Healthy Grilled Turkey Burgers

Think that ground beef burgers are the best burgers? Well you clearly haven’t tried these healthy turkey burgers yet!

In 2018 my husband was diagnosed with alpha-gal which means he developed a red meat allergy as a result of a tick bite. We didn’t even know this was a thing that existed until his diagnosis. I immediately set out to make a turkey burger that we could love every bit as much as a beef burger. And oh boy we did it. Please know that this is coming from someone who really loves a beef burger and has been hesitant about using ground turkey. So when I say these are the best turkey burgers and every bit as satisfying as regular burgers I really mean that.

For the juiciest turkey burger and one with the most flavor, it comes down to a few things. Ground turkey can make a drier burger so it’s important to use one that’s not too lean. I recommend going with 75% or 80-85% lean ground turkey. I’d avoid using ground turkey breast as it has such little fat content. Adding a lot of fresh herbs is another great trick to keep the meat from being dense and dry. Now you’re well on your way to juicy turkey burgers!

What other simple ingredients make a big difference? If you don’t want a boring burger you need a good marinade, lots of seasoning, and incredible toppings. Serve this delicious burger however you like! My family loves these on hamburger buns. To keep it low carb you can serve on lettuce leaves to create a lettuce wrap.

In the mood for more ways to cook with ground turkey? Check out my collection of Easy Ground Turkey Recipes.

Healthy Grilled Turkey Burger Ingredients

• Ground turkey: Turkey is naturally very lean so I like to choose an option for burgers with some fat in it. 75% or 80-85% lean ground turkey is the best option for juicier results. You can use 93% if you like but I wouldn’t use an extra lean ground turkey.
• Soy sauce or coconut aminos: The slightly sweet and bold flavor of soy sauce or coconut aminos adds so much yumminess to these burger patties. Use whichever you have.
• Fresh cilantro: I love plenty of fresh chopped cilantro in these burgers. It helps bind everything and is a great balance for the natural softness of the ground turkey.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper garlic powder, chili powder and onion powder all create the perfect seasoning blend for these tasty burgers. Don’t skimp on the seasonings! They make a huge difference.

How to Make Healthy Grilled Turkey Burgers

Add all ingredients to a large bowl. Use your hands to combine ingredients.

Form the ground turkey mixture into four patties. Use your finger or a small spoon to create a small indention in the center of each patty. This will help prevent your burgers for puffing up too much as they cook. If you’re not grilling immediately place the patties on a plate and cover with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. (Ground turkey is very soft and it will firm up the refrigerator. Don’t let it sit out any longer than necessary.)

Heat the grill to medium-high heat. Brush olive oil on both sides of each burger (or use an oil spray). You can also oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Gently place each patty on the grill.

Sear until brown, about 5 to 6 minutes. Don’t press down on the burgers as they cook or they’ll release the juice we want. Also do not flip your burger too early or it will fall apart. When it’s sufficiently browned on one side, flip. Sear remaining side until browned and patty is cooked through, another 5 to 6 minutes. Remove from the grill and serve as you like!

How to Top these Turkey Burgers

There are so many topping options when it comes to delicious turkey burgers. Here are a few of my favorite burger toppings.

• Let’s start with what you see in the recipe photos. I opted for red onion for crunch, tomato and lettuce for that bite of freshness, and my Creamy Avocado Dressing & Dip. It’s incredibly simple to whip up. Just toss a few ingredients in the blender!
• If you’re wanting that classic burger flavor you’ll love topping these patties with a thick slice of cheddar cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, mustard, and ketchup.
• Feeling like doing something special? Spread creamy goat cheese on the bun (or top of the burger if you’re skipping the bun), pile on some peppery arugula, and add a dollop of your favorite store-bought red pepper jelly.

Recommended Side Dishes for Turkey Burgers

Grilling season means its time for all the yummiest grilling sides! You can obviously serve these burgers with your favorite chips but if you’re in the mood to cook something extra yummy I recommend these recipes below.

• Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad
• 20-Minute Greek Pasta Salad
• Grilled Corn Salad
• Roasted Potato Wedges
• Easy Kale Salad with Honey Lemon Dressing
• Make Ahead Italian Pasta Salad
• Creamy Homemade Macaroni & Cheese

How to Freeze Turkey Burger Patties

These ground turkey patties do great frozen! If you want to make a big batch (a double batch is a great idea!) to cook for a later date, just form your patties and lay them flat (uncooked) in a single layer on parchment paper in the freezer. I spread them on a baking sheet. Once completely frozen you can stack one burger patty on top of the other. I wouldn’t do that until frozen or they’ll stick together. Place the frozen patties in a freezer-safe bag or container in the freezer.

When you’re ready to cook, thaw them in the refrigerator. Grill the thawed burgers per recipe instructions.

You can also grill the burgers first for meal prep and then freeze them. To reheat, microwave each patty for about 30 seconds or cook in a saucepan on the stovetop at medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes per side. Reheating in the air fryer works great too.

How to Store Leftovers

Cooked turkey burgers will remain good in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

More recipes like this:

Dijon Turkey Burgers

Italian Marinated Grilled Chicken

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Grilled Garlic Balsamic Chicken Kabobs