How to Season Turkey Burgers

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Last Updated: April 2, 2020 References

Substituting poultry without the skin for red meat is good way to reduce the amount of saturated fat in your meal and can be part of a heart-healthy diet. ^{[1]
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Go to source} For example, you can use ground turkey in place of ground beef when making burgers. Keep in mind that because turkey has less fat than beef, an unseasoned turkey burger will be bland and dry. Season your turkey burgers with dry seasonings or additional ingredients for a delicious, juicy burger.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Using Dry Seasonings to Add Flavor

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Mix cumin with turkey before forming patties for a smoky flavor. Cumin works well with Mexican, North African, Indian, and Middle Eastern flavor profiles.^{[2]
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Research source} Use 1 teaspoon (2.5 grams) dried cumin for 1 pound (0.45 kg) of ground turkey.^{[3]
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Combine chili powder with turkey before forming patties to add heat. Chili powder pairs best with Latin American flavors. Mix ½ teaspoon (1.5 grams) chili powder with 1.25 pounds (0.57 kg) of ground turkey.^{[4]
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- Chile powder is a blend of spices including ancho chile powder, paprika, cumin, and Mexican oregano.^{[5]
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3
Mix thyme into turkey before forming patties for a bright taste. Turkey’s neutral taste means that it can allow other flavors to shine, and thyme pairs well with a Mediterranean flavor profile. Use 1 teaspoon (1.5 grams) of dried thyme for 1.25 pounds (0.57 kg) of ground turkey.^{[6]
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Add salt and pepper to turkey before forming patties. A simple seasoning of salt and pepper works with any flavor profile and is the best choice if you want the burger toppings to be the focus. Use ½ teaspoon (3 grams) and ½ teaspoon of pepper (1 gram) for 1 pound (0.45 kg) of ground turkey.^{[7]
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- Use seasoning salt or lemon pepper for extra flavor.^{[8]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Adding Other Foods to Improve Flavor and Texture

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Mix eggplant with turkey before preparing patties for a meaty flavor. To prepare the eggplant, roast it at 400 °F (204 °C) for 30 minutes. Allow to cool and scrape the flesh from the skin, and then chop finely to make a puree.^{[9]
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- Use one small eggplant, about 8 ounces (230 g), for each 1 pound (0.45 kg) of turkey.^{[10]
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Mix ricotta cheese with turkey before forming patties. Ricotta cheese will add a mild flavor and moisture without a lot of extra fat.^{[11]
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Research source} Use ½ cup (124 grams) whole-milk ricotta cheese for 1.25 pounds (0.57 kg) of ground turkey.^{[12]
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Combine ketchup and turkey before forming patties for a classic flavor. This works best if you are planning to add toppings like onions, lettuce, mustard, and more ketchup. Use 2 tablespoons (34 grams) of ketchup for 1 pound (0.45 kg) of ground turkey.^{[13]
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Mix Dijon mustard with turkey before forming patties for a bold flavor. Since Dijon is sharper and spicier than yellow mustard, its flavor will hold up better when cooked.^{[14]
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Research source}. Use 1 tablespoon (18 grams) mustard for 1 pound (0.45 kg) of ground turkey.^{[15]
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Add onion to turkey before forming patties for a diner-style burger. This is best if you’re planning to serve the burgers with toppings like ketchup, mustard, and pickles. For 1 pound (0.45 kg) of ground turkey, grate half of a medium onion.^{[16]
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Mix shredded cheese with turkey before forming patties. The pockets of cheese in the burger patty give it a juicier interior and a crunchy crust. Use 2 ounces (57 g) of a mild cheese like Monterey Jack per 1 pound (0.45 kg) of ground turkey.^{[17]
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- For a bolder, cheese-forward burger, try stronger cheeses like sharp cheddar and pepper jack.
- When choosing a cheese, consider what toppings you will be adding to the burger. For example, cheddar would pair well with classic cheeseburger toppings like lettuce and tomato.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Using Different Cooking Techniques to Create Additional Flavor

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Sear the burgers to make a flavorful crust. This will also give you a crisp exterior texture. Burgers can be cooked in a skillet on medium-high heat until a crust forms on the bottom, about 3 minutes, and then baked at 375 °F (191 °C) for 5 to 7 minutes.^{[18]
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- Use a cast iron or oven-safe skillet.^{[19]
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- Only handle the burgers when flipping in order to keep them from drying out.^{[20]
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Grill the burgers for a smoky taste. Using a charcoal grill will give you the best flavor. Cook over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side. ^{[21]
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- Don’t press the burgers down, because you’ll lose the juices and end up with a drier burger.^{[22]
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Cook the burgers over a campfire to add complex flavors. Different types of wood will add different taste notes. For example, apple wood gives meat a light, sweet flavor and hickory adds a hearty taste.^{[23]
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- To efficiently cook several burgers at once, use a hinged grill basket. They can be purchased online or from a local outdoors supply store.^{[24]
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