You really should try this recipe for turkey burgers because they’re so delicious, beautifully seasoned, and they won’t crumble at all!
I love a good burger and this one reigns supreme. You can grill it, cook it on the stove, or even bake the patties in the oven. The result is the juiciest turkey burger that you have ever sunk your teeth into.
These turkey burgers are a summertime favorite, but we also make them inside during other seasons. Even though it’s not summer, there’s something about a tasty burger, fries, and a light pasta salad that makes it feel that way!
Ah, the humble turkey burger. A healthier alternative to its beefy counterpart yet often plagued by a frustrating tendency to crumble apart on the grill. Fear not fellow burger enthusiasts, for I bring you the ultimate guide to crafting sturdy, succulent turkey burgers that won’t leave you with a pile of patty dust.
The Secret Ingredient: Binding Power
Just like in a traditional meatloaf, you need something to hold the meat together Try adding some dry breadcrumbs to the turkey mixture before you shape the patties. The crumbs will absorb the moisture and, together with the egg, will act like glue and help your burgers maintain their shape on the grill.
Bonus tip: For extra binding power, consider adding a mashed potato or two to the mix. The starch will further enhance the burger’s structural integrity.
Handling with Care: The Gentle Touch
Overworking the meat is a recipe for disaster. Excessive handling can activate the proteins in the turkey, making it tough and prone to breaking apart. Be gentle when mixing the ingredients and shaping the patties, and avoid pressing too hard.
Pro tip: Use an ice-cold bowl to mix the ingredients. This will help keep the fat from melting, which can also contribute to a crumbly burger.
The Perfect Patty: Shape and Size Matter
Forming the patties too thin will make them more likely to fall apart on the grill. Aim for a thickness of about 3/4 of an inch to 1 inch. And remember, larger patties tend to hold together better than smaller ones.
Secret weapon: Make a small indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb. This will help prevent the burger from puffing up in the middle and breaking apart as it cooks.
Cooking with Confidence: Mastering the Heat
High heat is your friend when it comes to grilling turkey burgers. It will quickly sear the outside of the patty, creating a crispy crust that helps hold everything together. Aim for a grill temperature of around 400°F (204°C).
Grilling like a pro: Resist the urge to flip the burgers too often. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side before flipping. This will allow the crust to form properly and prevent the burgers from falling apart.
Bonus Tips for Burger Bliss:
- Use ground turkey with a higher fat content (at least 15%). This will add moisture and flavor to your burgers, making them less likely to dry out and crumble.
- Add some grated cheese to the mix. Cheese acts as a binder and adds a delicious cheesy flavor to your burgers.
- Let the patties rest for 10 minutes before grilling. This will allow the flavors to meld and the burgers to firm up, making them easier to handle on the grill.
- Don’t overload the grill. If you’re grilling a lot of burgers, cook them in batches to avoid overcrowding the grill, which can lead to uneven cooking and crumbly burgers.
With these tips and tricks in your arsenal, you’ll be crafting juicy, flavorful turkey burgers that stay together beautifully on the grill. So fire up the grill, grab your favorite toppings, and get ready to enjoy the ultimate burger experience!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- For individuals who need to limit their fat intake, turkey burgers are a fantastic choice!
- Ground turkey burgers are a great way to enjoy a favorite meal on a tighter budget because it’s frequently less expensive than ground beef.
- It calls for simple ingredients and has minimal prep time.
- Ground turkey: the star of the show!
- Seasonings: Montreal Steak Seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and salt
- Finely chopped onion
- Bread crumbs
- Egg
- Serving suggestions for burger toppings: Top these with lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, ketchup, and any other toppings you’d like on your favorite burger. I personally love them with pickles.
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities
How to Make Turkey Burgers
Step #1. Add all of your patty ingredients to a bowl and gently stir to combine.
Step #3. Shape the chilled burger mixture into patties.
Step #2. Divide the mixture into your serving sizes and refrigerate.
Step #4. Cook over a grill or in a skillet on the stovetop until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Serve hot with your favorite burger toppings.
In order to prevent turkey burgers from falling apart you need to add something to hold everything together. This is called a meat binder. As with meatloaf, the egg and breadcrumbs serve as the meat binder in this instance, helping the turkey burger maintain its structure and form.
There are so many options for side dishes when you are serving turkey burgers. You could serve French fries, coleslaw, potato salad, pasta salad, watermelon, potato chips-you can’t go wrong!.
Refrigerating turkey patties will help them stay intact on the grill/stove. If you have time, place the patties on a tray and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes and a maximum of two hours.
I bet you cooked them for too long. When grilling or cooking turkey patties, you want to be aware of the internal temperature. I like to use an instant-read thermometer because it takes out the guess work. You want the center part of the turkey patty to be 165° F.
- Ensure that the ground turkey you use has both dark and light meat. Because ground turkey breast is leaner, the burger will be drier.
- Be careful not to overmix your ingredients. Work them only until they come together to prevent a tough burger from arising.
- To prevent your turkey from getting sticky, keep it chilled until you’re ready to combine the ingredients.
How to Keep Hamburgers From Falling Apart
FAQ
How do I keep my turkey burgers from falling apart?
What helps bind turkey burgers?
How do you keep burgers from falling apart?
How do you keep a turkey from falling apart?