Backyard-Ready Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe for BBQs

Turkey burgers represent a delightful twist on classic grilled fare that health-conscious food lovers adore.

Lean and versatile, these protein-packed patties offer a lighter alternative to traditional beef options.

Carefully blended spices transform ordinary ground turkey into a mouthwatering meal that surprises even picky eaters.

Seasoned cooks understand the secret to keeping turkey burgers moist involves strategic ingredient selection and gentle handling.

A perfect balance of herbs and subtle seasonings elevates these patties from bland to grand.

Each bite promises a tender, flavorful experience that feels both familiar and exciting.

Crisp accompaniments and creative toppings can take these burgers from simple to spectacular:

Fall for a Savory Turkey Burger

• Burst with Flavor Fusion: These turkey burgers pack an incredible taste adventure with a smart blend of Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, and fresh parsley, creating a sophisticated twist on classic burger recipes.
• Super Simple Weeknight Winner: Requiring just 15 minutes and basic ingredients, this recipe delivers gourmet-style results without complicated cooking techniques, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking delicious meals.
• Healthier Protein Power: Ground turkey offers a leaner alternative to beef, providing high-quality protein with less fat while maintaining juiciness through clever additions like mayonnaise and strategic seasoning.
• Versatile Meal Champion: These burgers shine at casual family dinners, quick lunch breaks, or weekend gatherings, easily adapting to various side dishes and complementing multiple eating styles and preferences.

Key Ingredients for Turkey Burger

Main Ingredients:

Ground Turkey: Lean protein base for the burger, choose fresh ground turkey with moderate fat content for juiciness.

Olive Oil: Essential for pan-frying the burger, provides golden crispy exterior and prevents sticking.

• Mayonnaise, Dijon Mustard: Creamy ingredients that help keep the burger moist and add tangy flavor complexity.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that brings bright, clean taste and vibrant green color to the burger mixture.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic fundamental seasonings that enhance overall burger taste.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Dried spices that provide deep, concentrated savory background notes.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds subtle smoky warmth and beautiful reddish undertone to the burger.

Simple Guide to Turkey Burger

Step 1: Gather Delicious Ingredients

• Ground turkey
• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Fresh parsley

Step 2: Create Flavor Magic

In a medium mixing bowl, gently combine all ingredients. Use your hands to blend everything together, ensuring each bit gets coated with delicious seasonings. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Shape Perfect Patties

Wet your hands slightly with cool water to prevent sticking. Carefully form the mixture into four equally sized burger patties. Press gently to create smooth, even rounds about half an inch thick.

Step 4: Prepare Sizzling Skillet

Place a large skillet on the stovetop. Drizzle olive oil across the surface, allowing it to heat over medium temperature. Wait until the oil shimmers and looks slightly wavy.

Step 5: Cook Juicy Burgers

Gently place patties into the hot skillet. Listen for that satisfying sizzle! Cook each side for approximately 5-6 minutes, creating a beautiful golden-brown exterior. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit for safe consumption.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer hot burgers to serving plates. Pair with your favorite sides like crispy sweet potato fries, fresh salad, or a crunchy coleslaw. Add extra condiments if desired and savor every delicious bite!

Pro Hints for Turkey Burger

• Prevent Sticky Hands: Slightly dampen your hands with water before shaping turkey burgers to keep the mixture from clinging and create smooth, uniform patties.
• Keep Burgers Juicy: Resist the temptation to press down on the patties while cooking, as this squeezes out precious moisture and leads to dry, tough meat.
• Master Medium Heat: Grill or pan-fry at medium temperature to achieve a beautiful golden crust while ensuring the inside cooks evenly without burning.
• Rest for Maximum Flavor: Give your cooked turkey burgers a 2-3 minute breather after cooking, allowing the juices to redistribute and maintain maximum tenderness.
• Boost Herb Freshness: Opt for fresh parsley to elevate the burger's flavor profile, with fresh coriander or basil as delicious alternatives if parsley isn't available.

