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 delicious and healthier alternative to beef burgers. But grilling turkey burgers can be tricky because turkey meat is much leaner than beef. So how long should you grill turkey burgers to ensure they are cooked through without drying out?
Here’s a complete guide to grilling juicy flavorful turkey burgers including how long to grill them and helpful tips for success
Grill Turkey Burgers for 10-12 Minutes Per Side
The ideal grill time for turkey burgers is 10-12 minutes per side over direct medium heat, with the grill lid closed as much as possible. This allows the patties to cook through without overcooking the exterior.
For 1-inch thick turkey burger patties, the total grill time will be 20-24 minutes. Thinner patties may take slightly less time, while thicker patties may need a couple minutes longer.
Always use an instant-read thermometer to check for doneness. Turkey burgers should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If the patties haven’t reached the proper temperature after the recommended grill time, just continue cooking and checking every few minutes until done.
Factors That Affect Grill Time
There are a few factors that can impact how long turkey burgers take to grill:
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Thickness – Thinner patties will cook faster than thick patties. Adjust grill times up or down depending on patty thickness.
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Direct vs Indirect Heat – Grilling over direct medium heat is ideal for maximum browning while cooking the interior. Indirect heat will lengthen the cook time.
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Fat Content – Higher fat content keeps turkey burgers juicier but may slightly lengthen the cook time. Lean turkey patties cook faster.
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Grill Temperature – Grilling at high heat above 500°F can overcook the exterior before the interior is done. Medium heat around 400°F is best.
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Preparation – Chilled patties hold their shape better on the grill than room temperature patties.
Helpful Tips for Grilling Juicy Turkey Burgers
Grilling turkey burgers perfectly takes a little technique. Follow these tips for the best, juiciest results:
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Don’t press patties down – Resist the urge to press on the patties as they cook. This forces out juices and causes dryness.
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Use a meat thermometer – This removes the guesswork and ensures turkey burgers are fully cooked to 165°F.
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Preheat grill well – Letting the grill preheat thoroughly prevents sticking. Shoot for 400-450°F.
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Oil grates – Right before grilling, oil hot grill grates to prevent patties sticking. Use high smoke point oil on a paper towel.
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Flip only once – Flip patties gently with a thin spatula just one time halfway through grilling.
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Don’t move patties – After flipping, leave them undisturbed until fully cooked. Moving them tears the patties.
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Don’t overcook – Pull patties as soon as they reach 165°F to prevent dryness.
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Rest before serving – Let turkey burgers rest 5 minutes after grilling so juices redistribute evenly.
Choosing the Right Ground Turkey
For juicy burgers, it’s important to use ground turkey with some fat content – at least 90% lean is best. Ground turkey breast alone is too lean. Look for a meat-to-fat ratio of 90/10, 93/7, or 85/15 for the best, juiciest grilled turkey burgers.
You can also ask your butcher to grind turkey thighs or leg meat, which has more fat. Or add breast meat with some skin or thigh meat when grinding your own turkey.
Flavorful Add-Ins for Turkey Burgers
While turkey meat itself is mild, there are lots of ways to pack big flavor into your burgers:
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Cheese – Mix shredded cheese into the raw patties or add slices to cook into the burgers. Cheddar, pepper jack, feta or blue cheese are all tasty.
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Herbs & Spices – Fresh herbs, garlic, shallots, spices, chili peppers, etc. can all flavor up ground turkey.
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Worcestershire Sauce – Just a teaspoon of Worcestershire really ramps up the flavor.
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Breadcrumbs – Helps retain moisture and allows you to add seasonings.
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Condiments – Ketchup, mustard, mayo, BBQ sauce, etc. boost flavor when added to raw patties.
So fire up the grill and enjoy perfectly cooked turkey burgers all summer long! With the right technique and about 20 minutes over medium heat, you’ll have tender, juicy patties that rival beef burgers any day.
How long does it take to grill turkey burgers?
Judging how long to grill turkey burgers will depend on the thickness of each individual patty. It will take around 8 minutes for a thinner patty, and 10 minutes for ones that are thicker. It’s a minimal difference, but you don’t want to overcook or undercook, so pay attention while grilling and check the internal temp of the meat.
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 Grill a Perfect Turkey Burger | Ground Turkey Breast w/ Bacon
FAQ
How long do you grill burgers on each side?
How to grill turkey burgers without falling apart?
How do you keep turkey burgers from drying out on the grill?
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 long does a turkey burger take to cook?
The Best Ever Turkey Burger takes just 15 minutes and a few secrets to get the most perfect, juicy turkey burger either on the stovetop or on the grill. Whether you are trying to avoid red meat, or you simply want a lighter option at your backyard barbecue, turkey burgers are a great option.
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!
What temperature should a turkey burger be grilled at?
Answer: The ideal grill temperature for turkey burgers is medium-high heat, around 375°F to 400°F (190°C to 204°C). This temperature is high enough to cook the burgers through while still achieving a nice sear on the outside. 2. How Long Should I Grill Turkey Burgers On Each Side?