The Ultimate Smashed Turkey Burger Guide

Turkey burgers are a delicious healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. When smashed on a hot skillet or griddle turkey burgers become crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. This ultimate guide will teach you everything you need to make the perfect smashed turkey burger at home.

Benefits of Cooking Smashed Turkey Burgers

There are several advantages to opting for smashed turkey burgers rather than beef

• Turkey is lower in fat and calories compared to beef. A turkey burger makes a lighter choice.

• Ground turkey is an affordable alternative to ground beef

• Smashing the patties on a hot skillet gives you crispy edges on your burger.

• They have a juicier texture when smashed thin.

• You can customize turkey burgers with different seasonings.

• Turkey burgers cook faster than thick beef patties.

Ingredients for Smashed Turkey Burgers

To make delicious smashed turkey burgers at home, you will need:

• Ground Turkey: Choose 93% lean or leaner ground turkey for the best texture.

• Aromatics: Onion, garlic, shallots – grating them on the small holes of a box grater adds moisture.

• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, parsley and other dried herbs.

• Binders: Egg, breadcrumbs or panko to help hold the patties together.

• Flavor Boosts: Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, mustard.

• Oil: For the skillet. Grapeseed, avocado or olive oil work well.

• Buns: Brioche, potato rolls or lettuce wraps.

Top Turkey Burger Toppings

• Sliced cheese like cheddar or pepper jack

• Crispy bacon

• Sautéed mushrooms

• Avocado slices

• Caramelized onions

• Lettuce, tomato, pickles

• Sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, chimichurri

Tips for Making Smashed Turkey Burgers

Follow these tips for smashed turkey burgers just like you’d get from a diner:

• Use very lean ground turkey (93% lean or more). The lower fat content means the patties will get deliciously crispy when smashed.

• Grate onions on the small holes of a box grater before adding to the meat. This extracts the onion juices to keep the patties moist.

• Mix in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce or mustard for savory umami flavor.

• Shape the patties slightly wider than the bun so they crisp up past the edges.

• Preheat your cast iron skillet over medium high heat before adding a thin layer of oil. Make sure the skillet is very hot before adding the patties.

• Use a stiff spatula to press down hard and flatten the patties as soon as they hit the hot skillet.

• Resist the urge to move the patties around. Let them sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to get a crispy crust.

• Flip only once during cooking. Cook another 3-4 minutes on the second side.

• Add cheese slices on top during the last 1-2 minutes of cooking so it melts.

• Let patties rest for 5 minutes before serving. The temperature will rise a bit more as they rest.

Easy Smashed Turkey Burger Recipe

This straightforward smashed turkey burger recipe yields juicy patties with crispy, caramelized edges.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound 93% lean ground turkey
• 1 small onion, grated
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 hamburger buns
• 4 slices cheddar cheese
• Burger toppings like lettuce, tomato, etc.

Instructions:

1. Grate the onion on the small holes of a box grater. Measure out 2 tablespoons of the grated onion.
2. In a bowl, mix together the ground turkey, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly to incorporate the seasonings.
3. Divide the mixture into 4 portions and shape into patties slightly wider than the burger buns.
4. Heat a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Swirl in a teaspoon of oil.
5. Add the patties and immediately use a spatula to press down hard and smash until about 1/2-inch thick.
6. Cook for 3-4 minutes until deep brown. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes.
7. Top each patty with a slice of cheese during the last 1-2 minutes so it melts.
8. Serve the crispy turkey burgers on buns with your favorite toppings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use extra lean ground turkey?

For the best texture, use 93% lean ground turkey. Extra lean turkey dries out too much when smashed.

Do I need to use a binder like egg or breadcrumbs?

No, binders are not needed since the patties are smashed thin. Using just ground turkey with some onion makes a juicy patty.

Is it safe to eat turkey burgers a little pink inside?

No, turkey patties should always be cooked to 165°F internally. Use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.

Can I cook smashed turkey burgers on the grill?

Yes, you can cook them on a preheated grill without smashing them. Cook over direct high heat for 6-8 minutes per side.

Should I flip the patties more than once?

It’s best to flip the patties only once during cooking to get an evenly caramelized crust on both sides.

More Delicious Smashed Turkey Burger Inspiration

Smashed turkey burgers are so easy to customize to your taste. Try one of these flavorful recipes:

• Pesto Turkey Burgers: Mix in basil pesto and mozzarella cheese for an Italian twist.

• Southwestern Turkey Burgers: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, chili powder and pepper jack cheese.

• BBQ Bacon Turkey Burgers: Brush the cooked patties with barbecue sauce and top with crispy bacon.

• Greek Turkey Burgers: Add crumbled feta, oregano, onions and tzatziki sauce.

So forget the beef and give smashed turkey burgers a try! Crisp the patties in a hot skillet and pile on your favorite toppings for out-of-this-world juicy burgers any night of the week.