Turn down that takeout menu and stop looking at those long drive-thru lines! It’s time to step into your kitchen, don your aprons, and whip up these juicy, tasty, do-it-yourself treasures. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie searching for another recipe to tantalize your taste buds, or you’re a cooking novice on the hunt for easy and delicious meals to prepare in your kitchen, this article is tailor-made for you.
Turkey Smash Burgers are a stellar alternative to traditional beef patties, offering a lighter, healthier twist while maintaining a burst of flavour that satisfies your burger cravings. Mixed with the right combination of spices and grilled to perfection, this recipe is unique for your family, friends, and even your taste buds won’t forget.
How to make Turkey Smash Burgers
Turkey Smash Burgers are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. The term “smash” refers to the cooking method where the ground turkey is smashed into a thin patty on a hot griddle or skillet. This technique creates a burger with a crispy and flavorful exterior while maintaining a juicy interior.
Ingredients
- 500g of lean ground turkey: The main star of our recipe. Goes for the lean variant for a healthier option.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced: This adds that essential punch of flavour.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Onion lends a sweet, aromatic note to the burgers.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil: Helps to keep the burgers juicy and adds a hint of richness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: For basic seasoning.
- 4 burger buns of your choice: Go with whatever your heart desires—classic white, whole wheat, brioche, the options are endless!
- Your favourite burger toppings and condiments: Think lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, mustard, ketchup—you name it!
Instructions
- Mix it up: Mix the ground turkey, minced garlic, chopped onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Ensure the ingredients are well distributed, but remember not to over-mix, as it might result in tough burgers.
- Shape your patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into balls. These are your future burger patties.
- Smash ’em: Heat a skillet (cast iron works best for a nice sear) over medium-high heat. Once hot, place your turkey ball on the skillet and use a spatula to smash it into the desired thickness. Repeat this for all your turkey balls.
- Cook: Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked.
- Assemble your burgers: Pop your burger buns in the toaster for a lovely crunch. Once your patties are done, place them on the bun halves, add your desired toppings, and there you have it—tasty Turkey Smash Burgers ready to devour!
Tips
- Add flavours: Don’t hesitate to add your favourite herbs and spices to the turkey mixture. Think versatile options like paprika, cumin, fresh parsley, or cracked pepper!
- Cooking times might vary: The cooking time can change based on your patties’ thickness. For food safety, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Searing is key: When smashing the patties, ensure your skillet is hot enough to produce that fantastic sear, which adds much flavour.
- Rest your meat: Let your cooked patties rest for a few minutes before transferring them to your burger buns. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the burger, making it even more delicious.
What to serve with
When considering what to serve alongside your delicious Turkey Smash Burgers, you’ll want to consider options that complement the rich, juicy burger texture and taste while making the meal feel more wholesome. Here are some tasty ideas to elevate your burger party:
1. Classic French Fries
You can’t beat the burger-fries combo, can you? The crisp, salty goodness of French fries makes them the perfect accompaniment to Turkey Smash Burgers. You can either go for homemade fries or buy them frozen to fry or bake at your convenience.
2. Sweet Potato Wedges
For a healthier spin on conventional fries, try roasting sweet potato wedges. The natural sweetness of the sweet potatoes pairs well with the savoury flavour of the turkey burgers. Plus, they’re packed with vitamins!
3. Coleslaw
A crunchy, tangy coleslaw can provide a wonderful contrast to the soft, rich burgers. You can go traditional with a creamy coleslaw or make a vinegar-based one for a lighter option.
4. Grilled Vegetables
Consider grilling asparagus, bell peppers, zucchini, or corn on the cob. The slight smoky char on these veggies will match well with the grilled essence of the turkey burgers.
5. Pickle spears
The tart, saltiness of pickles always seems to pair well with the rich savoriness of burgers, delightfully complementing the burger’s overall palette.
6. A Cold Pasta Salad
A chilled pasta salad, perhaps incorporating fresh veggies and a zesty vinaigrette, can be a refreshing side that doesn’t feel too heavy.
7. Baked Beans
The smoky, sweet flavour of baked beans pairs brilliantly with Turkey Smash Burgers, providing a homely comfort-food feel everyone will love.
Final Thoughts
The Turkey Smash Burger recipe makes for a delicious meat-free alternative. The texture, flavor and ease of preparation all add to its appeal. For those concerned about missing their favorite meat-focused dishes, this turkey burger is something they should definitely try out!
More Burger Recipes:
Ingredients
- 500g of lean ground turkey: The main star of our recipe. Goes for the lean variant for a healthier option.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced: This adds that essential punch of flavour.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Onion lends a sweet, aromatic note to the burgers.
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil: Helps to keep the burgers juicy and adds a hint of richness.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: For basic seasoning.
- 4 burger buns of your choice: Go with whatever your heart desires—classic white, whole wheat, brioche, the options are endless!
- Your favourite burger toppings and condiments: Think lettuce, tomato, pickles, mayo, mustard, ketchup—you name it!
Instructions
- Mix it up: Mix the ground turkey, minced garlic, chopped onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Ensure the ingredients are well distributed, but remember not to over-mix, as it might result in tough burgers.
- Shape your patties: Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape them into balls. These are your future burger patties.
- Smash 'em: Heat a skillet (cast iron works best for a nice sear) over medium-high heat. Once hot, place your turkey ball on the skillet and use a spatula to smash it into the desired thickness. Repeat this for all your turkey balls.
- Cook: Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side or until browned and cooked.
- Assemble your burgers: Pop your burger buns in the toaster for a lovely crunch. Once your patties are done, place them on the bun halves, add your desired toppings, and there you have it—tasty Turkey Smash Burgers ready to devour!
