Turkey burgers are a delicious, healthier alternative to beef burgers. They are lower in fat and calories while still being packed with protein. However, cooking turkey burgers can be tricky because they tend to dry out easily. The key is using the right technique to keep them moist and flavorful. This article will walk you through how to cook turkey burgers in a pan perfectly every time.
Choosing the Right Ground Turkey
The first step is selecting the right ground turkey. Look for ground turkey breast or make sure the package says it is 93% lean. You want lower fat content so the burgers aren’t greasy. Using ground turkey breast means the meat comes only from the breast of the turkey, so it will be leaner.
Ground turkey can be prone to drying out, so it’s important to choose the right fat-to-protein ratio The best turkey burgers use ground turkey that is 93% lean and 7% fat. This ratio provides enough fat to keep the burgers moist without making them greasy
Seasoning Your Turkey Burgers
Adding seasoning is key for flavorful, juicy turkey burgers All you need are some simple basics like garlic, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper
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Finely mince 2-3 cloves of garlic. Fresh garlic adds lots of flavor.
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Add 1-2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard. The tangy mustard complements the turkey.
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Use 1-2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce for savory umami flavor. Make sure to use a gluten-free brand if needed.
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Generously season with salt and pepper. Kosher salt works best.
You can also experiment with spices like cumin, Italian seasoning, or paprika. Just avoid over-seasoning, which can dry out the burgers.
Mixing Everything Together
In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, minced garlic, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently mix it all together until fully combined.
Be careful not to overmix which can make the burgers dense and dry. You just want everything incorporated. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors mesh and makes it easier to form patties.
Forming the Patties
After chilling, form the turkey mixture into patties using your hands. Make indentations in the center with your thumb to prevent bulging as they cook.
For four large burgers, divide the mixture into four equal portions before shaping each one. Make the patties wider and flatter, rather than thick. Thicker patties will take longer to cook through.
Place the shaped patties on a plate lined with parchment or wax paper. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes to help them hold their shape better during cooking.
Cooking the Turkey Burgers
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the chilled patties to the hot skillet. Resist the urge to move or press on them initially or they may break apart.
Cook for 4-6 minutes per side, flipping only once. The total cooking time will be about 8-12 minutes based on thickness. Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
Lower heat if the outside is browning too quickly before the interior is cooked through. Covering the skillet for a minute or two can also help them cook through faster.
Serving Suggestions
Once cooked, let the turkey burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy the patties on buns like a classic burger or get creative with toppings and try:
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Lettuce wrap turkey burgers for a low-carb option
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Avocado slices, caramelized onions, bacon
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Sliced cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, pickles
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Spread pesto, chimichurri, or aioli on the bun
With the right techniques and a flavorful seasoning blend, you can enjoy moist and delicious turkey burgers cooked right in a skillet. Just remember to avoid overmixing, use a skillet with some oil, and don’t press down on the patties while they cook. Your tasty turkey burgers will look forward to gobbling up!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook turkey burgers in a pan?
It takes 8-12 minutes total to cook turkey burgers in a pan, around 4-6 minutes per side. Cook at medium heat until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Should you flip turkey burgers more than once?
Only flip the turkey burgers once while cooking. Flipping frequently can cause them to break apart easily. Let them cook undisturbed for several minutes before gently flipping once.
Do you need oil to pan fry turkey burgers?
Yes, adding oil helps provide a nonstick surface for searing the burgers evenly. Use 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil or avocado oil. Avoid nonstick spray which can make the pan too sticky.
How do you keep turkey burgers moist?
Using 93% lean ground turkey, refrigerating the mixture before cooking, avoiding overmixing, and cooking at medium heat prevents dry turkey burgers. Adding a little oil to the pan and seasoning well also boosts moisture.
Can you cook turkey burgers from frozen?
It’s best to thaw frozen turkey burgers in the refrigerator before cooking. But if in a pinch, you can cook them straight from the freezer. Just increase cook time by a few minutes per side at medium heat.
Should you bake or pan fry turkey burgers?
Pan frying in a skillet is the best cooking method for turkey burgers. The direct contact helps create a nice sear while baking can dry them out. You can finish cooking in the oven if needed to ensure doneness.
