Juicy Turkey Smashburgers Recipe: Fantastic Weeknight Dinner Fix

Juicy and packed with flavor, these turkey smashburgers will revolutionize your burger game in unexpected ways.

Crispy edges create a mouthwatering texture that makes standard patties seem boring.

Lean meat doesn’t mean sacrificing taste when you know the right techniques.

Our simple method guarantees a perfectly caramelized exterior with tender, succulent interior.

Seasoning secrets and smart cooking tricks ensure each bite delivers maximum deliciousness.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, these burgers will become your new weekend favorite.

Turkey Smashburgers That Nail Texture And Taste

• Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal: Whip up these delicious turkey smashburgers in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy families craving a fast, satisfying dinner without complicated prep.
• Healthier Burger Option: Swap traditional beef for lean ground turkey, reducing calories and fat while maintaining incredible crispy edges and mouthwatering flavor that everyone will love.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: Master the professional smash technique that creates irresistibly crispy, caramelized edges – transforming ordinary turkey patties into gourmet-style burgers with minimal cooking skills required.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adapt toppings and condiments to suit different tastes, making these burgers a flexible meal that works for family dinners, casual gatherings, or quick lunch solutions.

Ingredients for Turkey Smashburgers

• Ground Turkey: Lean meat that forms the base of the burger patty, providing protein and flavor. Choose fresh, high-quality ground turkey with moderate fat content for juiciness.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the meat's natural taste. Fresh-ground black pepper offers more intense flavor.

• Avocado Oil: High smoke point oil for searing patties, creating crispy edges. Provides clean, neutral cooking medium.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking while smashing patties, ensuring clean burger formation.

• Brioche Buns, Cheese Slice: Soft, rich bun with slight sweetness complements turkey meat. Choose mild cheese like American or provolone for melting quality.
• Burger Sauce, Lettuce, Red Onion, Tomato, Pickles: Fresh ingredients adding moisture, crunch, and layered flavor profile. Use crisp lettuce and ripe tomatoes for best results.

Turkey Smashburgers Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Turkey Blend

Mix ground turkey with a blend of seasonings in a large bowl.

Softly combine ingredients using your hands, ensuring even distribution without overworking the meat.

• Ground turkey
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Your favorite spice blend

Step 2: Shape Perfect Patty Portions

Gently divide the turkey mixture into eight small balls, keeping them uniform in size for consistent cooking.

Step 3: Prepare Sizzling Cooking Surface

Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high temperature.

Lightly coat the surface with avocado oil for a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 4: Smash and Sear Technique

Drop turkey balls onto the hot surface.

Place parchment paper over each ball and press firmly with a burger press or heavy spatula to create ultra-thin, crispy patties.

Cook until edges turn golden brown and crisp, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Carefully scrape and flip each patty.

Add a slice of cheese and continue cooking until cheese melts and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Build Delectable Burger Stacks

Toast brioche buns until golden.

Layer two smashed turkey patties on each bun.

• Creamy burger sauce
• Crisp lettuce
• Sliced red onion
• Fresh tomato
• Tangy pickles

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Plate your turkey smashburgers immediately while hot and enjoy the incredible blend of textures and flavors.

Smashburger Tips With Turkey Twist

• Mix ground turkey lightly to prevent tough, dense patties that lose their juicy texture.
• Use parchment paper when smashing burgers to prevent sticking and achieve an extra-crispy golden crust.
• Add cheese during the last minute of cooking to ensure perfect melting without overcooking the turkey patty.
• Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe, fully cooked turkey burgers.
• Toast buns quickly and assemble burgers immediately after cooking to maintain optimal temperature and crispiness of the patties.

Saving Turkey Smashburgers for a Quick Warm-Up

• Store turkey smashburgers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place parchment paper between patties to prevent sticking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days maximum.
• Wrap individual burgers tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Frozen smashburgers maintain quality for up to 1 month. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Warm refrigerated burgers in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side. Restore crispiness by adding a touch of oil. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F when reheating. Discard if any signs of spoilage appear or if stored longer than recommended timeframe.

