What Are Turkey Patties Made Of? A Delicious and Healthy Alternative to Beef Burgers

This easy turkey burger recipe is simple and delicious, perfect for a quick, weeknight dinner. You can also make them ahead and freeze them!

Turkey patties are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. They are made from ground turkey which is low in fat and calories compared to beef. Turkey patties have become increasingly popular for those looking to reduce their red meat intake. But what exactly are turkey patties made of?

The Main Ingredient – Ground Turkey

The main ingredient in turkey patties is, of course, ground turkey. Ground turkey can come from different parts of the turkey. The most common is made from a mix of white and dark turkey meat. This provides a good balance of flavor and fat content.

Some varieties use just white turkey meat which is lower in fat but can be drier Dark turkey meat patties are also available These have a slightly richer flavor from the higher fat content. When buying ground turkey, look for packages labeled 93% lean. This provides the right ratio of fat to keep the patties moist during cooking.

Binders and Flavorings

In addition to ground turkey, patties need binders and extra flavor. Here are some common ingredients used:

Breadcrumbs – These help to bind the patties together and retain moisture. Panko or fresh breadcrumbs work best.
Eggs – Eggs act as another binder in turkey patties Using 1 egg per 1 lb of meat is typical
Onion and garlic – Diced onion and garlic add lots of flavor. They also add moisture.
Fresh herbs – Chopped parsley, cilantro, basil, oregano all enhance flavor.
Spices and seasonings – Salt, pepper, chili powder, cumin etc can be used to spice up the patties
Worcestershire or soy sauce – These add depth of flavor and moisture retention.
Ginger – Fresh grated ginger works well in turkey patties.
Vegetables – Some recipes call for diced peppers, shredded carrot or zucchini.

Shaping and Cooking the Patties

To shape turkey patties, take portions of the mix and form into round flat patties using your hands. An ice cream scoop can be used to portion out equal patties.

Chill the shaped patties in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking to help them hold their shape better.

Turkey patties can be cooked in several ways:

Pan-fried in a little oil over medium high heat for 4-5 minutes per side
Baked in the oven at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway
Grilled for 6-8 minutes per side

Cook until the center reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Turkey patties are delicious served in a bun as a burger or sliced over a salad. Here are some tasty serving suggestions:

Serve in a whole wheat bun with sliced tomato, lettuce, avocado, and mustard.
Top with grilled onions, mushrooms, and melted swiss cheese.
Add crispy turkey bacon and chipotle mayo.
Serve open-faced topped with salsa, guacamole, and cilantro.
Add to a mixed green salad and drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette.
Stuff into a pita pocket with shredded cabbage, feta, and tzatziki sauce.

Why Turkey Patties are a Healthy Choice

Turkey patties have several health advantages over traditional beef hamburgers:

Turkey is lower in saturated fat and calories than beef. A 4 oz turkey patty has around 200 calories vs 280 for beef.
Turkey provides lean protein needed for building muscle and satisfying hunger.
Using 93% lean ground turkey minimizes bad fats.
Herbs, spices, and veggies boost nutrition and flavor.
Serving in whole grain buns adds fiber.

So next time you get a hankering for a juicy burger, give healthy and delicious turkey patties a try! With fresh flavor combinations and lower fat than beef, they make for a satisfying and nutritious meal.

what are turkey patties made of

How to Make Turkey Burgers

Make the Patties: Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, dried onion flakes, ketchup, Worcestershire, garlic, and salt. Divide the meat mixture into four equal portions and press down into half-inch thick patties.
Cook on the Stove: Heat a large nonstick skillet on medium-low heat. When hot, lightly spray it with oil, add the burgers, and reduce the heat to low. Cook for four to five minutes on each side until browned and cooked through (the internal temperature should be 165°F).
Air Fryer: Air fry turkey burgers 400F about 4 to 5 minutes on each side.
Grill Turkey Burgers: Clean the grill well and wipe the grates with a paper towel covered in oil to prevent sticking. Cook the burgers on medium heat for about 5 minutes on each side.
Assemble the Burgers: While the patties cook, toast the buns, and prepare your toppings. Place the meat on the bread and top with your veggies and condiments.

Best Turkey Burger Recipe

I wanted to create a basic turkey burger you can eat on a bun, just like a beef burger. Something with no added veggies, like my Turkey Zucchini Burgers or Turkey Broccoli Rabe Burgers, which are delicious too. I’ve purchased turkey burgers, like Bubba Burgers, from the supermarket, and I think they’re awful. This turkey burger recipe is delicious, perfect for a quick dinner or a casual weekend get-together. It’s versatile and made with condiments you already have in your kitchen. Feel free to get creative with your toppings or mix in different herbs and spices to the ground turkey mixture to make it your own!

what are turkey patties made of

Ground Turkey: Choose 93% lean ground turkey. 99% ground turkey meat would be too dry. If you prefer a beef burger, substitute 90% lean ground beef.
Breadcrumbs: Use seasoned whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs to keep the turkey together.
How do you add flavor to ground turkey? Dried onion flakes, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, grated garlic, and salt flavor turkey burgers.
Burger Buns: I prefer whole-wheat buns often use Martin’s whole wheat potato rolls or Old Tyme’s 647 rolls for fewer carbs and calories and more fiber.
Popular Burger Toppings: Cheese, tomato, red onion, iceberg lettuce, sliced pickles, ketchup, mustard, caramelized onions, and avocado are all great options.

Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe

FAQ

Are turkey patties healthy?

If you’re looking to reduce calories for weight loss, either lean ground turkey or lean ground beef are healthy choices. Keeping tabs on saturated fat for heart health? Lean ground turkey is the better pick by a slim margin.

Are turkey patties processed meat?

If you’re concerned about additives, these more natural-sounding meats might seem appealing. But there’s a catch. Doyle explains that these natural meats (including chicken and turkey) are still processed, and they’re still made with nitrates. “They use natural sources of preservatives,” she says.

What holds turkey burgers together?

While raw egg can be used to bind the burgers, mayonnaise does the trick while also adding an irreplacable dimension of creaminess, moisture, and flavor.

Are turkey burgers healthier than chicken burgers?

If we’re getting really granular, ground turkey is generally a little leaner than ground chicken. It has fewer calories, less sodium, more iron, and more protein. Still, the differences are almost negligible.