Give burger night a fresh take with this quick and easy recipe that subs in a leaner protein but delivers all the savory juiciness you love!
A hamburger is so simple and satisfying. It’s been an integral part of American cuisine since at least the 1920s, when the White Castle chain standardized burger production and made them more affordable for everyone. But a ground beef patty can feel a little heavy for those of us watching our waistlines.
Enter this recipe for turkey patties. It takes a lighter approach to the age-old idea of a quick and hearty handheld. With less fat and fewer calories than ground beef (on average) but very similar protein content, subbing in turkey makes that burger a much smarter choice.
And this recipe doesn’t shortchange on flavor! If you’ve had dry, tasteless turkey burgers in the past, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with these turkey patties. The egg not only helps the patty keep its shape but also assists in retaining moisture for a juicier bite. Adding onion to the ground turkey infuses each patty with deep savoriness, and mixing in garlic powder, salt, and pepper amps up all the flavor notes. Plus, you can top a turkey patty with your favorite cheese and condiments, just like the beef versions.
Tap this recipe for a fresh take on burger night. It takes less than half an hour and delivers a delicious dinner you can feel really good about!
Which oil is best for cooking turkey patties?
Reach for a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point to let the natural flavors in this recipe shine and get a crisp, even sear. Avocado, canola, and grapeseed oil are great choices that allow the patties to develop an appetizing golden crust without burning or imparting off-flavors. Olive oil adds subtle flavor but performs well in pan-cooking so long as you stick to medium heat. Steer clear of butter, though—it scorches quickly at higher temperatures and creates smoke before the patties cook through, which can result in a bitter taste and an uneven crust. Likewise, avoid specialty oils like toasted sesame or flaxseed oil, which can overpower the dish or degrade when exposed to high heat.
How do I store leftovers?
Let your turkey patties cool completely before storing, but don’t leave them at room temp for more than 2 hours. Store leftovers in an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze these patties for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until they reach a safe internal temp of 165°F.
Another option is to freeze uncooked turkey patties for later use. Arrange the raw, shaped patties in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Flash-freeze the patties for 1-2 hours until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag with parchment between layers, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as directed in the recipe—or cook straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time and ensuring they reach a safe internal temp of 165°F.
Serving suggestions
Serve turkey patties alongside the same dishes you’d pair with a regular old hamburger. Embrace a drive-in diner vibe by changing the shape of homemade Hot Dog Buns to fit your patties, then pair them with French Fries and a Strawberry Milkshake. For a lighter meal, crumble your patties over a colorful Farro Salad or this zesty Greek Pasta Salad.
Turkey Patties
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup onion finely chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon high-heat cooking oil olive, avocado, canola, grapeseed, etc.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, chopped onion, egg, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until just combined—avoid overmixing, which can make patties tough.
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty that’s about 1/2 inch thick for even cooking.
- Heat your chosen oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the patties to the skillet in a single layer.
- Cook the patties undisturbed for 7–8 minutes per side, or until the patties are golden brown and an instant-read thermometer reaches 165°F in the center.
- Serve the patties hot.
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