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