Our incredible Southwest Turkey Burger recipe is a force to be reckoned with. Combining the smoky flavor of paprika with cumin and coriander, adding in the secret ingredient for keeping turkey burgers nice and juicy, and then topping the patty off with some arugula and avocado, makes this one of the best turkey burgers ever created.
The question is: why turkey?
Are Turkey Burgers Healthy?
Turkey burger is a high protein meat, often very low in fat content making it a healthy choice for anyone. It’s also full of essential vitamins and minerals such as niacin and selenium, and it’s a good source of vitamin B6, phosphorus, and zinc.
Is Turkey Burger Healthier Than Hamburger?
Turkey burger is a great alternative to the beef hamburger for a few reasons. Red meat has long been scientifically linked to some negative health effects including a higher risk for heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and premature death. That’s not to say that a beef burger here and there will kill you, but putting a delicious turkey burger into the rotation isn’t a bad idea.
According to the USDA, a 4-ounce turkey burger made only from turkey breast, as opposed to the darker thigh meat, contains about 150 calories, 1.5 grams of fat, and 0 grams of saturated fat. Compare that to a 90% lean beef burger which will have about 225 calories, 12 grams of fat, and 5 grams of saturated fat. Even when adding in some thigh meat to the turkey, you’ll see lower stats on the fat factor.
Both meat choices have well over 20 grams of protein in a 4-ounce patty.
How Do You Keep Turkey Burgers From Falling Apart?
Because of the lean nature of turkey meat, it can suffer from being dry if you don’t know how to work with it. To make a moist turkey burger, look for ground turkey that contains enough dark meat to up the fat ante just a little. You’ll also need to avoid overcooking it—as long as your turkey burger hits 165 degrees fahrenheit on a reliable meat thermometer, you’re good to go.
When shaping these easy turkey burger patties, work the meat as little as possible to help it retain its moisture. And you should resist squashing the burger in the pan which will make all those lovely and flavorful juices run out. You can also experiment with a light dusting of flour seasoned with our turkey burger seasoning on either side of your turkey patty, searing a nice seal on a deliciously moist turkey burger.
Tips For Making the Perfect Turkey Meatballs and Patties
Turkey burger meatballs are a staple in a low-carb, high-protein meal plan. They’re easy to make and, while there are endless flavor possibilities, this southwest turkey burger recipe can be converted easily by adding an egg for binding and maybe a little cheese and a few breadcrumbs for bonus flavor and a crispy texture.
The secret to a super moist turkey burger or meatballs? Add a little of your favorite sauce (balsamic vinegar, hot sauce, soy sauce, etc) to the mixture before shaping and cooking. It adds just the right amount of flavor kick and keeps them from drying out as they saute or bake. Make sure to flip halfway through the cooking time to get a little of that crisp on both sides as well!
Why Are My Meatballs and Patties Tough?
No one wants a tough turkey burger or meatball. The best way to avoid that awful turkey travesty is by working the meat mixture as little as possible as you combine the ingredients. Adding in the secret sauce and a little cheese can also go a long way in keeping the meatballs lighter and more moist.
How Do You Make Turkey Burgers From Scratch?
While ground turkey may be less familiar than hamburger to many, there’s no need to be intimidated. Making a mouth-watering, moist turkey burger is easier than you’d think!
We suggest you start with no leaner than 94% lean ground turkey. Remember, work the meat as little as possible as you combine our incredible veggie and spice mix—hello FLAVOR—with the turkey. Then cook your southwest turkey burgers in the same skillet as you used to cook the veggies so you don’t miss out on any of that flavor-bursting goodness! You may never go back to beef again.
Southwest Turkey Burger Recipe
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Serves 4
Per Serving—
Calories: 369 Fat: 23g Protein: 36g Carbs: 8g
Southwest Turkey Burger Ingredients
● 1 tablespoon olive oil, divided
● 1/2 white onion, finely chopped
● 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
● Salt and pepper, to taste
● 2 cloves garlic, minced
● 2 teaspoons ground cumin
● 1 teaspoon ground coriander
● 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
● 1 1/2 pounds lean turkey breast, ground
● 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
● 4 cups arugula
● 1 avocado, sliced
Southwest Turkey Burger Directions
1. Heat 1/2 tablespoon of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onions and peppers and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then season with salt and pepper, to taste.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, and paprika to the skillet and stir to cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
5. Place turkey breast in a large bowl and season with salt and pepper. Add vegetable mixture and balsamic vinegar, stirring to thoroughly combine, while being careful not to overmix.
6. Form mixture into 4 patties and set on a plate.
7. Gently wipe out the skillet used for the veggies with a paper towel and add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil.
8. Over medium-high heat, saute turkey burgers until golden brown, about 4 to 5 minutes per side and their internal temperature reaches 165°F.
9. While the burgers cook, arrange arugula on each of 4 serving plates. Place turkey burgers on arugula and top with sliced avocado. Serve hot and enjoy your juicy southwest turkey burgers!
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