I have often thought of turkey burgers as a relic of the ‘90s, leftover from an era when fat was the number one enemy, and Snackwells reigned (and it was a reign of artificially sweet terror). But some people just don’t like red meat, and others have medical reasons for wanting to avoid it. Some people may just like the idea of the turkey burger, but had never been able to make a truly tasty one.
There are only three things you need to do to make a turkey burger taste good, though: You have to up the fat (just a little), season it with MSG (that extra bit of glutamate makes a world of difference), and smash the heck out of it.
Turkey burgers have a reputation for being dry and bland compared to juicy beef burgers. But with the right preparation turkey burgers can have plenty of flavor and moisture. Here’s a guide to what a properly made turkey burger tastes like.
The Main Flavor Differences
The most noticeable difference between beef and turkey burgers is that beef has a richer, meatier flavor The beef fat provides beefy aromas and taste as it cooks Turkey meat itself is milder tasting. White meat turkey like the breast has very subtle flavor. Dark meat turkey thighs and legs impart more flavor due to their fat content.
When comparing beef and turkey burgers:
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Beef burgers have a beefy, savory umami taste from the fat content. Turkey burgers have a lighter, more delicate flavor profile.
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Ground beef contains ample marbling that keeps it juicy during cooking. Ground turkey is lean with little fat, making it prone to drying out.
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The iron in beef gives it a slight mineral tang. Turkey doesn’t have that metallic taste.
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Beef burgers are often cooked to medium or medium rare doneness. Turkey burgers should be cooked through 165°F for food safety.
So turkey by itself is mild in flavor while beef packs more taste punch. But that doesn’t mean turkey burgers have to be bland.
Ways to Boost Turkey Burger Flavor
While turkey can’t mimic beef, you can make turkey burgers more flavorful and moist with these tips:
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Use thigh meat instead of breast. Dark turkey meat has more fat and flavor.
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Mix in a tablespoon of bacon grease or oil per pound of ground turkey. The fat prevents drying out.
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Add lots of seasonings and spices. Cajun seasoning gives great flavor.
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Use a flavorful cheese like sharp cheddar, blue, or pepper jack.
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Load up on toppings like guacamole, salsa, and spicy aioli sauce.
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Smash the patties thin so they get crispy edges. More surface browning equals more flavor.
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Cook in a cast iron skillet to get caramelization for richer taste.
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Glaze the burgers with a sweet and tangy sauce near the end of cooking.
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Mix in diced onions, mushrooms, and other umami ingredients for extra flavor.
What Should You Expect From a Juicy Turkey Burger?
Here’s a breakdown of how a moist and well-seasoned turkey burger looks, smells, and tastes:
Appearance: Thin, smashed patties that are browned with crispy, craggy edges from high-heat cooking. Glazed with sauce for an appetizing sheen.
Aroma: Savory, meaty smell from browning on the skillet. Whiffs of seasoning like garlic and onion powder. Inviting scent of melted cheese and char.
Flavor: Balanced blend of savory and sweet. Hints of smoke and char flavors from the sear. The burst of toppings and glaze. Cleaner than beef but with lots of seasoning.
Texture: A crispy, browned exterior giving way to a juicy, tender interior. Still firmer than beef but much moister than a hockey puck turkey burger.
Overall: Very enjoyable flavor for a healthier burger option. All the satisfaction of a great burger despite the lighter turkey meat. A filling, craveable taste!
So with strategic fat additions, thorough seasoning, high-heat cooking, and flavor-packed toppings, turkey burgers can be just as tasty as beef. The flavors are cleaner and brighter due to the lighter turkey meat. For those looking to avoid red meat or eat healthier, you can still get an insanely delicious burger experience with turkey as the base. Give the above tips a try for making turkey burgers that truly satisfy!
Season your turkey burger with MSG (and salt)
Monosodium glutamate is the easiest way to give something a meaty, savory umami, and that is something that ground, white-meat turkey definitely needs. It also needs salt, because everything needs salt.
You don’t need a lot of MSG—just a few shakes. Start by dividing your turkey into four-ounce balls, but don’t press them into patties just yet. Season the outside of each of your turkey orbs with three to four pinches of salt, and four shakes of MSG from your MSG shaker. (Don’t have an MSG shaker? Get yourself a little panda. They sell them on Amazon, but you’ll find them for much cheaper at Asian grocery stores, and sometimes Walmart.) Now it’s smashing time.
How much fat does a turkey burger need?
One of the biggest issues people run into with these particular bird burgers is that they have a tendency to dry out while cooking. Adding wet ingredients makes it hard for the burger to keep itself together, which means you have to get binders (such as bread crumbs and eggs) involved, and I simply don’t have time for all of that.
A little fat goes a long way though, and it keeps your turkey burger from turning into a turkey puck. Ground dark meat turkey has enough, so ask your butcher if they have any behind the counter. If they don’t, just buy the pre-packaged ground turkey with the highest percentage of fat (usually 85/15). If all you can find is the super lean stuff, you can mix some fat in yourself. A tablespoon of schmaltz, lard, or bacon grease per pound of meat will keep things moist and give your burger more flavor, especially if you use unfiltered bacon grease.
What Does A Turkey Burger With Turkey Bacon Actually Taste Like?
FAQ
Does turkey burger taste good?
Are turkey burgers better than regular burgers?
Does turkey meat taste like beef?
How does ground turkey taste compared to ground beef?
How do you make a turkey burger taste good?
Some people may just like the idea of the turkey burger, but had never been able to make a truly tasty one. There are only three things you need to do to make a turkey burger taste good, though: You have to up the fat (just a little), season it with MSG (that extra bit of glutamate makes a world of difference), and smash the heck out of it.
How do you make ground turkey taste like beef?
Learn how to make ground turkey taste like beef. This recipe is for those who want to cut beef out of their diet but still love a good burger! Serve on buns with your favorite condiments. Mix together ground turkey, onion soup mix, and steak sauce in a large bowl. Shape into 4 patties.
What should I look for in a ground turkey burger?
Look for ground turkey meat with at least a 93% lean and 7% fat content. If you can find 90-92% lean, that’s even better. If you’re purchasing from your grocery store’s butcher counter, ask for ground turkey thighs or dark meat. A few more important additions… Mayonnaise – YES, mayonnaise. It’s my secret ingredient for juicy turkey burgers.
How do you make a Burger taste more meaty?
Instead, they make the burger taste more meaty. 1 Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a wide, nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. (You’ll use this same skillet later to cook burgers.) 2 Add the finely chopped mushrooms to the skillet. Sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.