The Juiciest Turkey Smash Burgers Recipe for Burger Lovers

Grilling enthusiasts have been raving about these delectable turkey smash burgers that pack a flavor punch.

Crispy edges and juicy centers make this recipe a true game-changer for weeknight dinners.

Restaurant-quality patties come together with just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time.

Each smashed patty creates irresistible caramelized bits that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Professional chefs swear by the technique of pressing burgers thin on a scorching hot griddle.

Salt and pepper become magical seasonings that enhance the natural richness of ground turkey.

You’ll want to gather your skillet and get ready to become the neighborhood burger master.

Prepare to wow your taste buds with this mouthwatering twist on a classic American favorite.

Why Turkey Smash Burgers Recipe Is A Juicy Favorite

• Craft Speedy Weeknight Dinners: These turkey smash burgers whip up in just minutes, making them perfect for busy families craving a quick and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Create Healthier Comfort Food: Ground turkey offers a leaner protein alternative to beef, packed with flavor from smoky paprika and zesty seasonings while keeping the meal nutritionally balanced and satisfying.
• Customize with Endless Toppings: The simple seasoning base allows for creative personalization, letting home cooks experiment with various cheeses, fresh vegetables, and unique condiments to match individual taste preferences.
• Master Easy Cooking Technique: The smash burger method ensures a crispy exterior and juicy interior, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal cooking skills required and maximum flavor potential.

All The Ingredients For Turkey Smash Burgers Recipe

• Ground Turkey: Lean protein foundation for the burger, choose fresh ground turkey with moderate fat content for juiciness.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth of flavor and enhances meat's savory profile, helps tenderize the turkey.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic aromatic spices that provide robust background flavor without fresh chopping.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a subtle smoky note and warm complexity to the burger mixture.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential traditional seasonings that balance and highlight the turkey's natural taste.

• No Additional Ingredients Needed: Simple blend allows turkey's clean flavor to shine through, ensuring a straightforward and delicious burger experience.

How To Make Turkey Smash Burgers Recipe Step-By-Step

Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Patty Blend

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Fold the ingredients gently, keeping the mixture light and airy to ensure juicy, tender burgers. Avoid aggressive mixing that could make the patties tough.

Step 2: Shape the Smash Burger Patties

Divide the seasoned turkey mixture into four equal portions. Roll each portion into a loose ball, letting the meat’s natural texture guide your hands. These will become the base for your delectable smash burgers.

Step 3: Get the Cooking Surface Ready

Heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy griddle over medium-high heat. Allow the surface to become scorching hot – this is crucial for creating that signature crispy, caramelized exterior that defines a perfect smash burger.

Step 4: Create the Signature Smash

Place a turkey patty ball on the hot surface. Using a sturdy spatula, press down firmly to flatten the patty into a thin, crispy round. The key is to smash quickly and confidently, allowing the edges to become beautifully golden and crisp.

Step 5: Cook to Perfection

Let the patty sizzle for about 2-3 minutes until the bottom develops a rich, brown crust. Flip the burger and cook the other side until it reaches a safe internal temperature. The goal is a juicy interior with a crunchy exterior.

Step 6: Assemble the Burger

• Crisp lettuce
• Sliced tomatoes
• Melted cheese
• Tangy pickles
• Creamy mayo or mustard

Serve immediately and enjoy the mouthwatering turkey smash burger that combines crispy texture with incredible flavor!

Helpful Tips For Turkey Smash Burgers Recipe

• Prevent Overworking Meat: Gently mix ingredients to maintain burger tenderness, stopping as soon as seasonings are evenly distributed to keep meat loose and juicy.
• Chill Before Cooking: Refrigerate meat balls for 15-20 minutes before smashing, helping them hold shape and develop better caramelization during cooking.
• Use Cast Iron for Perfect Sear: Select a heavy cast iron skillet to achieve crispy, golden-brown edges that lock in turkey's moisture and enhance overall flavor.
• Opt for Lean Ground Turkey: Choose ground turkey breast with 93% lean content for healthier burgers that still remain moist when cooked correctly.
• Create Even Patties: Use a kitchen scale to measure exact 125g portions, ensuring uniform cooking and consistent burger size for balanced presentation.

Storing Turkey Smash Burgers Recipe Without Drying It Out

• Refrigerate leftover turkey smash burgers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.
• Wrap each burger individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before storing to prevent moisture loss and maintain texture.
• Freeze cooked burgers for longer storage, placing them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment paper between each patty to prevent sticking.
• Thaw frozen burgers in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep the meat moist and prevent drying out.

