Go Back
+ servings
Juicy turkey burger stacked high with lettuce, tomato, caramelized onions, and special sauce on a toasted brioche bun, served on a wooden board with fries

Juicy Turkey Burgers

No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings 4 burgers
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Gas or charcoal grill
  • Instant-read meat thermometer
  • Box grater
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wide spatula
  • Tongs
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

Turkey Burger Patties

  • 1.5 lbs ground turkey 93% lean, not 99% — the extra fat matters for juiciness
  • 1 small yellow onion grated on a box grater, squeeze out excess liquid
  • 3 cloves garlic minced fine
  • 1 large egg lightly beaten
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil plus more for grill grates

For Serving

  • 4 brioche burger buns split and toasted
  • 4 slices sharp cheddar cheese or your preferred melting cheese
  • 4 leaves butter lettuce
  • 1 large tomato sliced thick
  • 0.5 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp sriracha for smoky aioli, optional
  • 1 tsp lemon juice for aioli

Instructions
 

Make the Patties

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated onion, minced garlic, beaten egg, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and olive oil.
  • Using your hands, mix gently until just combined — do not overwork the mixture. Overworking makes tough, dry patties.
  • Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions (about 6 oz each) and form into patties roughly 3/4-inch thick and slightly wider than your bun, as they will shrink slightly during cooking.
  • Press a shallow thumbprint dimple into the center of each patty. This prevents puffing and helps the burger cook evenly.
  • Place patties on a parchment-lined plate, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes (up to 24 hours). This step is crucial for patties that hold together on the grill.

Prepare the Grill & Sauce

  • Preheat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat, around 400–425°F. Clean the grates thoroughly.
  • Using tongs, rub the grill grates with a folded paper towel soaked in vegetable oil. This prevents sticking and helps develop a proper sear.
  • Make the smoky aioli: whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Season to taste and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Grill the Turkey Burgers

  • Remove the chilled patties from the refrigerator. Place them directly on the oiled grill grates.
  • Grill for 6–7 minutes on the first side without moving them. You want a firm, charred crust to form before flipping — this is what gives you clean release from the grates.
  • Flip the patties carefully using a wide spatula. Grill for another 5–6 minutes on the second side.
  • In the last 60–90 seconds of cooking, place a slice of cheese on each patty and close the grill lid to melt.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to verify the internal temperature has reached 165°F at the thickest point. This is the safe temperature for ground poultry — do not skip this step.
  • Transfer the burgers to a clean plate, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Toast & Assemble

  • Butter the cut sides of the brioche buns and place face-down on the grill for 30–45 seconds until golden and lightly toasted.
  • Spread smoky aioli generously on both the top and bottom bun.
  • Layer in this order for the best structural integrity: bottom bun, aioli, lettuce (acts as a moisture barrier), patty with cheese, tomato, red onion, top bun with aioli. Serve immediately.

Notes

Make Ahead: Form patties up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, or freeze for up to 3 months. Cook from frozen adding 5–7 extra minutes.
Storage: Store cooked patties (without buns) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture.
Fat Content Tip: Do not substitute 99% lean turkey breast — the patties will be dry. 93% lean is the sweet spot for juicy results.
Indoor Option: These cook beautifully in a cast iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat using the same timing. Add 1 tsp of oil to the pan before cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 38gFat: 18gSodium: 720mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5g
No ratings yet