With these tips, you’ll be making irresistibly juicy turkey burgers in a pan like a pro. Mix up a flavorful blend of seasoning, shape chilled patties, and fry at medium heat for a short time. Now enjoy your healthy turkey burgers guilt-free!
Turkey Burger Filling options
The classic options you can never go wrong with are sliced tomatoes, red onions, cheddar cheese, pickles, and a layer of mayonnaise and ketchup on top. But you can also switch it up and add bacon, avocado slices, and caramelized onions.
- Serve up a classic turkey burger. Grab your favorite store-bought buns (you could even toast them if you’d like) and layer on your favorite burger ingredients.
- Make a lettuce wrap turkey burger: For those of us who are gluten-free or just looking for a healthier option, lettuce wrap turkey burgers are honestly just as delicious. Plus, it’s a naturally low-carb meal! To make the lettuce “buns” — core a head of lettuce and slice it into quarters. Use a few pieces of lettuce as both the base and top, essentially wrapping around the burger.
- Make a turkey burger bowl: Enjoy the patties as a protein source for a veggie-heavy salad or bowl! Layer leafy greens with avocado slices, pickled red onions, and cherry tomatoes (or other vegetables you like). You could even add tzatziki or chipotle sauce on top!
- Don’t have access to Worcestershire sauce? You can add a splash of tamari soy sauce (about half the amount).
- Add more yumminess to the patty with finely diced onions or shallots. You can also switch up the seasonings and herbs with onion powder, dried thyme, rosemary, or any other seasonings you like really!
I’ve made this recipe heaps of times and have never had the patties fall apart when using 93% lean ground turkey. But, if you find that your patties are crumbling, you can try adding an egg and some almond flour to the mixture next time.
Absolutely! This is a great summertime burger recipe to toss on the grill. Just be a bit careful when placing them on the grill and flipping them as they tend to be softer than other burger patties.
You sure can! I have a separate recipe for chicken burgers (with a Mediterranean flavor profile), but you can certainly swap the meat in this recipe as well.
- To store in the fridge: These patties will last for 3 to 4 days in the fridge stored in an airtight container.
- Freeze the patties for later: I love to make a double batch of this recipe and save leftovers for the future! To do so, freeze the cooked patties on a baking sheet first. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container with parchment paper in between. They will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Make-Ahead Tips: If you want to pre-make the raw turkey burgers, you can do so a day in advance and store them in the fridge. Just add parchment paper in between each patty and layer them on top of one another before placing them in an airtight container.
Are Turkey Burgers Healthy?
Every once in a while, I crave a meaty and juicy burger. But when I try to cut down on red meat and choose leaner options, ground turkey is always my go-to. It’s like switching from beef meatballs to my favorite turkey meatballs recipe.
So to answer the question – “Are turkey burgers actually healthy?” The answer is an affirmative yes! Ground turkey has less saturated fat than ground beef and is even leaner than ground chicken.
The only “downside” is that turkey tends to be a lot drier than beef. But I’ve got a few tips on how to make the perfect turkey burger patty that’s not dry and bland, plus they’re completely gluten-free! This is my go-to turkey burger recipe in my house, and I’m confident you’ll come back to it over and over again as well!
- Ground Turkey: The key to juicier turkey burgers is choosing the right lean-to-fat ratio. Packaged ground turkey is often a mix of light and dark meat, but you’ll want to choose one that’s 93% lean and 7% fat. This makes for a moist and succulent texture. And if purchasing ground turkey from the butcher, ask them to provide the same mix suitable for a burger patty.
- Mayonnaise: Just a little bit of mayo helps to add moisture and acts as a binder for the patties. You can use your favorite brand or make my easy homemade mayonnaise which tastes 10x better and has no funky ingredients!
- Dijon Mustard & Worcestershire sauce: While turkey is really a blank canvas for flavor, I often find most turkey burger recipes to be bland and boring in flavor. But the simple combo of Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce adds a savory, umami flavor – and it’ll have everyone going back for seconds! Side note: if you’re gluten-free like me, scroll down to the recipe card where I’ve linked the gluten-free Worcestershire sauce I use (as not all brands are gluten-free).
- Seasonings: All you need are fresh garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper to complete the flavor profile. But if you want to switch up some of the flavors, I’ve got a few options listed below.
Find the printable recipe with measurements below
