Turkey smash burgers offer a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. By using ground turkey mixed with flavorful ingredients like onion and garlic, these burgers provide a tasty option for any meal. The cooking method creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. With a zesty burger sauce and fresh toppings, this recipe is simple to follow. To make the most of this delicious dish, understanding the preparation steps is essential.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Turkey smash burgers offer a delicious alternative to traditional beef burgers, making them a great choice for those seeking a lighter yet satisfying meal.
This recipe is loved for its simplicity and the use of ground turkey, which can be more nutritious. The cooking process creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.
Additionally, the customizable toppings allow for personal preferences, whether one enjoys fresh vegetables or rich sauces. Furthermore, the burger sauce enhances the overall taste, making each bite enjoyable.
History
While many people enjoy burgers of various kinds, the history of the turkey smash burger is not as widely known as that of its beef counterpart.
The turkey burger emerged as a healthier alternative to traditional beef patties, gaining popularity in the 1990s as health-conscious eating became more mainstream.
The method of “smashing” the patties, which creates a crispy exterior, is inspired by classic diner techniques. Chefs experimented with ground turkey to maintain flavor while reducing fat content.
Today, turkey smash burgers represent a blend of innovation and tradition, appealing to those seeking a lighter, yet satisfying, burger experience.
Recipe
Turkey smash burgers are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers, offering a leaner protein option without sacrificing flavor. The key to a successful turkey burger lies in the preparation of the turkey patty mixture, which combines ground turkey with flavorful ingredients like onion, garlic, and Worcestershire sauce.
Once shaped and chilled, these patties can be cooked to perfection in a hot skillet, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. To elevate your turkey smash burger experience, don’t forget to whip up a tasty burger sauce to spread on your toasted buns.
With the addition of fresh toppings such as lettuce, tomato, and pickles, you can create a satisfying meal that is sure to please both family and friends. Follow this recipe to make your own turkey smash burgers at home and enjoy a delightful homemade dining experience.
Ingredients
- Ground turkey
- Onion (finely chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Cheese (cheddar, American, or provolone)
- Brioche buns
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Pickle juice
- Garlic powder
- Optional toppings (lettuce, tomato, pickles, bacon)
Cooking Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape the turkey mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions, rolling them loosely into balls. Place the patties on a plate and chill them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
- While the patties chill, prepare the burger sauce by mixing together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the surface.
- Once the skillet is hot, take the chilled turkey balls and smash them down in the skillet using a sturdy spatula, ensuring even contact with the cooking surface. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges become crispy. Season the top side of the patties before flipping.
- After flipping the patties, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty and cover the skillet to help the cheese melt while cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before removing them from the skillet.
- Slice the brioche buns in half and butter or oil the cut sides. Toast the buns cut side down in the skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Spread the prepared burger sauce on both halves of the toasted buns. Place the cheesy turkey smash patties on the bottom buns, then layer on your desired toppings before adding the top bun.
For the best results, avoid overmixing the turkey mixture to keep the burgers tender. Always ensure your skillet is sufficiently hot before adding the patties for a crispy finish.
Experiment with different types of cheese and toppings to customize your turkey smash burgers to your taste. Enjoy your meal immediately while the burgers are hot and the cheese is melted!
Final Thoughts
When preparing a meal, it is essential to consider both flavor and nutrition, especially with options like turkey smash burgers.
These burgers offer a delightful combination of taste and health benefits, making them a fantastic choice for any occasion. By using ground turkey, one can enjoy a leaner protein source without sacrificing flavor.
The cooking method, which involves smashing the patties, enhances their texture and taste. Customizing toppings and sauces allows for creativity while accommodating various dietary preferences.
FAQ
What questions might arise when preparing turkey smash burgers? Common inquiries include how to prevent the patties from drying out or becoming tough.
It is crucial to avoid overmixing the ground turkey. Many also wonder about the ideal cooking temperature; the turkey should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Additionally, people may ask about suitable cheese options, with cheddar and provolone being popular choices.
Finally, inquiries about serving suggestions often arise, such as what toppings pair well with turkey smash burgers.
Understanding these aspects can enhance the cooking experience and ensure delicious results.
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- Ground turkey
- Onion finely chopped
- Garlic minced
- Worcestershire sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil for cooking
- Cheese cheddar, American, or provolone
- Brioche buns
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Pickle juice
- Garlic powder
- Optional toppings lettuce, tomato, pickles, bacon
Instructions
- Cooking Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Shape the turkey mixture into 4 to 6 equal portions, rolling them loosely into balls. Place the patties on a plate and chill them in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
- While the patties chill, prepare the burger sauce by mixing together mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, pickle juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Set aside.
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the surface.
- Once the skillet is hot, take the chilled turkey balls and smash them down in the skillet using a sturdy spatula, ensuring even contact with the cooking surface. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the edges become crispy. Season the top side of the patties before flipping.
- After flipping the patties, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty and cover the skillet to help the cheese melt while cooking for another 2-3 minutes. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before removing them from the skillet.
- Slice the brioche buns in half and butter or oil the cut sides. Toast the buns cut side down in the skillet for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Spread the prepared burger sauce on both halves of the toasted buns. Place the cheesy turkey smash patties on the bottom buns, then layer on your desired toppings before adding the top bun.
- For the best results, avoid overmixing the turkey mixture to keep the burgers tender. Always ensure your skillet is sufficiently hot before adding the patties for a crispy finish.
- Experiment with different types of cheese and toppings to customize your turkey smash burgers to your taste. Enjoy your meal immediately while the burgers are hot and the cheese is melted!