Top Pairings For Turkey Smash Burgers Recipe

• Boost Burger Flavor with Tangy Slaw: Complement the smoky turkey patties with a zesty coleslaw made from shredded cabbage, carrots, and a creamy apple cider vinegar dressing. The crisp, tangy slaw cuts through the richness of the burger and adds a refreshing crunch.
• Pour a Craft Beer Companion: Select a hoppy IPA or a light wheat beer to enhance the smoked paprika and Worcestershire sauce notes in the turkey burger. The beer's carbonation and subtle bitterness will cleanse the palate between bites.
• Serve with Sweet Potato Wedges: Roast sweet potato wedges seasoned with smoked paprika and sea salt as a side dish. Their natural sweetness and crispy exterior perfectly match the lean, flavorful turkey burger, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
• Cool Down with Cucumber Yogurt Sauce: Whip up a quick tzatziki-style sauce using Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, dill, and a squeeze of lemon. This creamy, cool condiment provides a light, refreshing contrast to the burger's robust seasonings.

Try These Twists On Turkey Smash Burgers Recipe

• Spicy Southwest Turkey Burger: Add diced jalapeños, cumin, and chili powder to the meat mixture for a zesty kick. Top with pepper jack cheese and fresh cilantro.
• Mediterranean-Style Turkey Burger: Mix in dried oregano, minced fresh mint, and crumbled feta cheese. Serve on warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce and sliced cucumber.
• Herb-Infused Turkey Burger: Incorporate finely chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley into the ground turkey. Garnish with caramelized onions and a dollop of herbed goat cheese.
• Asian-Inspired Turkey Burger: Blend in minced ginger, green onions, and a splash of soy sauce. Top with sriracha mayo, pickled radishes, and crisp lettuce on a brioche bun.

Turkey Smash Burgers Recipe FAQs You’ll Want To Read

• Why use ground turkey instead of beef?

Ground turkey is a leaner protein option that’s lower in fat and calories. It’s a heart-healthy alternative that still delivers delicious flavor while being lighter than traditional beef burgers.

• How do I prevent my turkey burgers from becoming dry?

The key is to avoid overmixing the meat and adding moisture-rich ingredients like Worcestershire sauce. This helps keep the burgers juicy and prevents them from becoming tough or crumbly.

• Can I prepare the turkey burger mixture ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the ingredients and form the patties up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover and refrigerate the patties until you’re ready to cook, which helps the flavors meld together and makes meal prep easier.

• What's the best way to ensure my turkey burgers are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This guarantees the burgers are safe to eat while maintaining their juicy texture.

Turkey Smash Burgers Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Juicy turkey smash burgers deliver ultimate backyard grilling excitement with crispy edges and bold flavor. Melted cheese, tangy sauce, and fresh toppings make this quick meal a summer sensation you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 500 g (1 pound) ground turkey (93% lean recommended for juiciness)
• 4 burger buns (toasted)

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Toppings and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for cooking)
• Sliced cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or provolone)
• Lettuce leaves
• Tomato slices
• Red onion slices
• Pickles
• Your favorite condiments (mayo, ketchup, mustard, or spicy aioli)

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Instructions

1. Blend ground turkey with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Fold ingredients delicately, ensuring minimal manipulation to preserve the meat’s delicate texture and prevent compacting.
3. Portion the seasoned turkey mixture into four uniform spheres, each weighing approximately 125 grams, handling the meat with a light touch.
4. Shape each meat ball into a loose, rustic patty, creating a slightly indented center to prevent bulging during cooking.
5. Prepare a heavy cast-iron skillet or griddle by heating it to medium-high temperature, allowing the surface to become scorching hot.
6. Gently place the turkey patties onto the searing surface, allowing ample space between each to facilitate proper caramelization.
7. Press down each patty firmly with a sturdy spatula, creating the signature “smash” technique that generates crispy, lacy edges.
8. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes until the bottom develops a rich, golden-brown crust with crispy perimeter.
9. Flip the patties carefully, cooking the opposite side for an additional 2-3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches safe consumption levels.
10. Transfer the smashed turkey burgers to waiting toasted buns, garnishing with preferred condiments and fresh toppings.

Notes

• Gently handle the ground turkey to maintain a loose, tender texture that prevents dense, tough burgers.
• Consider using a cast-iron skillet or griddle for maximum crispy edges and beautiful caramelization on the turkey patties.
• Add a splash of olive oil to the meat mixture to enhance moisture and prevent the lean turkey from becoming dry during cooking.
• For gluten-free options, use tamari instead of Worcestershire sauce and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg