The Best Juicy Turkey Burgers

We know that turkey burgers often get overlooked for the standard beef variety, but these ones might just change your mind! These juicy turkey burgers are incredibly flavorful and anything but dry. With only 5 ingredients that are all pantry or fridge staples (plus salt and pepper, which don’t really count), these lean poultry patties are also cheap and super easy to make. 

Keeping it Super Simple

This recipe is great for anyone who’s just started out cooking. With only 5 ingredients in the patties (plus S&P), it’s not fussy or overwhelming. Just mix the turkey and other ingredients in a bowl, form it into patties, then cook the patties in a pan on the stove. You can eat them plain over a bed of arugula, or place them on your favorite burger buns with your choice of condiments and toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Only 5 ingredients in the patties. Other than the turkey, all of the ingredients are classic pantry or fridge staples, keeping this recipe super simple and relatively cheap.
• Super juicy (no dry turkey burgers here)! Adding mayo is key to making these turkey patties juicy. We also add a little grated onion for more flavor and extra moisture.
• Patties cook in just 10-15 minutes. Easy AND quick? Yes, please!
• Easily customizable. We keep the patties simple so that you can top these burgers with whatever you like! Cheese, tomatoes, lettuce, onions…the choice is yours! Personally, we love these with our basil mayo and some provolone cheese, tomatoes, onions, and gem lettuce or arugula. So good!
• Totally beginner-friendly. If you’re looking for an easy entry-level burger recipe, this is a great option! With so few ingredients and a quick cooking time, you’ll definitely impress your guests, family, or just yourself when you make these. 

The Secret to Super Juicy Turkey Burgers

No one likes a dry burger. They’re sad and completely unsatisfying. Turkey burgers have a reputation for being dry, but they don’t have to be that way. Wanna know our secret to the juiciest turkey burgers? A little bit of mayo and grated onion in the meat mixture! 

Turkey is so lean that a little mayo adds richness and much-needed fat to the patties. Mayonnaise is made of oil and eggs, which are both often added to meat patties or meatballs for moisture and structure. Mayo does the same thing here. If you aren’t a fan of mayo, though, don’t worry. You won’t be able to taste it. We also add grated onion to the mixture. Onions have a decent amount of moisture. Using yellow or sweet onions keeps the flavor mild, so even the biggest onion haters won’t notice the flavor.

Ingredients in These Juicy Turkey Burgers

In addition to salt and pepper, you’ll need the following ingredients for these burger patties: 

• Ground turkey – we use 93% lean ground turkey in this recipe.
• Onion – a mild sweet or yellow onion works best.
• Worcestershire sauce – we love the umami flavor of Worcestershire sauce in these burgers. If you’re allergic to anchovies/fish, you can use a vegan version or even low sodium soy sauce for a similar effect.
• Mayo – you only need a tablespoon. Use a savory mayonnaise instead of a sweeter variety.
• Breadcrumbs – fine, unseasoned breadcrumbs work well. 

Optional Burger Add-Ons

• Potato or pretzel buns – anything sturdy and flavorful will work with these burgers.
• Basil mayo – we are obsessed with using our basil mayo on these burgers! Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for a week.
• Cheese – we love provolone on these turkey burgers. 
• Tomato – big, thick slices of hothouse or heirloom tomatoes add a ton of flavor and moisture.
• Onion – love ‘em or hate ‘em, onions are one of those ingredients that seems to divide burger eaters everywhere. We’re big onion fans and love them on these burgers.
• Lettuce – we like arugula, butter lettuce, or little gem lettuce with these.

How to Make These Turkey Burgers

STEP 1: Make the patties. Mix up the ground turkey with the onions, mayo, Worcestershire, breadcrumbs and a little salt and pepper until fully combined. Form the turkey mixture into 4 round patties.

STEP 2: Cook the patties. Add oil to a large frying pan set over medium heat. Cook the patties in the pan for 5 to 7 minutes, then flip them over and cook for another 5 to 7 minutes on the second side (if you’re using cheese, place some on top of each patty about 2 to 3 minutes before they’re done cooking on the second side). The burgers are done when the juices run clear and they measure 165°F with an instant read thermometer. 

STEP 3: Assemble the burgers. Spread your favorite condiments on each bun, then add the burger patties and the rest of your toppings. Grab several napkins for these juicy burgers and enjoy!