What Pairs With Smashburgers

• Flavor Fusion Pairing: Crisp Belgian wheat beer complements the turkey's lightness, cutting through the richness with refreshing citrus notes.
• Sidekick Salad Companion: Tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar dressing balances the burger's savory profile, adding crunch and bright acidity.
• Potato Perfect Match: Truffle-parmesan french fries deliver an elevated side that echoes the burger's umami depth, creating a gourmet experience.
• Beverage Boost: Sparkling lemonade with fresh mint offers a zesty, cooling counterpoint to the smashburger's warm, caramelized exterior.

Turkey Smashburger Twists

• Lean Protein Power: Swap ground turkey with ground chicken for a similarly light, protein-packed burger option that maintains the same cooking technique and flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free buns or large lettuce wraps to create a low-carb, celiac-safe version of the turkey smashburger without compromising taste.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace ground turkey with plant-based alternatives like black bean patties or beyond meat crumbles, keeping the smashing technique and seasoning strategy intact.
• Low-Sodium Edition: Reduce salt content by using herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary to enhance flavor while cutting down on sodium intake for heart-conscious eaters.

FAQs

• Why use ground turkey for smashburgers?

Ground turkey is leaner than beef, offering a healthier alternative with less fat while still providing a delicious, protein-rich burger that’s lower in calories.

• How do I prevent turkey burgers from drying out?

The key is not to overwork the meat when mixing and to use a hot skillet that creates a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy. The smashing technique helps create a thin, crisp crust that locks in moisture.

• Can I make these burgers ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare and cook smashburgers fresh. However, you can prep the turkey mixture and form the balls in advance, storing them covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking.

• What's the best way to get a crispy exterior on turkey smashburgers?

Use a very hot skillet, press the patties thin with parchment paper, and avoid moving them around too much during the initial cooking. This creates a beautiful golden-brown crust that adds incredible flavor and texture.

Turkey Smashburgers Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy turkey smashburgers deliver a delightful twist on classic diner fare. Crispy edges, melted cheese, and fresh toppings create a mouthwatering burger you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground turkey (dark meat)
• 8 thin slices sharp cheddar cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Serving Components:

• Avocado oil, for cooking
• 4 brioche buns, toasted
• Burger sauce
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Green leaf lettuce
• Sliced tomato
• Sliced pickles

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Instructions

1. Craft a flavorful turkey burger mixture by blending ground turkey with selected seasonings, mixing gently to maintain a light texture without compressing the meat.
2. Portion the seasoned turkey into eight uniform round portions, ensuring consistent size for even cooking.
3. Warm a heavy-bottomed skillet or griddle to medium-high temperature, lightly coating the surface with a thin layer of avocado oil to prevent sticking.
4. Carefully place turkey portions onto the hot cooking surface, allowing space between each ball for proper heat distribution.
5. Position a piece of parchment paper over each turkey ball, then apply firm pressure using a burger press or sturdy spatula to transform the ball into a thin, crispy-edged patty.
6. Allow the patty to sear for approximately 2-3 minutes, developing a golden-brown crust and creating delectable caramelized edges.
7. Swiftly flip the patty using a metal spatula, immediately adding a slice of cheese to melt luxuriously over the hot surface.
8. Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F, ensuring the turkey is thoroughly cooked.
9. Toast brioche buns to add a subtle crunch and enhance flavor complexity.
10. Construct each burger by layering two crispy patties on the toasted bun, then garnish with burger sauce, crisp lettuce, sharp red onion, juicy tomato slices, and tangy pickles.
11. Serve immediately while the patties remain hot and cheese is perfectly melted, guaranteeing maximum flavor and texture enjoyment.

Notes

• Prevent Tough Meat by gently mixing ground turkey and avoiding excessive handling, which can make the patties dense and chewy.
• Achieve Crispy Edges by using a hot skillet and pressing the turkey balls into thin patties, creating delicious caramelized surfaces with maximum flavor.
• Control Moisture with lean ground turkey by adding a small amount of olive oil or breadcrumbs to maintain juiciness and prevent dryness during cooking.
• Enhance Flavor Flexibility by experimenting with different seasoning blends like Mediterranean, Cajun, or herb-infused spices to transform the basic turkey burger into a unique culinary experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg