The Best Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Turkey burgers pack a lean, protein-rich punch that enhances ordinary weeknight meals into culinary adventures.

These juicy patties offer a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers without sacrificing flavor or satisfaction.

Seasoned with carefully selected herbs and spices, ultimate grilled turkey burgers elevate home cooking to restaurant-quality standards.

Each bite promises a delightful balance of moisture and robust taste that surprises even the most skeptical meat lovers.

The secret lies in selecting premium ground turkey and mastering precise grilling techniques that lock in natural juiciness.

Smart cooks understand that proper seasoning and gentle handling make all the difference between dry, bland patties and mouthwatering masterpieces.

These burgers represent more than just a meal—they’re a celebration of smart, delicious eating that leaves you feeling both satisfied and virtuous.

Why Turkey Burgers Win on the Grill

• Burst with Moisture: The grated onion and mayonnaise create incredibly juicy turkey patties that prevent the typical dry burger problem, ensuring each bite remains tender and flavorful.
• Speed Meets Simplicity: This recipe delivers restaurant-quality burgers in under 40 minutes with straightforward techniques like freezing patties and minimal ingredient mixing, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Grill Master Technique: Chilling patties before grilling helps them hold shape, prevents sticking, and allows for perfect medium-high heat cooking, resulting in beautifully caramelized exteriors with perfectly cooked interiors.

Everything for Grilled Turkey Burgers

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein base with a mild flavor, perfect for a healthier burger option. Choose fresh ground turkey with a mix of dark and white meat for better moisture.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and complexity to the turkey burger's flavor profile.

• Mayonnaise, Worcestershire Sauce: Key ingredients that help keep the burger moist and add rich, tangy flavor. Use high-quality mayonnaise for best results.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the burger.
• Onion: Fresh ingredient that provides moisture and subtle sweetness to the meat mixture.

• Burger Buns: Soft, fresh buns that complete the burger experience. Choose sturdy buns that can hold the juicy turkey patty.
• Cheese: Optional topping that adds creamy richness when melted on the hot patty.
• Cooking Oil: Neutral oil used to prevent sticking on the grill grates, ensuring perfect burger texture.
• Parchment Paper: Kitchen tool used for easy patty preparation and freezing.

How to Grill the Juiciest Turkey Burgers

Step 1: Prepare Workspace

Line a small baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and smooth patty handling.

Step 2: Prep Onion

Grate onion using a box grater, then gently squeeze out excess moisture with paper towels to prevent soggy burgers.

Step 3: Create Burger Mixture

• Ground turkey
• Grated onion
• Minced garlic
• Mayonnaise
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend ingredients gently with hands to keep the mixture light and tender.

Step 4: Shape Burger Patties

Divide mixture into 4 equal patties, each 1-inch thick. Place patties on prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Chill Patties

Refrigerate patties in the freezer for 20 minutes to help them hold shape during grilling.

Step 6: Grill Preparation

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Clean and oil grates using tongs and a paper towel dipped in cooking oil.

Step 7: Grill Burgers

Cook patties for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Optional: Add cheese during final 2 minutes of cooking.

Step 8: Serve Burgers

Assemble burgers on buns with preferred toppings and condiments. Enjoy your juicy turkey burgers!

Pro Tips for Better Turkey Burgers

• Moisture Management: Squeeze out extra liquid from grated onion to prevent soggy burger patties.
• Gentle Mixing: Handle meat mixture lightly to keep turkey burgers tender and prevent tough texture.
• Chill for Structure: Freezing patties for 20 minutes helps them hold shape and prevents crumbling on the grill.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to ensure burgers reach 165°F for safe, juicy results.
• Grill Surface Prep: Oil grates thoroughly to prevent sticking and create beautiful grill marks on turkey burgers.

Reheating Grilled Turkey Burgers the Right Way

• Store Leftovers
• Refrigerate cooked turkey burgers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent flavor transfer. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Freeze Option: Place cooled burgers in freezer-safe containers or sealed freezer bags. Properly stored, frozen turkey burgers can last up to 3 months. Label containers with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat Method: Restore juiciness by warming refrigerated burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side. For frozen burgers, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent dryness and maintain burger texture.

Pairings for Your Grilled Turkey Burger

• Elevate Flavor Companions: Pair these juicy turkey burgers with crisp dill pickles and tangy coleslaw to balance the meat's richness and add refreshing crunch.
• Wine and Brew Match: Select a light, citrusy wheat beer or a zesty sauvignon blanc to complement the burger's herbs and cut through the mayonnaise's creaminess.
• Side Dish Harmony: Serve with grilled summer vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers or a fresh arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to enhance the burger's Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Condiment Boost: Experiment with garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or herb-infused mustard to elevate the turkey burger's subtle flavors and add an exciting taste dimension.

Change Up Your Turkey Burgers Like This

• Herb-Infused Turkey Delight: Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary into the meat mixture for an aromatic flavor boost.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and a pinch of cumin to create a zesty southwestern-style turkey burger with bold flavors.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Option: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and dried oregano for a Greek-inspired turkey burger that transports your taste buds to the Mediterranean.
• Smoky Bacon Fusion: Fold in crispy chopped bacon bits and a touch of smoked paprika to elevate the turkey burger with rich, smoky undertones.

Ultimate Grilled Turkey Burgers Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy grilled turkey burgers promise a healthier twist on classic patties. Packed with Mediterranean herbs, feta cheese, and a zesty yogurt sauce, these burgers deliver robust flavor that will satisfy your summer grilling cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 ⅓ pounds (0.6 kg) 93% lean ground turkey

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• ½ medium yellow onion, finely grated and squeezed of excess moisture
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped or grated
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)

Grilling and Serving:

• Oil, for the grill grates
• Burger buns
• Cheese
• Lettuce
• Tomatoes
• Onions
• Pickles
• Mustard
• Ketchup
• Aioli

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Instructions

1. Prepare a small baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to create a clean workspace for burger preparation.
2. Carefully grate the onion using a box grater, then thoroughly remove excess moisture by pressing with paper towels to prevent soggy burgers.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, grated onion, minced garlic, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Gently mix ingredients with clean hands, being careful not to overwork the meat to maintain a tender texture.
5. Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal portions, shaping each into a uniform patty approximately 1-inch thick with slightly indented centers to prevent bulging during cooking.
6. Place the formed patties on the prepared baking sheet and chill in the freezer for 20 minutes to help them maintain their shape during grilling.
7. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 204-232°C), ensuring even temperature distribution.
8. Using tongs, carefully oil the grill grates with a paper towel dipped in vegetable or olive oil to prevent sticking.
9. Grill the turkey patties for 6-7 minutes on each side, rotating once to create beautiful cross-hatch grill marks.
10. Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer, ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
11. Optional: Add cheese slices during the last 2 minutes of cooking, allowing them to melt slightly.
12. Remove patties from the grill and let rest for 2-3 minutes to redistribute juices.
13. Assemble burgers on toasted buns with preferred toppings such as lettuce, tomato, onion, and condiments.

Notes

• Chill patties before grilling to help them hold together and prevent crumbling during cooking.
• Using grated onion adds moisture and flavor without large chunks that might cause patties to fall apart.
• Turkey burgers are leaner than beef, so adding mayonnaise helps keep them juicy and prevents dryness.
• Always use a meat thermometer to ensure turkey reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
• Let burgers rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow juices to redistribute and maintain tenderness.
• Oiling grill grates prevents sticking and helps create a beautiful caramelized exterior on the patties.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg