Name: Broil Turkey Burger
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground turkey; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup finely diced onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional); Salt and pepper to taste; Slices of your favorite cheese (optional); Burger buns and your choice of toppings

Welcome to my cozy web corner, fellow foodies and flavor chasers! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that holds a special place in my heart (and my weekly meal rotation) – the sensational Broil Turkey Burgers. Whether you’re a health enthusiast looking for a lean protein fix or crave a good burger without guilt, you’re in the right place.

Table of Contents

What Is Broil Turkey Burger?

Broiling turkey burgers is a method of cooking in which a broiler is used to cook the burgers quickly with high, direct heat from above.

Ingredients:

1.5 lbs ground turkey
1 large egg
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Slices of your favorite cheese (optional)
Burger buns and your choice of toppings

Instructions:

Preheat the Broiler: Set your oven to the broil setting and position an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source. This is crucial for getting that perfectly charred finish without overcooking the inside.
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the ground turkey, egg, breadcrumbs, diced onion, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika (if using), and a good pinch of salt and pepper. The key here is to mix until combined – overworking the meat can result in tough burgers.
Form the Patties: Divide the mixture into equal portions, shaping them into patties. Here’s my tip: dampen your hands with water to prevent the mixture from sticking too much. Aim for patties that are about ¾ inches thick—they’ll shrink and puff up a bit as they cook.
Broil the Burgers: Place the patties on a lightly greased broiler pan or a foil-lined baking sheet for easier cleanup. Broil the patties on one side for about 5-7 minutes, then flip and continue broiling for another 5 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and are nicely browned on the outside. If you add cheese, do so in the last few minutes and watch as it melts gloriously.
Assemble the Burgers: Toast the buns under the broiler for a minute (keep an eye on them; they toast quickly!), then assemble your burgers with your preferred toppings.

Tips For A Perfect Broil Turkey Burger:

Don’t Skip Resting: Let your patties rest for a few minutes after broiling. This allows the juices to be redistributed, ensuring your first bite is as succulent as the last.
Go Bold with Toppings: Experiment with different toppings to keep things exciting. My favorite is a dollop of garlicky aioli with crisp arugula and sun-dried tomatoes, offering a perfect blend of creaminess, peppery freshness, and a tangy kick.
Healthy Swap: For a lighter option, swap out burger buns for lettuce wraps. You’ll still enjoy the juiciness of the turkey burger, just with fewer carbs.

What To Serve With

Classic Sides:

Coleslaw: Creamy or tangy, slaw adds a nice crunch and a refreshing contrast to the savory broil turkey burger.
Pickle Spears: Their vinegary kick cuts through the meat’s richness and adds a significant textural component.
Onion Rings: A crispy, sweet onion ring makes a delightful contrast to the juicy broil turkey burger.

Healthier Options:

Grilled Vegetables: Season and grill bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus for a smoky and nutritious side.
Salad: A big green salad, a Caesar salad, or a Greek salad can add a light and refreshing element. For a healthier choice, use a vinaigrette dressing on the broil turkey burger.
Quinoa Salad: Quinoa is high in protein and makes a hearty, healthy side dish. Mix it with chopped veggies, black beans, and a lemony dressing for extra zest.

Creative Combinations:

Sweet Corn: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a summery choice that pairs nicely with the smokiness from broiling the burger. Add butter and a sprinkle of chili powder for a Mexican twist.
Avocado or Guacamole: Serve slices of avocado or a bowl of homemade guacamole for a creamy, rich side full of healthy fats.
Zucchini Fries: For a lower-carb option than potato fries, try breading and baking zucchini fries until crispy.
Roasted Chickpeas: These can be seasoned in countless ways and provide a delightful crunch and a protein boost.

Comfort Food Staples:

Macaroni and Cheese: Indulge with a creamy side of mac and cheese—either homemade or from your favorite mix.
Baked Beans: A classic barbecue side, baked beans offer a sweet and savory complement to the broil turkey burger.
Potato Salad: A traditional potato salad is a satisfying choice, especially during outdoor meals or picnics.

Health Benefits

High in Protein: Turkey is an excellent source of high-quality protein. Protein is essential for muscle repair and growth, making turkey burgers a tremendous post-workout meal option. The high protein content also helps keep you feeling full for longer, aiding in weight management.
Low in Fat: Choosing lean cuts of turkey for your burgers can ensure your meal is low in saturated fats. When consumed in excess, saturated fats are linked to heart disease and high cholesterol levels. Broiling turkey burgers allows excess fat to drip away from the meat, resulting in a lower fat content than frying or sautéing with oil.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Turkey meat is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins (especially niacin and B6), crucial for energy production and maintaining a healthy nervous system. It also contains selenium, essential for thyroid hormone metabolism, antioxidant defense systems, and immune function. Phosphorus, which is necessary for bone health, as well as zinc, which is essential for immune function and wound healing, are also present in turkey.
Lower in Calories: Due to its lower fat content, especially when choosing lean cuts, turkey provides fewer calories than other meat options. Combined with a broiling cooking method, which doesn’t require the addition of oils or butter, turkey burgers can be a lower-calorie option that fits nicely into a weight management or calorie-controlled diet.
May Reduce the Risk of Certain Diseases: A diet high in lean proteins and low in saturated fats, like lean turkey, can reduce the risk of heart disease. Replacing higher-fat meats with turkey can lower levels of unhealthy LDL cholesterol and potentially improve blood pressure, both factors in heart health.
Supports Weight Management: Including lean turkey burgers in your diet can also be advantageous for weight management. The high protein content increases satiety, which can help reduce overall calorie intake by making you feel fuller for longer. This can prevent overeating and aid in weight control.
Versatile and Diabetic-Friendly: Turkey burgers can be seasoned and prepared in various ways, making it easy to include them in a balanced and healthy diet without boredom. For those managing diabetes, turkey burgers are a low-carb option that can help control blood sugar levels while providing ample nutrients.
Contributes to a Balanced Diet: When served with wholesome sides like vegetables, whole grains, or salads, broiled turkey burgers can be part of a balanced diet with various nutrients. This ensures a well-rounded intake of essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.

Final Thoughts

By pairing broiled turkey burgers with fresh vegetables, whole grains, or a colorful salad, you can create an array of delightful and healthy meals that won’t weigh you down. Turkey burgers’ adaptability also means that they can easily be customized with spices, herbs, and toppings to suit your taste preferences and nutritional goals, ensuring mealtime remains exciting and varied.

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