Make Flavor-Packed Southwestern Turkey Burgers at Home

Burgers are a backyard barbecue staple. But beef burgers can get boring after awhile. Why not spice things up with a southwestern turkey burger recipe instead?

Ground turkey offers a lighter, healthier alternative to ground beef. And mixing in bold southwestern flavors takes these burgers to the next level.

In this article, I’ll share my tips for making the most flavorful and juicy southwestern turkey burgers at home. Let’s get cooking!

Choosing the Right Ground Turkey

The key to moist, tender turkey burgers is using the right kind of ground turkey. Stay away from 99% lean options. These end up dense and dry.

Instead, opt for ground turkey that has a 85% lean/15% fat ratio. The higher fat content keeps the patties tender and helps them hold together on the grill.

You can find packages of 85/15 ground turkey right next to the ground beef at your local supermarket Make sure to give it a good squeeze to break up any large lumps before using,

Ground turkey dark meat has even more moisture than breast meat, But it also has a stronger turkey flavor that not everyone enjoys, I prefer to stick with ground breast meat for burgers

Mix in Southwestern Flavors

Now for the fun part – time to add in all those big southwestern flavors! Here are some must-have ingredients:

• Onion and garlic: Sauteed onion and garlic provide a flavorful base. Cook them until softened before adding to the ground turkey.

• Jalapeno: Dice up a fresh jalapeno (seeded if you want less heat) for a hit of spice. You can also use chipotle chili powder.

• Cumin: This earthy spice is essential for southwestern flavor. Use 1-2 teaspoons per pound of turkey.

• Chili powder: Start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you like things extra spicy.

• Paprika and cayenne: Smoky paprika and fiery cayenne round out the seasoning blend. Use a light hand so the flavors stay balanced.

• Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a cooling contrast. But leave it out if you’re not a fan.

Feel free to experiment with other spices like oregano, coriander or smoked paprika too.

Mix Everything Together Gently

When combining the ground turkey and ingredients, take a gentle approach. Over-mixing can result in dense, rubbery burgers.

Use your clean hands or a fork to lightly fold everything together. Mix just until combined, but avoid aggressively kneading the meat.

Once mixed, form the turkey mixture into patties roughly 4 inches wide and 3/4 inch thick. Slightly indent the center with your thumb to keep the burgers flat as they cook.

Chilling the patties in the fridge for 30 minutes helps them hold their shape better on the grill. Just remember to pull them out of the fridge at least 15 minutes before grilling so they cook evenly.

Grill Them Perfectly

The ideal temperature for grilling turkey burgers is medium-high heat, around 400°F. This gives you a charred exterior while cooking the patties through without drying them out.

Use a lightly oiled grate to prevent sticking. Grill the burgers for 4-5 minutes per side. Flip them gently with a spatula just once during cooking.

Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the patties reach 165°F internal temperature before removing from the grill. This ensures they are fully cooked for food safety.

Basting the tops with a bit of olive oil or butter while grilling adds extra moisture and flavor.

Go All Out On Toppings

Pile your grilled turkey patties high with fun southwestern toppings. Some of my favorites include:

• Sliced avocado

• Pepper jack cheese

• Pico de gallo

• Sautéed peppers and onions

• Chipotle mayo

• Guacamole

• Salsa

• Crispy fried onion strings

Serve them up on toasted buns with a side of tortilla chips for a mouthwatering southwestern style feast!

I hope these tips help you make the juiciest, most delicious southwest turkey burgers. Adjust and add spices to your liking. Just be sure to let those southwestern flavors shine.