HIGH-PROTEIN DINNERS · WEEKNIGHT BURGERS
The best turkey burger recipe fixes the usual problem with lean turkey: dry, crumbly patties. Grated onion, Parmesan, a spoonful of olive oil and a few breadcrumbs keep these turkey burgers juicy and tender, and they cook in a skillet in about 12 minutes.
Jump to Recipe
- Makes
- 4 burgers
- Total time
- 25 minutes
- Pan
- Large skillet or grill
- Protein
- About 37 g per burger
- Turkey done at
- 165°F / 74°C
Why You’ll Love This Turkey Burgers
- Juicy, not dry. Grated onion and olive oil add the moisture that lean turkey lacks.
- Holds together. Egg and breadcrumbs bind the patties so they flip without crumbling.
- Freezer-friendly. Shape a double batch and freeze the raw patties for fast dinners.
Ingredient Notes
Use 93% lean ground turkey. The 99% lean kind makes dry burgers even with these add-ins.
Grate the onion on the large holes of a box grater and keep the juice. It disappears into the meat and keeps it moist.
Panko or plain breadcrumbs both work. They soak up the onion juice so the patties hold their shape.
The recipe card below lists every quantity in one place.
How to Make Juicy Turkey Burgers
Mix and shape
Mix the turkey gently with grated onion, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, oil and seasonings. Shape four patties and press a dimple in the center of each.
Sear and finish
Cook the patties in a hot skillet, flipping once, until well browned and 165°F in the center. Rest briefly, then build the burgers.
Photos in this article are AI-generated illustrations of the recipe, created for AllRecipeEasy.
Tips and Troubleshooting
- Do not overmix. Mix just until the add-ins disappear. Overworked turkey turns dense and springy.
- Wet your hands. Ground turkey is sticky. Damp hands make smooth patties that do not crack.
- Make a dimple. A shallow thumbprint in the center keeps the patties flat as they shrink.
- Cook to temperature. Turkey must reach 165°F / 74°C. There is no medium turkey burger.
Substitutions and Variations
- Grill: Oil the grates and grill over medium heat 5 to 6 minutes per side, until 165°F.
- Air fryer: Cook at 375°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until 165°F.
- Low-carb: Skip the bun and serve the patties in lettuce wraps or over a salad. Protein drops by about 6 g per burger.
- Flavor twists: Swap the Parmesan for feta and add dried oregano for a Greek turkey burger, or add chopped jalapeño and pepper jack.
Budget Tips
Ground turkey is often on sale in larger packs; freeze it in 1¼-pound portions so you can make a batch of burgers any night. Store-brand whole wheat buns and grated Parmesan keep the cost per burger low.
Serving Suggestions
Top with lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles and a slice of cheese if you like, and serve with oven fries or a salad. For more ground turkey dinners, try the baked turkey meatballs or the ground turkey sweet potato skillet. You can find more in our high-protein recipes.
Storage, Reheating and Meal Prep
Refrigerate cooked patties within 2 hours and eat within 3 to 4 days. Reheat in a covered skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave until 165°F. Freeze raw patties between squares of parchment for up to 3 months and cook them from frozen, adding 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Food safety: Cook ground turkey to 165°F / 74°C in the center of the patty. Wash your hands and anything that touched raw turkey.
Recipe Questions
What temperature should turkey burgers be cooked to?
165°F / 74°C in the center, checked with an instant-read thermometer. That is the USDA safe temperature for ground poultry.
How do you keep turkey burgers from being dry?
Use 93% lean turkey, add grated onion and a little olive oil, mix gently and stop cooking as soon as the center reaches 165°F.
How do you keep turkey burgers from falling apart?
An egg and a few breadcrumbs bind the meat. Chill the shaped patties for 10 minutes if they feel soft, and flip them only once.
How long do you cook turkey burgers on the stove?
About 5 to 6 minutes per side over medium heat for ¾-inch patties, until 165°F in the center.
Juicy Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the grated onion, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt and pepper. Let it sit for 2 minutes so the crumbs soak up the onion juice.
- Add the ground turkey and mix gently with your hands just until combined.
- With damp hands, shape 4 patties about ¾ inch thick and press a shallow dimple into the center of each. Chill for 10 minutes if they feel soft.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brush it with a little olive oil. Cook the patties for 5 to 6 minutes, flip once and cook 5 to 6 minutes more, until browned and 165°F / 74°C in the center.
- Rest the patties for 2 minutes, then serve on toasted buns with lettuce, tomato and red onion.