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Juicy Turkey Smash Burgers Recipe

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4.3 from 15 reviews

These Juicy Turkey Smash Burgers are a delicious, protein-packed twist on the classic burger, featuring a flavorful mix of ground turkey and spices. Cooked on a hot skillet to achieve a crispy crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy, these burgers come together quickly and are perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend meals. Served with melty cheese, fresh toppings, and a tangy quick sauce, they offer a satisfying and easy dinner option.

Ingredients

For the Burgers

  • 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 or 85/15 for best flavor)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt + pepper (to taste)
  • Burger buns

Toppings

  • Cheese slices (American, cheddar, pepper jack, etc.)
  • Pickles
  • Lettuce
  • Tomatoes

Quick Sauce

  • 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (or mayo)
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • Dash of pickle juice
  • Pinch of garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Mixture: In a bowl, gently mix the ground turkey with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the burgers tender.
  2. Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and gently form each into a loose ball. Do not flatten them yet.
  3. Heat the Skillet: Preheat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Lightly grease the surface with avocado oil or a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
  4. Smash and Cook the Burgers: Place one turkey ball on the hot skillet. Cover it with parchment paper or foil and press down firmly using a heavy spatula or burger press to smash it into a flat patty. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a crispy crust forms.
  5. Flip and Add Cheese: Flip the patty carefully, add a slice of cheese on top, and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the burger reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is melted.
  6. Toast the Buns and Assemble: Toast your burger buns to your liking. Build your burgers with the cooked turkey patties, desired toppings like pickles, lettuce, tomatoes, and finish with the quick sauce.
  7. Make the Quick Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt (or mayo), ketchup, mustard, a dash of pickle juice, and a pinch of garlic powder. Mix well and spread on the buns for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Use 93/7 or 85/15 ground turkey for best results: leaner turkey can dry out quickly, so some fat helps keep burgers juicy and flavorful.
  • If your turkey mixture is too soft or sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before forming patties to make smashing easier and cleaner.
  • A burger press or a heavy spatula is essential to create the signature crispy crust without the patties falling apart.
  • Ensure the skillet is very hot before smashing the patties to help form a crust quickly.
  • Check the internal temperature of turkey burgers with a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F for safe consumption.

Find it online: https://recipeplenty.com/juicy-turkey-smash-burgers-recipe/