BBQ Turkey Burgers

January 6 2023

Recipes, Burgers

Welcome to our BBQ turkey burger recipe, where we transform ordinary turkey burgers into extraordinary culinary delights. This BBQ turkey burger recipe is perfect for those summer cookouts or any time you crave a smoky, savory bite.

Start with high-quality ground turkey, ideally with a bit of fat for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. To elevate your turkey burgers to a new level, consider adding two standout ingredients: BBQ sauce and smoked paprika.

BBQ Sauce: This ingredient introduces a deep, tangy-sweet layer that complements the mild taste of turkey.
Smoked Paprika: Known for its rich, smoky essence, smoked paprika adds depth and a hint of spice, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

These ingredients combine to create the ultimate juicy and flavorful burger experience that turkey patties often miss. By integrating these elements, you ensure your burgers are not only delicious but also memorable, setting them apart from the rest.

Grill the patties over medium-high heat, brushing them generously with the BBQ sauce as they cook. This not only enhances the taste but also creates a delicious caramelized crust. Top your turkey burgers with sharp cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt perfectly over the patty. Serve on toasted brioche buns with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a few slices of red onion. This BBQ turkey burger recipe is sure to be a hit at your next gathering, offering a delightful blend of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors that everyone will love.

In a large bow, add the ground turkey, cubed bread, Italian bread crumbs, milk, soy sauce, and garlic powder.
Mix well with your hands.

To ensure your turkey burgers are a culinary success, start by gathering the essential equipment. Here's a comprehensive list of tools that will help you prepare and cook your turkey burgers to perfection:

Essential Equipment

Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls: Opt for a set of six to easily mix your ground turkey and seasonings. These bowls are easy to clean and nest for space-saving storage.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: A reliable set is crucial for accurately measuring your ingredients, ensuring each burger is just right.
Wooden Cooking Utensils: A 9-pack set featuring a spatula, turner, strainer, ladle, egg whisk, and slotted spoons. These natural teak tools are perfect for cooking and serving.
Insulated Food Gloves: These allow you to safely handle hot food from the grill, protecting your hands as you maneuver the burgers.
Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle: A pre-seasoned cast iron piece provides a robust cooking surface for excellent heat distribution and searing.

Method

Using a food scale, weigh the ground turkey mixture to 1/4 pound for each turkey burger.

Let rest for 10 minutes in the refrigerator, while you heat your barbecue grill for 10 minutes.
Once the grill is heated, clean the grill with a paper towel soaked in oil. Rub the bbq grates with the oiled paper towel. Do this twice. I like to use a long kitchen tool, to not get burned.
Set one side of your grill to high. Set one side of your grill to low. I like having 2 zones ready to go on the bbq. One zone should be super hot, and the other kept at a much lower temperature.
Once the grill has heated, place the turkey burgers on the hot side of the grill.
Close the grill cover and cook the turkey burgers for 2 minutes.
Open the grill cover and rotate the burgers on the grill by 1/4 turn. (This is what created the grill marks). Before you shut the grill cover, take the temperature of the turkey burgers. Remember a great tasting juicy turkey burger should bbq until it reaches 160 degrees F.
Cook for 2 minutes. Test the temp of your turkey burger again. If the turkey burger at 160, take the turkey burgers off the grill.
If the turkey burger is NOT at 160 degrees, move the burgers from the hot side of the grill to the cooler side of the grill. Keep checking your food, plan to cook for one minute at a time - then check the temp of the turkey burgers. Keep doing this until the temp of the burgers reaches 160 degrees.‍

The goal of a bbq is to "sear" the meat quickly thereby retaining the juices and natural flavor of the meat.

If you are using a different barbecue to grill, you may need to adjust the cooking times. Remember to use that digital thermometer to keep testing the temp of the meat. Once the turkey burgers hit 160 it's done.

