Are you looking for a healthier alternative to beef burgers? Look no further than pan-fried turkey burgers! These juicy and flavorful patties are packed with protein and nutrients, and they’re surprisingly easy to make.
In this guide, we’ll combine the best of two popular recipes to create the ultimate pan-fried turkey burger experience. We’ll draw inspiration from the Pan-Fried Turkey Burgers recipe on Allrecipes and the Skillet Turkey Burgers recipe on Once Upon a Chef, incorporating their strengths and addressing any potential shortcomings.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 pounds ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup Italian seasoned bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 hamburger buns (lightly toasted and buttered, if desired)
Instructions:
- Prepare the patties: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ground turkey, salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ricotta cheese, bread crumbs, and Dijon mustard. Mix well using your hands until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Shape the patties: Divide the meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Lightly toss one portion from hand to hand to form a ball, then gently flatten the ball into a 3/4-inch-thick patty with a slight depression in the center. This depression will prevent the burgers from puffing up while cooking. Repeat with the remaining portions.
- Heat the pan: Heat a large, heavy, ovenproof skillet over medium heat until very hot, about 4 to 5 minutes. Add the oil to the pan and swirl to coat the bottom.
- Cook the first side: Place the patties in the hot pan and cook over medium heat without moving them until the bottom side of each is dark golden brown and crusted, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Flip and cook the second side: Turn the burgers over and continue cooking until the bottom side is light brown but not yet crusted, about 3 minutes longer.
- Finish in the oven: Transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 350°F and continue cooking for 7 to 8 minutes, or until the burgers are completely cooked. An instant-read thermometer inserted from the side of the burger into the center should register 160°F.
- Serve and enjoy: Remove the burgers from the pan and serve immediately on toasted buns with your favorite toppings.
Tips:
- For extra flavor, add a few tablespoons of finely chopped fresh herbs, a clove of minced garlic, or thinly sliced scallions to the burger mixture.
- If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can substitute it with cottage cheese or goat cheese.
- To make sure the burgers are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- These burgers can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
How long does it take to pan-fry turkey burgers?
The total cooking time for pan-fried turkey burgers is about 15-20 minutes. This includes 3-4 minutes per side on the stovetop and 7-8 minutes in the oven However, the exact cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your patties and the heat of your stovetop.
Additional notes:
- The recipe from Allrecipes suggests using Shady Brook Farms ground turkey, which is a good option if you can find it. However, any high-quality ground turkey will work.
- The recipe from Once Upon a Chef includes a delicious creamy mayo and Dijon mustard sauce that you can serve with the burgers.
- These turkey burgers are a great way to get your family to eat more turkey. They’re also perfect for grilling or serving as sliders.
Pan-fried turkey burgers are a delicious and healthy alternative to beef burgers. They’re easy to make and can be customized with your favorite toppings. So next time you’re looking for a quick and easy meal, give these turkey burgers a try!
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What You’ll Need To Make Skillet Turkey Burgers
Place ground turkey in a medium-size bowl. Add salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ricotta cheese, bread crumbs, and mustard.
Using your hands, mix until well blended.
Divide meat mixture into 4 equal portions. To prevent the burgers from puffing up when cooked, gently toss one portion from hand to hand to form a ball. Then, gently flatten the ball with your fingertips to create a 3/4-inch-thick patty with a slight depression in the center. Repeat with remaining portions.
Heat a large, heavy, ovenproof skillet over medium heat until very hot, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the oil to the pan and swirl to coat the bottom. Add the burgers and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bottom side of each burger is crusted and dark golden brown.
Flip the burgers over and cook for an additional three minutes or until the bottom side is lightly browned but not crusted. After putting the pan in the oven, cook the burgers for a further 7 to 8 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted from the side into the center registers 160°F. Remove the turkey burgers from the pan and serve immediately.