Best-Ever Turkey Burger

PHOTO: LUCY SCHAEFFER; FOOD STYLING: BROOKE CAISON

Always a reliable option when you’re craving something lighter than a classic hamburger, turkey burgers are a summer cookout staple here at Delish. While they can have a reputation for being dry and bland, made right, they’re anything but. We love our recipe for one simple reason: We let it be. Instead of trying to make it into something it’s not, we embraced the flavors of the turkey instead of trying to cover 'em up. Whether you're making these in a skillet on the stovetop like we did or are taking them to the grill when the weather is nice, these turkey burgers are a flavorful, lean option that just might rival your favorite beef burgers. Enjoy them as is or top them with whatever toppings you can think of—these turkey burgers can take it all.

How to keep your turkey burgers together:
Since turkey burgers tend to be drier than their ground beef counterparts, we added an egg to ours to help it hold together and give it more moisture. We also use 94% lean ground turkey in our patties—we don’t recommend any higher than that, or your burgers might not hold together. 

Seasoning turkey burgers:
Our turkey burger mostly relies on Worcestershire and herbs for seasoning, but you can really add any of your favorite spices to them if you like. Smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, onion powder or even homemade Cajun seasoning would all be great additions. While we obviously love ours as is, there are a few swaps you can make that we totally support. Don't have Worcestershire? Use soy sauce or even liquid smoke. Add some finely chopped shallots in with your garlic or swap out the parsley for any herbs you have on hand—this burger is completely flexible. 

Can I prep turkey burgers ahead of time?
Absolutely! We love getting ahead when it comes to prep. Make the turkey burger mixture, form into patties, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate up to 1 day ahead. You can also freeze the patties for up to 3 months and use them when you need.

Made these burgers? Let us know how it went in the comments below!

Ingredients

• 1 lb. 

  ground turkey

• 1 

  large egg, beaten to blend

• 2 

  cloves garlic, finely chopped

• 2 tbsp. 

  chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tbsp. 

  Worcestershire sauce

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tbsp. 

  extra-virgin olive oil

• Hamburger buns, lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and/or mayonnaise, for serving

Directions

• 1. Step 1In a large bowl, mix turkey, egg, garlic, parsley, and Worcestershire sauce; season with salt and pepper. Using your hands, form mixture into 4 flat patties. 
  2. Step 2In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add patties and cook, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side. Serve on buns with desired toppings.
  3.