These Grilled Turkey Burgers stay tender and juicy thanks to a blend of cumin and chipotle, topped with quick pickled onions for a tangy bite. The vinegar in the pickled onions cuts through the richness of the burger for a bright finish. This is the turkey burger recipe that changes minds about turkey burgers.
We never get sick of burgers in the summer months but we also like to switch it up. Here a few of our family favorites: my Pizza Burgers, my Spicy Burger with Creamy Sriracha Sauce and my juicy Pork Burgers. Change up your burger game.
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Why this Grilled Turkey Burger Recipe is a Keeper
My grilled turkey burgers are a keeper because they give you that classic cookout flavor while still feeling light, juicy, and weeknight‑friendly. The grill adds a smoky char that makes lean turkey taste richer and more satisfying, and the simple seasoning keeps them tender instead of dry.
ONLY USE 2-4 OF THE MOST APPLICABLE FEATURES.
- Juicy, Not Dry: Turkey can be tricky, but this recipe keeps the burgers tender and flavorful, giving you a lighter option that still feels satisfying.
- Perfect for Summer Grilling: They pick up that smoky, charred flavor from the grill, making them ideal for cookouts, weeknight dinners, or easy outdoor meals.
- Quick and Easy: The patties come together fast with simple ingredients, and they cook in minutes, great for busy nights.
Why When I Grill Turkey Burgers Are They Always Dry?
Turkey burgers dry out most often from overcooking. Use an instant read thermometer and pull the patties once they hit 165 degrees F. Choosing turkey with a bit of fat, rather than the leanest option, also helps. Avoid pressing down on the patties while they grill.
Pro Tip for Ground Turkey
Opt for ground turkey with at least 7 percent fat content for maximum juiciness.
Ingredient Notes for Turkey burger Patties
A couple of ingredients bring this juicy grilled turkey burger together.
This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Ground Turkey: Fresh ground turkey meat works best, though frozen patties are fine in a pinch.
- Red Wine Vinegar: This gives the quick pickled onions their tang in just 30 minutes.
Variations for the Best Turkey Burger Toppings
This turkey burger ingredients are easy to customize.
➡️ Switch the Cheese: Try cheddar or pepper jack instead of provolone.
➡️ Add More Spice: Season with garlic powder and onion powder for extra flavor.
➡️ Grate the Onion: Grate the onion instead of slicing if you prefer no big pieces.
Kitchen Tools To Make Juicy Turkey Burgers on the Grill
Get a jump on grilling season and have the following tools ready. A few basic tools make this recipe easy from start to finish.
- Grill: Grilling gives these turkey burgers extra flavor, though baking works too.
- Meat Thermometer: Check that the patties reach 165 degrees F for food safety.
- Mixing Bowls: Use one bowl for the pickled onions and another for the patties.
How to Make the Best Grilled Turkey Burgers Recipe
These juicy turkey burger come together in three stages. First, preheat the grill and then do the following:
These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Make the Pickled Onions. Boil the vinegar mixture, then pour over sliced onions and let stand.
- Form the Patties. Mix the lean ground turkey with seasonings, then shape the turkey mixture into 4 patties.
- Grill and Serve. Grill until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, top the turkey patties with cheese, and serve on burger buns.
Prep Ahead and Short Cut Tips for Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers
A little prep makes grilling day faster. Prepare your toppings in advance, lettuce tomato and condiments.
➡️ Pickle the Onions Ahead: Make the pickled onions up to a week ahead and store in the fridge.
➡️ Form Patties Early: Shape the patties the morning of and refrigerate until ready to grill.
How Do I Keep Turkey Burgers From Falling Apart on the Grill?
Binding ingredients like breadcrumbs and egg help hold ground turkey together. Forming the patties tightly and chilling them before grilling helps them set, and starting with a clean, well‑oiled grill grates prevents sticking. With these simple steps, your turkey burgers stay intact, juicy, and beautifully charred.
Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Grilled Burgers
- Storing: Wrap leftover burgers well in foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Microwave leftover burgers for 2 to 3 minutes, or until warmed through.
- Using Leftovers: Crumble leftover turkey burgers over a salad, use in your favorite grain bowl or mix in with your favorite pasta.
Expert Tips for the Best Turkey Burgers with Picked Onions
➡️ Choose the Right Oil: Use a high smoke point oil like olive or avocado oil for brushing the patties.
➡️ Add Umami: A splash of Worcestershire sauce adds fantastic depth to the turkey.
➡️ Cook Indoors Too: A grill pan works well if you’d rather cook these on the stove.
➡️ Don’t Press Down: Avoid pressing the patties on the grill so they stay juicy.
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Juicy Grilled Turkey Burgers with Pickled Onions
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Ingredients
Pickled Onions
- 1 cup Red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar, packed
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon All spice
- 1 Red onion, halved and very thinly sliced
Turkey Burgers
- 1 pound Ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 ½ teaspoons Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Ground chipotle pepper
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon All spice
- 1 teaspoon Canola oil
- 4 slices Provolone cheese
- 4 Whole wheat buns
Instructions
- Combine the vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and allspice in a medium microwave safe bowl.
- Microwave on high for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the mixture boils.
- Add the sliced onion and toss to coat.
- Let the onions stand for at least 30 minutes.
- Combine the ground turkey, parsley, cumin, chipotle pepper, salt, and allspice in a large bowl.
- Mix until combined, then form the mixture into 4 patties.
- Brush the patties with canola oil.
- Preheat the grill to medium high heat and grease the grates.
- Grill the patties until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F, about 8 minutes per side.
- Top with provolone cheese and serve on buns with the pickled onions.
Christina’s Notes
- Check Internal Temp: Ground turkey should reach 165 degrees F for food safety.
- Don’t Overwork the Meat: Mix just until combined to keep the patties tender.
- Don’t Press the Patties: Pressing down on the grill squeezes out the juices.
- Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers wrapped well for up to 4 days.
- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.
It’s helpful to know that using ground turkey with at least 7 percent fat content makes a big difference for juicy burgers. I usually grab the leanest option available
Oh this burger looks so good!