This Grilled Turkey Burgers recipe is made for easy prep and easy grilling – just 20 minutes will get you a batch of burgers for your summer barbecue that are cheesy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned. These patties are a moist, flavorful, and healthier alternative to your classic beef slider.
When it comes to protein, turkey is generally one of the healthier choices: it’s lower in cholesterol than beef, higher in protein than chicken, and contains much less fat than pork. So, a grilled turkey burger is a great way to enjoy barbecue season in a healthier way!
Because it can be rather dry, most people steer away from using ground poultry in recipes. However, my grilled turkey burgers are anything but dry! They’re moist, juicy, and flavorful.
Try these out with one of my favorite burger toppings: Pickled Peppers. That crisp texture and tangy bite just can’t be beat in my book. I also load up with tomatoes, greens, and some ketchup for a touch of sweetness. All the makings of a classic burger with added flavor and flair. Another great, healthy burger alternative is Baked Salmon Patties. They’re so savory, lean, and tender. Oh, and they’re tasty, too!
Turkey burgers are a fantastic healthy alternative to traditional beef burgers. They are lower in fat and calories while still being packed with protein. However, grilling turkey burgers can be tricky since the lean meat tends to dry out quickly on the grill So how long should you grill turkey burgers to lock in moisture and flavor without drying them out?
The Ideal Cook Time For Juicy Turkey Burgers is 10-12 Minutes Per Side
The optimal grill time for 1-inch thick turkey burger patties is about 10-12 minutes per side, for a total cook time of 20-24 minutes. Cooking over direct medium heat with the grill lid closed as much as possible allows the burgers to cook through without drying out.
Turn the patties just once halfway through grilling Flipping frequently causes the burgers to cook unevenly and lose juices, Resist the urge to press down on the patties with the spatula as they will become dry and crumbly,
Checking Temperature For Doneness
The safest way to ensure turkey burgers are fully cooked but not overcooked is to use an instant read thermometer. Turkey burgers are safely cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
If you don’t have a thermometer check for visual signs of doneness after the recommended cook time. The meat should be browned on the outside with no pink showing when you cut into the thickest part of a patty.
Factors That Affect Grill Time
While 10-12 minutes per side is ideal for most turkey burger recipes, cook times can vary based on a few factors:
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Patty thickness – Thinner patties cook faster while thicker ones require more time. Adjust cook times up or down accordingly.
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Fat content – Higher fat burgers generally cook slightly slower than leaner turkey burgers.
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Grill temperature – Cooking over high heat cooks burgers faster than medium heat. Keep the lid closed as much as possible if cooking over high heat.
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Patties frozen vs fresh – Frozen patties take a few minutes longer to cook through.
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Toppings – Adding cheese or other toppings in the last few minutes of grilling time will require cooking a bit longer.
Tips For Grilling Moist, Flavorful Turkey Burgers
Follow these tips for foolproof juicy turkey burgers on the grill every time:
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Use 85% lean ground turkey for the best balance of moisture and flavor. Going above 93% lean can cause dry burgers.
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Make an indentation in the center of patties to prevent bulging as they cook.
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Brush oil on the grill grates before cooking to prevent sticking. Use tongs rather than a brush for safety.
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Start with a hot grill and let it preheat for 10-15 minutes with the lid closed before adding patties. This helps prevent sticking.
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Use a digital meat thermometer to check internal temp rather than relying on cook times alone.
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Don’t press down on patties as they cook or they will become dense and dry.
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Let burgers rest for 5 minutes after grilling before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Make-Ahead and Freezing Tips
For added convenience, turkey burger patties can be prepped in advance:
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Refrigerate uncooked patties for up to 24 hours, separating layers with parchment paper.
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Freeze uncooked patties for up to 3 months. Freeze patties in a single layer then transfer to a freezer bag. Grill frozen patties for 3-4 minutes longer per side.
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Partially grill patties until just underdone, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Finish grilling when ready to eat.