Keep Turkey Burger Fresh

• Freezer Protection: Individually wrap each turkey burger tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain optimal flavor. Push out excess air before sealing to minimize moisture loss and protect the burger's texture during long-term storage.
• Refrigerator Storage: Keep cooked turkey burgers in a sealed container with a tight-fitting lid to preserve moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors. Place the container in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically the back shelf, to extend freshness and maintain food safety.
• Reheating Strategy: Restore juiciness by warming turkey burgers in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water. Cover the pan to trap steam and prevent drying out, cooking for 3-4 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

Creative Spins on Turkey Burger

• Mediterranean Melt: Fold crumbled feta cheese and chopped kalamata olives into the turkey mixture for a zesty Greek-inspired burger that brings Mediterranean flavors to your plate.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños, ground cumin, and a dash of chili powder to transform the burger into a bold, southwestern-style patty with a vibrant heat profile.
• Herb Garden Fusion: Replace parsley with a blend of fresh chopped thyme, rosemary, and sage to create an aromatic burger that highlights garden-fresh herb notes and delivers a sophisticated flavor experience.
• Asian Fusion Blend: Mix in minced ginger, green onions, and a splash of soy sauce to craft an umami-rich turkey burger that captures the essence of Asian-inspired cuisine with a light, refreshing touch.

Parting Thoughts on Turkey Burger

Culinary magic unfolds with Ina Garten’s signature turkey burger, blending robust flavors and hearty textures.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings elevate this classic protein into a gourmet experience few home chefs can resist.

Delicate herbs and smoky spices dance across each perfectly crafted patty, promising a memorable meal.

Professional techniques guarantee juicy results that challenge traditional burger expectations.

Weeknight dinners gain sophistication through simple yet strategic ingredient combinations.

Savor each bite, share this recipe with passionate cooking enthusiasts, spread deliciousness across social media platforms, and spark conversations that celebrate kitchen creativity.

Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Ina Garten’s turkey burger elevates backyard grilling with Mediterranean-inspired zest. Packed with fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy goat cheese, this juicy patty delivers robust flavor that makes you crave another bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground turkey thighs (93% lean)

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon of any other salt)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ cup (15 grams) fresh parsley, chopped

Binding and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 4 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients and prepare a clean, spacious work surface for crafting flavorful turkey burgers.
2. In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, creamy mayonnaise, tangy Dijon mustard, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, aromatic garlic powder, sweet onion powder, smoky paprika, and finely chopped fresh parsley.
3. Thoroughly blend the mixture using clean hands, ensuring all seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the ground turkey.
4. Lightly moisten hands with cool water to prevent sticking, then carefully shape the seasoned meat into four uniform patties, each approximately ½ inch (1.25 centimeters) thick.
5. Warm a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick frying pan over medium heat, drizzling olive oil to create a thin, even coating.
6. Gently place the turkey patties into the heated pan, allowing them to sizzle and develop a golden-brown crust.
7. Cook the burgers for approximately 5 to 6 minutes on the first side, then carefully flip using a sturdy spatula.
8. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) to ensure food safety.
9. Remove the turkey burgers from the pan and let them rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
10. Plate the burgers immediately, pairing with your preferred accompaniments such as crisp salad, roasted vegetables, or toasted whole-grain buns.

Notes

• Maintain gentle touch when shaping patties to keep meat loose and tender, preventing tough burgers.
• Avoid pressing burgers during cooking to preserve precious meat juices and guarantee maximum flavor and moisture.
• Select medium heat for consistent browning, allowing even cooking from exterior to interior without burning or drying out.
• Rest cooked burgers briefly, creating a delicious moment where internal juices redistribute and settle for peak succulence.
• Embrace fresh herbs like parsley for vibrant flavor complexity, transforming ordinary ground meat into an extraordinary culinary experience.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 320mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 60mg