How to Make Turkey Burgers

If you've never tried ground poultry (chicken or turkey), now's the time. Turkey burgers are a delicious, easy way to enjoy low-fat grilling. No need to give up taste just because you are trying to eat healthier. In fact, I'd say that these turkey burgers are even more flavorful than their regular hamburger counterparts!

We made this recipe last weekend for my parents who are die-hard carnivores. My dad confessed that - although he'd heard of turkey burgers - the idea had not impressed him. That was, until he took a bite of our delicious, easy turkey burgers with homemade garlic ailoi mayonnaise!

Even reduced-fat hamburger contains artery-clogging saturated fat. And who wants a burger that's not topped with cheese (more fat!)

When you try these delicious turkey burgers (you can use ground chicken in its place if desired), you'll realize that the unique ingredients shine through, without the need for fatty condiments or even cheese slices. And if you choose one of the new 100-calorie slim profile buns (or no bun at all), you can feel even better about this high protein, low-fat meal.

Patty Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground turkey meat (if not available at your grocer, select 1 pound of turkey breasts and ask your butcher to put them through the meat grinder)
• 1 T. olive oil
• 1 c. bread crumbs
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (stems removed), or 1 T dried rosemary
• 1 T chopped garlic (about 1-2 cloves)
• 2 T chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
  

Mayonnaise Ingredients:

• 1 c. reduced fat mayonnaise
• 1 T chopped garlic
• 1 T chopped sundried tomatoes
• 1 T freshly squeezed lemon juice
• salt and pepper to taste

When you go to the store, don't forget hamburger buns, and additional condiments you may like, including cheese, lettuce, tomato, freshly sliced onions, ketchup and/or mustard.

Building this turkey burger will be your own masterpiece!

Its easy and relatively quick to make turkey burgers. Simply combine the patty ingredients above in a large bowl with a spoon. Scoop out 1/2 cup of the mixture and form into a ball and then flatten to desired thickness. Set aside on a large platter. You should get 5-6 servings from this recipe.

In a separate bowl, combine the aioli mayonnaise ingredients and whip with a whisk for 30 seconds.  Cover and refrigerate until you are ready to dress the burgers.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If you would rather pan fry or broil your turkey burgers, pre-heat the oven to broil, or warm 1-2 tablespoons of oil oil in a skillet over medium high heat.

Grilling the turkey burgers takes about 4 minutes per side. Watch to make sure that the burgers do not get overcooked. To be safe, use a meat thermometer and make sure that the center temperature is at least 160 degrees before removing.

In the oven, place burgers on a grilling sheet and broil 4-5 minutes, turning once. If you are pan frying your turkey burgers, turn once after 4 minutes and complete cooking for another 3-4 minutes.

If desired, toast the buns while the burgers are cooking. Set out some freshly sliced tomatoes, or perhaps even some grilled onions!

Place the completed turkey burger patties on buns (or rolls, hogies, pita bread, etc.) and top with 1/2 tablespoon of the aioli mayonnaise. Enjoy your healthy grilled meal!

We made turkey burgers with rosemary and sun-dried tomatoes - the recipe above - at our home. But there are many variations on the turkey burger theme.

Try replacing the rosemary and sundried tomatoes with basil and pinenuts. Instead of garlic mayonnaise, top with 1 tablespoon of pasta sauce. Delicious!

Greek turkey burgers are a snap with mint standing in for the rosemary and 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese instead of the sundried tomatoes. Thinly sliced cucumber is the perfect touch. Serve in pita bread instead of burger buns.

Try mixing in some gorgonzola cheese and thyme in place of rosemary and sundried tomatoes.  Any ingredient that will not overpower the more delicate flavor of ground poultry can be incorporated in your own unique recipe!

Sliders are very popular appetizers these days, as well. Make smaller versions of your turkey burgers and use special rolls in place of buns. These tasty treats can be eaten in 2-3 bites. Just the thing to accompany a tall glass of iced tea or even a beer on a hot summer day!

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