Grilled Turkey Burgers Are Worth the Effort
While it may take a bit more care than beef burgers, turkey burgers are well worth the extra effort. Following these simple guidelines for grill times, temperature, and techniques will reward you with irresistibly moist and flavorful turkey burgers all summer long.
INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS
- Ground Turkey – I used 1 lb of meat to make 4 burgers. Don’t go leaner than 90% lean, or you might find yourself with a dry, crumbly mess.
- Cheddar Cheese – Shredded, sharp cheddar cheese is going into the burger, not on top of it! The cheese can be omitted as a dairy-free alternative, and other kinds of cheese would be delicious as well: Pepper Jack, Monterey Jack, and provolone are all great choices.
- Eggs & Panko Bread Crumbs – These are our binding agents to keep the meat together while grilling. Additionally, the breadcrumbs soak up all of the juice before it drips away, leaving the meat tremendously moist and flavorful.
- Worcestershire Sauce – This tangy, savory sauce is perfect for bolstering the meat’s otherwise mild flavor without overwhelming it.
- All Purpose Seasoning – My homemade seasoning is perfect for these grilled turkey burgers – it’s a no-sugar, low- or no-salt blend that’s delicious in so many dishes. You could also use your favorite grilling seasoning salt.
- Brioche Buns – My go-to burger buns. Sometimes, I grill the bottoms of the buns for a bit of extra texture while cooking the meat. Try it out and let me know what you think!
HOW TO MAKE GRILLED TURKEY BURGERS
1. Prep the Grill. Clean the grill grates and preheat to 400°F.
2. Mix the Meat. While the grill is preheating, mix together the ground meat, cheese, egg, panko, Worcestershire, and all purpose seasoning (or seasoning salt). Combine everything with your hands, thoroughly incorporating the sauce, cheese, egg, and breadcrumbs. If the mixture seems a bit dry, add small amounts of water. Alternatively, if it is too wet, add some more breadcrumbs.
3. Form the Patties. Separate the meat into 4 patties. To ensure that the meat cooks evenly, I always make a thumbprint indentation in the center of each patty before it goes on the grill. This helps the patty hold its shape—rather than swelling—as it shrinks during cooking.
4. Grill. Grill each patty for 4-5 minutes on each side
5. Add Toppings and Serve. Let the grilled turkey burgers rest for at least 5 minutes before serving, then add your toppings. I like to top with lettuce, fresh tomato slices, and pickled peppers. Serve and enjoy!
Best Ever Juicy Turkey Burgers
FAQ
How do you know when a turkey burger is done?
How long do you grill burgers on each side?
How do you keep turkey burgers from drying out on the grill?
Do turkey burgers take longer to cook?
How long do you Grill a turkey burger?
Based on the factors discussed above, the following are recommended grilling times for turkey burgers of different thicknesses: For burgers that are 1/2-inch thick, grill for 6-8 minutes per side. For burgers that are 3/4-inch thick, grill for 8-10 minutes per side. For burgers that are 1-inch thick, grill for 10-12 minutes per side.
How do you cook a turkey burger on a Weber Q?
Place the turkey burgers on the grill and cook for five minutes, covered, until nice grill marks form. Flip and continue to cook, covered, for 3-5 minutes more. Heat the buns on the grill, assemble the burgers, and serve. How To Grill TURKEY BURGERS on a Weber Q | BONUS SECRET TECHNIQUE To Keep Them MOIST!
How long do you cook a burger on a grill?
Place the burgers on the hot grill and cook for 3-5 minutes to sear on the bottom. Flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes on the other side, until you reach your desired degree of doneness. Plan on 5-6 minutes total for rare, 6-7 minutes total for medium-rare, 8-9 minutes total for medium, and 9+ minutes for well-done.
How long does it take to cook a turkey burger?
Our Turkey Burger recipe is so flavorful and juicy it rivals any beef burger, (and it’s healthier and protein packed). Cook them on the grill, stove, or in the oven and is ready in just 20 minutes! If you’re a burger fanatic, try our French Onion Burgers, Quinoa Burgers, Greek Burgers with Feta Aioli, Classic Hamburger, or Black Bean Burger.