With these tools and steps, you're on your way to grilling the perfect turkey burger. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls: Opt for a set of six to easily mix your ground turkey and seasonings. These bowls are easy to clean and nest for space-saving storage.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: A reliable set is crucial for accurately measuring your ingredients, ensuring each burger is just right.
Wooden Cooking Utensils: A 9-pack set featuring a spatula, turner, strainer, ladle, egg whisk, and slotted spoons. These natural teak tools are perfect for cooking and serving.
Insulated Food Gloves: These allow you to safely handle hot food from the grill, protecting your hands as you maneuver the burgers.
Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle: A pre-seasoned cast iron piece provides a robust cooking surface for excellent heat distribution and searing.

Method

Using a food scale, weigh the ground turkey mixture to 1/4 pound for each turkey burger.

Let rest for 10 minutes in the refrigerator, while you heat your barbecue grill for 10 minutes.
Once the grill is heated, clean the grill with a paper towel soaked in oil. Rub the bbq grates with the oiled paper towel. Do this twice. I like to use a long kitchen tool, to not get burned.
Set one side of your grill to high. Set one side of your grill to low. I like having 2 zones ready to go on the bbq. One zone should be super hot, and the other kept at a much lower temperature.
Once the grill has heated, place the turkey burgers on the hot side of the grill.
Close the grill cover and cook the turkey burgers for 2 minutes.
Open the grill cover and rotate the burgers on the grill by 1/4 turn. (This is what created the grill marks). Before you shut the grill cover, take the temperature of the turkey burgers. Remember a great tasting juicy turkey burger should bbq until it reaches 160 degrees F.
Cook for 2 minutes. Test the temp of your turkey burger again. If the turkey burger at 160, take the turkey burgers off the grill.
If the turkey burger is NOT at 160 degrees, move the burgers from the hot side of the grill to the cooler side of the grill. Keep checking your food, plan to cook for one minute at a time - then check the temp of the turkey burgers. Keep doing this until the temp of the burgers reaches 160 degrees.‍

The goal of a bbq is to "sear" the meat quickly thereby retaining the juices and natural flavor of the meat.

With these tools and steps, you're on your way to grilling the perfect turkey burger. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!

According to Foodsafety.gov, the safe minimum cooking temperature for ground turkey is 165 degrees Fahrenheit. It's essential to ensure the turkey reaches this temperature to eliminate any harmful bacteria. Unlike some other meats, ground turkey does not require a waiting period after reaching this temperature; you can serve it immediately. This guideline helps keep your meals both delicious and safe.

Nutritional Information for a Single Turkey Burger Patty

When considering the nutritional value of a single turkey burger patty, several key metrics help paint a comprehensive picture:

Calories: A serving contains 221 calories, offering a balance between energy and dietary goals.
Carbohydrates: With just 3 grams, it’s a low-carb choice ideal for many diet plans.
Protein: Each patty delivers 20 grams of protein, supporting muscle maintenance and growth.
Fat Content: The fat total is 14 grams. This includes:
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 9 grams, a type beneficial for heart health.
Cholesterol: The level stands at 111 milligrams.
Sodium: With 151 milligrams, it’s important to consider this value in relation to your daily intake.
Sugars: It contains a minimal 2 grams of sugar, keeping it a suitable option for controlled sugar consumption.

This breakdown helps you make informed decisions about incorporating a turkey burger patty into your diet.

Turkey burgers are often touted as a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers, thanks to their lower fat content. However, they come with their own set of challenges that can make them less appealing to the palate.

Dryness: One of the primary complaints about turkey burgers is that they tend to be dry. Since turkey meat has less fat than beef, it can easily become overcooked, leading to a lack of juiciness that many crave in a burger.
Bland Flavor: Another issue is that turkey has a milder flavor compared to beef. This can lead to a bland taste unless the turkey burgers are heavily seasoned or paired with strong, complementary ingredients.
Lack of Texture: Without the same fat content to bind the meat, turkey burgers can also suffer from a less satisfying texture. They may crumble or fail to hold together, making the eating experience less enjoyable.
Limited Appeal: While some people enjoy the lighter taste, others miss the rich, hearty flavor of traditional beef. This can make turkey burgers less appealing to those used to the robust taste of a classic burger.

Despite these challenges, with the right seasoning and cooking techniques, turkey burgers can be transformed into a juicy, flavorful option for those looking to reduce fat intake without sacrificing taste.

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