How to Cook Delicious Turkey Burgers: A Step-by-Step Guide

Turkey burgers are an excellent alternative to beef burgers. They are lower in fat and loaded with protein, making them a healthy and delicious choice for a meal. Cooking turkey burgers can be a little tricky, as they tend to dry out easily, but with the right recipe and cooking techniques, you can create juicy and flavourful turkey burgers every time. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to cook delicious turkey burgers that you and your family will surely love.

Ingredients

To cook delicious turkey burgers, you will need the following ingredients:

– 1 pound of ground turkey
– 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
– 1 egg
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage
– 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 hamburger buns
– Toppings of your choice (lettuce, tomato, cheese, etc.)

Instructions

Here are the step-by-step instructions to cook delicious turkey burgers:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, thyme, sage, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to mix the ingredients well until everything is evenly combined.

2. Divide the mixture into four equal portions, and shape each portion into a patty. Make sure that the patties are not too thick or too thin, so they cook evenly.

3. Preheat your grill or non-stick skillet to medium-high heat. Brush the surface of the grill or skillet with oil to prevent sticking.

4. Place the turkey patties on the grill or skillet, and cook for 5-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Avoid flipping the patties more than once to prevent them from falling apart.

5. Once the patties are cooked, remove them from the grill or skillet, and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

6. Toast the hamburger buns on the grill or in the oven for a crispy texture.

7. Assemble the burgers by placing a turkey patty on the bottom half of the bun, and add your desired toppings.

8. Serve the turkey burgers immediately with a side of French fries or a salad.

Cooking Tips

– Use lean ground turkey with at least 93% fat content to avoid dry burgers.
– Make sure the patties are not too thick or too thin, so they cook evenly.
– Do not over-handle the patties, as this can make them tough and dry.
– Brush the grill or skillet with oil to prevent sticking.
– Avoid flipping the patties more than once to prevent them from falling apart.
– Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the patties reaches 165°F.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

If you want to avoid breadcrumbs, you can use rolled oats, crushed crackers or cornflakes, or even grated vegetables like zucchini or carrots.

Can I make turkey burgers ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the turkey burger patties ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to cook them, take them out of the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling or cooking.

How can I make sure my turkey burgers are juicy?

One way to keep turkey burgers juicy is to mix them with a little bit of olive oil or melted butter before shaping them into patties. Another way is to add some grated onion or zucchini to the mixture, as they contain water that can help keep the meat moist.

Can I freeze turkey burgers?

Yes, you can freeze turkey burger patties for up to 3 months. Place the patties between sheets of wax paper or parchment paper, and store them in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. To cook, thaw the patties in the refrigerator overnight, and then follow the cooking instructions as usual.

What are some healthy toppings for turkey burgers?

Some healthy toppings for turkey burgers include lettuce, tomato, onions, avocado, and grilled peppers. You can also skip the bun and wrap the patty in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.