Turkey Burgers Spiced 3 Ways

3 Ways to Spice up Burgers

Whether you’re firing up your BBQ, having guests over, or are looking for an easy weeknight dinner, burgers are an excellent go-to summer meal idea. Using a variety of spices and ingredients takes burgers to the next level and satisfies a variety of taste buds, especially Desi taste buds! Turkey is a versatile nutritious protein, making it easy to spice it up and create a completely different burger experience each time.

The lean fat content of turkey also reduces flare-ups on the grill, so you’ll feel good knowing you are preparing a healthy BBQ meal.

Turkey tips:

  • Try turkey in any of your family favourite hamburger recipes. Or try some of the large variety of turkey cuts available at your grocer or butcher.  Families will love all of their favourite meals prepared with turkey and enhanced with their favourite sauces, rubs and marinades.
  • Add some sizzle by experimenting with new spice blends and seasonings. Spicy, sweet, savoury or salty – turkey pairs well with any flavour profile.  You’ll be surprised at how deliciously turkey works when you substitute it into all your favourite grilling recipes!

 

Here are 3 delicious yet unique burger ideas to try this summer! 

Burger 1: Harra Masala Turkey Burger Topped with an Egg

This burger uses fresh herbs to spice and colour the burger. The burger is topped with a sunny side up egg. The combination of cilantro, onion, a sunny side up egg, and a warm bun reminds me of the Desi “bun kabab”.

Makes: 4 burgers

Ingredients

  • 1lb ground turkey
  • 1 onion
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 3-6 green chilies (depending on spice preference)
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 Tbsp bread crumbs

 

Directions:

  1. In a food processor, pulse together onion, cilantro, green chilies, garlic cloves, olive oil, and salt. Pulse until a puree forms. Pour into a jar.
  2. In a bowl, mix together ground turkey, ½ cup of the mixture, and 2 Tbsp breadcrumbs. Reserve extra green chutney to serve with the burger.
  3. Use a ½ cup measuring cup to scoop out turkey mixture. Make 4 patties.
  4. Pan fry or cook on a grill until fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes on each side.

 

Burger 2: Masala Turkey Burger topped with Sautéed Mushrooms 

If you’re looking for a more classic burger with a bit of spice, this recipe is for you!

Makes: 4 burgers

Ingredients

  • 1lb ground turkey
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 Tbsp ginger garlic paste
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes

 

Sautéed Mushrooms

  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp dried parsley

 

Directions:

  1. In a large bowl, mix together spices and ground turkey. Using a ½ cup measuring cup, form four burgers. Pan fry or cook on a grill until fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes on each side.
  2. In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms in olive oil. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried parsley.
  3. To serve: place burger on bun and top with cheese and mushrooms.

 

Burger 3: Mexican Style Burger Topped with Corn Mango Salsa

 

Makes: 4 burgers

Ingredients

  • 1lb ground turkey
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes
  • 1 tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp

 

Corn Mango Salsa

  • 2 corns, roasted and corn cut off
  • 1 mango, diced
  • 1 red pepper, diced
  • 1 tomato, diced
  • ¼ cup cilantro
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp red chili powder
  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

Directions

  1. In a bowl, mix together ground turkey and spices.
  2. Using a ½ cup measuring cup, form four burgers. Pan fry or cook on a grill until fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes on each side.
  3. For Corn Mango Salsa: Add all ingredients into a bowl and mix well.
  4. To serve: place turkey burger on bun and top with Corn Mango Salsa.

 

Psst…Here are 10 Turkey Tips to Build a Better Burger

 

  1. Perfect Patties

Start with a tennis ball size scoop of meat, roll gently between two hands and flatten to a 1-inch height.  When forming your patties, make an indent with your thumb or the back of a spoon in the middle of your burger to avoid creating a domed shape while they’re cooking.

  1. Gentle Touch

Use a light touch when mixing your ingredients and making your patties.  Overworking the meat will lead to a tough burger.

  1. Clean and Oil

Make sure you oil your grill to ensure your burgers don’t stick and are easy to turn. Clean your BBQ so it’s free of any debris before you grill.  This will ensure your burgers don’t stick and release smoothly when they’re ready.

  1. Chill It 

Chill your burger mixture for at least 30 – 60 minutes before grilling to let burgers set up and prevent them from falling apart on the grill.  This will also allow your seasonings to mingle and really absorb into the meat.  Ground turkey loves spices, sauces and big, bold flavours.

  1. Don’t Scorch

Don’t shock your meat by cooking directly on a scorching hot grill.  This will toughen up meat fibres.  Make sure you pre-heat your grill and cook your patties over medium heat for tender, juicy burgers.

  1. Leave it

Only turn your burgers once!  Let your burgers cook halfway through, 4 – 6 minutes, before turning and continuing to cook on the other side.  Resist the urge to flatten your patties with a spatula.  This will squeeze out all the precious juices from your meat that keep your burger moist.

  1. Cook it 

Use safe grilling practices and always use a thermometer to check meat to make sure it is cooked thoroughly.  Burgers should reach a temperature of 165°F before you remove from the heat.

  1. Brush up

If you’re applying a glaze or cheese to your burger, do it in the last 3 – 4 minutes to avoid any burning or charring.

  1. Take a Break

Let your burgers rest for 10 minutes once taken off the grill.  This will allow the juices to re-absorb and let the flavours shine.

  1. Don’t Forget Your Buns

Toast your buns while your burgers are resting.  A little crust will ensure your bread doesn’t fall apart when you start loading up on toppings.

 

Are you looking for additional tips, recipes and HOW TO’s?  Visit canadianturkey.ca for all your cooking inspiration.  The Get Grilling recipe section is filled with tasty recipes to fire up on the grill.  There are year-round WHOLE TURKEY HOW TO’s packed with helpful tips and techniques like brining and spatchcocking, and instructional and recipe videos that make it easy to create a delicious dinner all summer long.

 


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