How Long to Cook Turkey Patties on the Stove For a Juicy Meal

Cooking turkey patties on the stove is a quick and easy way to make a delicious, healthy meal. But to get the best results it’s important to know how long to cook them. Undercooked turkey can be dangerous to eat while overcooked turkey ends up dry and flavorless. So what’s the perfect stove top turkey patty cook time? Read on to find out.

What Are Turkey Patties?

Turkey patties are made from ground turkey meat formed into round flat shapes similar to hamburger patties. Ground turkey can come from different parts of the turkey, like the breast, thighs or a blend. Turkey patties are an easy way to incorporate more turkey into your diet. They can be seasoned simply with salt and pepper, or flavored with various herbs, spices, cheeses, vegetables and more. I like to add green onions, parsley and garlic powder to my patties for extra flavor.

Turkey patties make a quick weeknight dinner, and are also perfect for sandwiches, salads and other meals. They’re a leaner alternative to beef burgers, without sacrificing taste or texture.

How Long to Cook Turkey Patties on the Stove

The cooking time for turkey patties on the stove can range from 4-10 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.

Here are general guidelines for stove top turkey patty cook times:

• For thin patties (1/2 inch thick): Cook 4-6 minutes per side
• For average thickness patties (3/4 inch thick): Cook 6-8 minutes per side
• For thick patties (1 inch or more): Cook 8-10 minutes per side

The USDA recommends cooking ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat. To check for doneness, insert an instant read meat thermometer into the thickest part of the patty. When it reaches 165°F, the patties are fully cooked.

If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check doneness by cutting into the center of one patty. When turkey patties are cooked through, the meat will be white with no traces of pink.

Factors That Affect Turkey Patty Cook Time

There are a few factors that determine how long turkey patties need to cook on the stove:

• Thickness – Thicker patties take longer to cook through to the center. A good rule of thumb is to cook them about 5 minutes per 1/2 inch thickness.
• Patty Size – Larger diameter patties will need a little extra cook time compared to smaller patties.
• Meat Temperature – If the ground turkey is cold when forming the patties, it will take longer to cook than if closer to room temperature.
• Stove Heat – Cooking over medium heat will provide even cooking. High heat may overbrown the outside before the inside is done.
• Add-ins – Things like cheese or vegetables in the patties will increase cook time slightly.

Knowing these factors allows you to adjust stove top cook time as needed for perfect turkey patties every time.

Step-by-Step Guide for Stove Top Turkey Patties

Cooking turkey patties on the stove is simple with these easy steps:

1. Form the Patties

Take ground turkey and gently form into patties of desired thickness, between 1/2-1 inch thick. Make indents in the center with your thumb to prevent puffing up as they cook. For best results, form when the turkey is closer to room temperature.

2. Season the Patties

Season both sides of the patties with salt, pepper and any other spices or herbs you desire. Popular options are garlic powder, onion powder, sage, thyme or Italian seasoning.

3. Preheat the Skillet

Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil or cooking spray. Preheat for 2-3 minutes.

4. Cook the Patties

Carefully add the patties to the hot skillet. Cook for estimated time based on thickness, flipping halfway through. I like to set a timer to avoid overcooking.

5. Check for Doneness

Double check doneness by taking the internal temperature with an instant read thermometer, or cutting into a patty. Cook longer if needed until fully cooked to 165°F.

6. Rest and Serve

Let patties rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps seal in the juices for extra moist, flavorful turkey! Serve on buns, over salad, with veggies, or however you enjoy.

Common Turkey Patty Mistakes to Avoid

It’s easy to end up with dry, overcooked turkey patties if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Pressing down on patties – This squeezes out juices, resulting in dry patties. Let them cook undisturbed.
• Flipping too often – Flipping frequently can dry out the patties. Only flip once halfway through cook time.
• Using fatty ground turkey – Extra fat results in greasy patties that are prone to flare ups. Opt for lean or extra lean ground turkey.
• Cooking over high heat – High heat overcooks the outside before the inside cooks through. Medium heat is best.
• Not preheating the pan – Starting patties in a cold pan causes sticking. Always preheat to ensure even browning.

Following proper technique and avoiding these mistakes results in juicy, flavorful turkey patties every time.

Cooking Turkey Patties in the Oven

While the stove top is quick and convenient, you can also bake turkey patties in the oven. This hands-off method works well for larger batches.

To oven-bake turkey patties:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
• Arrange patties on baking sheet and season as desired.
• Bake for 15-18 minutes per side, flipping halfway through.
• Check internal temperature to confirm 165°F doneness before removing from oven.
• Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Oven roasting gives great results for turkey patties when you’re cooking for a crowd!

Serving Suggestions for Turkey Patties

Turkey patties are so versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:

• On whole wheat buns with lettuce, tomato and mustard for a turkey burger
• Over a fresh salad topped with avocado slices
• In a whole wheat pita with hummus, cucumbers and feta cheese
• On zucchini “buns” or portobello mushroom caps for low carb options
• Diced up in pasta salad, rice bowls or frittatas
• With roasted veggies and quinoa for a protein packed bowl
• On top of a fresh spinach salad with bacon bits and hard boiled eggs

Let your imagination run wild with healthy turkey patty meal ideas! They’re great hot off the stove or as leftovers too.

Storing and Reheating Leftover Turkey Patties

Properly stored, cooked turkey patties can keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Place them in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. You can also individually wrap patties in plastic wrap or foil for grab and go options throughout the week.

For longer term storage, freeze cooked turkey patties in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag or airtight container. Frozen, they’ll keep for 2-3 months.

To reheat leftover turkey patties, place in a skillet over medium low heat or bake in a 350°F oven until warmed through, 5-10 minutes. Microwaving tends to dry them out so I don’t recommend it.

Be sure to reheat fully until steaming hot, at least 165°F. This helps keep them safe to eat.

Healthy and Delicious Turkey Patties

Cooking turkey patties on the stove top is one of the quickest and easiest dinners. Adjust the cook time based on thickness and temperature for tender, juicy results. Let the patties rest before serving to lock in moisture and flavor. Feel free to get creative with spices and topping ideas too. Turkey patties are endlessly adaptable to suit your tastes. Incorporate them into your meal planning for a boost of healthy protein. Enjoy your stove top turkey patties!