The Ultimate Guide to Grilling Juicy Turkey Burgers

Grilling up juicy, flavorful turkey burgers can seem intimidating. Turkey meat is much leaner than beef, making it prone to drying out on the grill. But with the right techniques, ingredients, and a reliable thermometer on hand, it’s easy to make irresistible turkey burgers all summer long. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to grill mouthwatering turkey burgers, from ideal temperature to cooking tips and tricks.

Choosing the Right Temperature

The most important factor in grilling tender, juicy turkey burgers is using the proper grill temperature Here’s what you need to know

• Preheat to high heat, 425°F to 450°F. Starting with a hot grill is crucial to sear the exterior and lock in moisture. If the grill is not hot enough when you place the burgers down, they’ll overcook and dry out

• Maintain high heat while cooking. Keep the temperature between 425°F and 450°F the entire time the burgers are grilling. Resist the urge to lower the heat; properly preheated turkey burgers only need a few minutes per side to cook through.

• Use a reliable meat thermometer. Unlike beef, you cannot rely on visual cues to determine doneness. Turkey is safe to eat at 165°F, so grill until the burgers reach an internal temp of 165°F.

Following these simple temperature guidelines guarantees your turkey burgers come off the grill incredibly juicy and flavorful.

Oil Those Grates!

Oiling the grill grates before placing turkey burgers down is non-negotiable. Turkey meat is extra lean and prone to sticking. Take a few minutes to brush and oil the grates while the grill preheats; this prevents sticking and those dreaded grill marks on the burgers. Use a high smoke point oil like avocado or grapeseed oil on a folded paper towel held with tongs. Reapply oil to the grates after flipping the burgers as well.

Form Juicy Patties

Proper shaping is key for grilling turkey burgers that hold together instead of crumbling apart. Here are a few tips:

• Use 80/20 ground turkey. The higher fat content keeps burgers moister than 99% lean ground turkey meat.

• Handle the meat gently. Overworking the meat toughens the texture. Gently mix in any seasonings.

• Make indentations. Use your thumb to make a shallow indent in the center of each patty. This helps the burgers cook evenly.

• Don’t overpack. Patties shouldn’t be more than a half-inch thicker than the bun. Overly thick patties are more likely to dry out.

• Chill before grilling. Let the patties rest in the fridge for 30 minutes; this helps them hold their shape better on the hot grill.

Grill for Short Cook Time

The hot grill and lean turkey meat means these burgers cook fast. Follow these guidelines:

• Grill for 4-5 minutes per side. Any longer than this risks overcooking.

• Flip only once. Flipping repeatedly toughens the texture. Use a thin spatula to flip gently.

• Don’t press burgers. Pressing squeezes out all the juices; just let them be.

• Add cheese at the end. If making cheeseburgers, add slices during the last 1-2 minutes so they melt nicely.

Lock in Moisture and Flavor

While temperature is most critical, various ingredients help keep turkey burgers juicy and packed with flavor:

• Use small amounts of fat. A teaspoon of oil or small spoonful of mayo per pound of meat adds moisture without making them greasy.

• Include fresh herbs. Chopped parsley, cilantro, basil, and other fresh herbs amp up flavor.

• Add umami flavors. Ingredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and ketchup boost savory flavors.

• Use crunchy mix-ins. Finely minced onion, bell pepper, or grated zucchini or apple introduce texture and moisture.

• Season generously. Don’t be shy with salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, cumin, and other favorite seasonings. Turkey needs help in the flavor department.

Handy Extras for Grilling Turkey Burgers

Having the right gear on hand makes grilling turkey burgers even more foolproof:

• Instant-read thermometer: Takes the guesswork out of determining doneness. Thermapens are the gold standard but cheaper options work too.

• Cast iron skillet: Provides a nonstick cooking surface if grill is crowded. Also perfect for melty cheeseburgers.

• Cooling racks: Lets you briefly rest burgers after grilling to prevent dryness. The short rest allows juices to redistribute evenly.

• Brioche or pretzel buns: Sturdy, thick buns prevent overcooked turkey patties from drying out further.

• Burger press: Compacts patties into evenly-thick circles for consistent grilling. Helpful for grilling large batches.

Grilled Turkey Burger Recipe

This straightforward turkey burger recipe uses the techniques above for outrageously delicious results:

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs ground turkey (80% lean)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 pretzel hamburger buns
• Desired toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, etc.

Instructions:

1. Combine ground turkey, olive oil, onion, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Gently mix by hand just until combined.
2. Form into four equal patties, each about 1/2 inch thick. Use your thumb to make a shallow indent in the center of each patty. This prevents bulging as the burgers cook.
3. Preheat grill to high heat, 425°F to 450°F. Brush grates clean and oil well with high smoke point oil like grapeseed or avocado oil.
4. Grill patties 4-5 minutes per side until instant thermometer inserted in center reads 165°F.
5. Transfer to plate and let rest 5 minutes before serving on pretzel buns with desired toppings.

Get your grill fired up because these turkey burgers are a total game-changer! Let this guide banish any trepidation about grilling poultry for good. By following the temperature, technique, and seasoning tips above, you’ll be sinking your teeth into the juiciest, most flavorful turkey burgers all summer long.