your best results yet:
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs 85-93% lean ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 burger buns
- Optional cheese, lettuce, tomato etc.
Instructions:
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Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, olive oil, egg and seasonings in a bowl. Mix gently until just combined.
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Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and form into patties about 3/4-inch thick.
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Preheat grill to 400°F. Brush grates with oil.
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Grill burgers 8-10 minutes per side until 165°F internal temperature.
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Add cheese if using during last 1-2 minutes of cooking if desired.
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Allow patties to rest 5 minutes before serving on buns with desired toppings.
With the ideal grill setup and cook times, you’ll achieve irresistibly moist and juicy turkey burgers full of flavor. Just be sure to monitor temperature closely and avoid overcooking for best results.
How To Grill Turkey Burgers
This method for making turkey burgers is super-simple and packed with easy techniques for enhancing the flavor and texture of the burgers. Once you try making them like this, you will be hooked.
- Make the Burger Mixture. First, combine the ground turkey, onions, garlic, pork rind crumbs, parsley, egg yolk, worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Use a large spoon or your hands to mix everything together, until it is just combined. Don’t overmix, or the burgers will be tough.
- Form and Chill the Patties. Next, carefully form the mixture into four flat patties. It may seem much more soft or wet than hamburger, but that’s okay! Just shape them and place them on a large plate or tray. Then cover and chill for about half an hour.
- Prepare to Grill. While the patties are chilling, heat your grill to HIGH (about 425˚F to 450˚F). Oil the grill grates, and take the patties out of the fridge. Use your thumb to press a dent into the middle of each patty – this will help them keep a good shape as they grill, instead of shrinking and swelling up.
- Grill the Patties. Transfer the turkey burgers to the grill, and let them cook for about 6 minutes. Flip, and cook for 5 to 7 more minutes, or until the internal temperature of the turkey burgers registers at 160˚F to 165˚F.
- Enjoy! Rest the burgers on a clean serving plate for 5 minutes, before serving with all of your favorite fixins and toppings.
Best-Ever Turkey Burgers on the Grill
Around here, it’s grilling season, and I am SO here for it! What’s not to love about grilling? All the heat stays outside, and all the food comes out tender, juicy, and ultra-flavorful. Whether you’re grilling steak, veggies, or throwing a shrimp on the barbie, you can’t go wrong. Oh, and did I mention… turkey burgers? SO GOOD! Now stay with me, here. I realize that too many of us have been the victims of dry, bland, and even crumbly turkey burgers. No one needs that in their life. But, a good turkey burger? It’s a revelation! That’s why I love this easy recipe. It makes the most out of simple ground turkey, turning it into a juicy, savory, and basically addictive meal that the entire neighborhood will want to devour.
If that sounds good to you, read on! This recipe is sure to be a warm-weather staple.
Best Ever Juicy Turkey Burgers
FAQ
What temperature do you cook turkey burgers on the grill?
What temperature do you grill turkey burgers? Preheat the grill to medium high heat, or about 400 degrees. The turkey burger temperature will be 165 degrees when they’re done. How long does it take to grill a turkey burger? Turkey burger grill time is roughly 10 minutes.
What temperature should turkey be grilled at?
Light all the burners and preheat the gas grill to 350°F. Once the grill is hot, turn off the burners on one side of your grill. Place the turkey in a roasting pan with the breast facing upwards.
How long to grill burgers at 400 degrees?
- Rare: 4–6 minutes, for a cool center and red interior
- Medium rare: 6–7 minutes, for a warmer center and red throughout
- Medium: 7–8 minutes, for a warm, pink center
- Medium well: 8–9 minutes, for a hot, slightly pink center
- Well done: 8–9 minutes, for an internal temperature of over 160°F
Can turkey burgers be medium rare?
- Turkey burgers are made from poultry, so it’s important to cook them thoroughly.
- Turkey is a lean meat that can dry out easily, so it’s best to remove it from heat as soon as it reaches the safe temperature.
- The color of cooked turkey is not always a reliable indicator of safety. Turkey can remain pink even after cooking to a safe temperature.
- To ensure food safety, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the burger.
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?
How to cook a turkey burger?
To ensure that you are cooking your turkey burgers to the correct internal temperature, it is advisable to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the burger, avoiding contact with bone or fat. Once the meat reaches the minimum internal temperature of 165°F, it is safe to consume.
How long should a turkey burger be grilled?
However, a general rule of thumb is to grill turkey burgers for about 6 to 8 minutes per side. Before starting the grilling process, it’s important to prepare the turkey patties properly.
How do you cook a turkey burger on a grill?
Grill the burgers over medium heat. The best way to grill turkey burgers is over medium heat. This will help them cook evenly and prevent them from burning. Don’t overcook the burgers. The most important tip for grilling turkey burgers is to not overcook them. Turkey burgers are a lean meat, so they can dry out quickly if they are overcooked.
How long do you cook a turkey burger in the oven?
Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees. Cook the turkey burgers for 15 minutes, flipping them over halfway through the cooking time. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees. Can turkey burgers be medium rare?
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.