Description
Juicy Pesto Turkey Burgers bring Mediterranean zest to classic summer grilling with herbal, cheesy goodness. Crisp and flavorful patties promise a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1.25 pounds (567 grams) ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
Flavor Enhancers:
- 0.25 cup (59 milliliters) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 0.25 cup (25 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Binding and Structure:
- 0.25 cup (30 grams) breadcrumbs (optional, for structure)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing grill
For Serving:
- 4 burger buns
- Sliced mozzarella or provolone (optional)
- Tomato slices
- Arugula or lettuce
- Additional pesto or mayonnaise
Instructions
- In a spacious mixing vessel, delicately fold ground turkey with aromatic pesto, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, seasoning, and breadcrumbs, ensuring minimal manipulation to preserve meat’s tender texture.
- Craft four uniform patties with gentle pressure, creating smooth, compact discs that will maintain structural integrity during grilling. Refrigerate momentarily to enhance cohesion and flavor melding.
- Prepare outdoor grill by heating to moderate-high temperature, meticulously brushing cooking grates with olive oil to prevent adherence and promote beautiful caramelization.
- Position turkey patties onto heated grill, allowing approximately 5-6 minutes per side, monitoring internal temperature until reaching safe 165°F. During final cooking moments, optional cheese melting can transform burger’s profile.
- While patties rest, lightly toast burger buns to introduce delightful crispness and enhance overall gustatory experience.
- Assemble burgers by applying thin layer of verdant pesto or creamy mayonnaise onto toasted buns, then artfully layer with peppery arugula, juicy tomato slices, and freshly grilled turkey patty.
- Serve immediately alongside complementary side dishes, presenting a vibrant, flavorful meal celebrating summer grilling traditions.
Notes
- Gentle mixing prevents tough burgers by avoiding overworking the ground turkey meat.
- Chilling patties before grilling helps them maintain structural integrity and prevents crumbling during cooking.
- Lean turkey meat requires careful handling to keep moisture and prevent dryness, so avoid overcooking and monitor internal temperature closely.
- Experiment with alternative binders like ground oats or almond flour for gluten-free options that maintain burger texture and binding properties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg