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Juicy Skillet Turkey Burgers

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Pixicook editorial team

Delicious and moist turkey burgers cooked on a skillet, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

Ingredients for Juicy Skillet Turkey Burgers

units in
USchevron
serves
4 peoplechevron

Vegetable Oil

teaspoons

Water

teaspoons

Baking Soda

teaspoons

93% Lean Ground Turkey, 93% lean

0 lb

Soy Sauce

tablespoons

Unsalted Butter, melted

tablespoons

Panko bread crumbs

tablespoons

Unflavored Gelatin

teaspoons

Black Pepper

teaspoons

Table Salt

teaspoons

American Cheese, optional

slices

Hamburger Buns

0 buns

How to Make Juicy Skillet Turkey Burgers

1. Prepare Skillet

Start by placing 2 teaspoons of vegetable oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet. This will ensure your turkey patties don’t stick and cook evenly.

2. Mix Baking Soda and Water

In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of water with 0.25 teaspoon of baking soda. This mixture helps keep the burgers moist and tender.

3. Prepare Ground Turkey

Take 1 pound of ground turkey and break it up into small pieces. This step is crucial as it helps in incorporating the ingredients evenly.

4. Add Liquid Ingredients

Drizzle the baking soda mixture, 1.5 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of melted butter over the turkey. The combination of these ingredients will enhance the flavor and texture of your burgers.

5. Add Dry Ingredients

Next, sprinkle 3 tablespoons of panko bread crumbs, 3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese, 0.5 teaspoon of unflavored gelatin, 0.25 teaspoon of pepper, and 0.125 teaspoon of table salt over the turkey. These ingredients will bind the mixture and add a delightful depth of flavor.

6. Mix and Shape Patties

Gently toss the turkey mixture to combine, being careful not to overwork it. Overmixing can make the burgers tough. Divide the mixture into four equal portions and shape each into a patty, roughly 4 ounces each.

7. Cook Patties

Transfer the patties to the prepared skillet. Heat the skillet over medium heat, which ensures the patties cook evenly and develop a nice brown crust. Cook the patties until they are well-browned on the bottom, which should take about 2.5 minutes. Flip the patties and continue cooking for another 2.5 to 3 minutes, or until they register 160 degrees internally. If you’re adding American cheese, place a slice on each patty about a minute before the burgers finish cooking to allow the cheese to melt.

8. Rest and Serve

Once cooked, let the burgers rest for 5 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, making the burgers even more succulent. Finally, serve the burgers on hamburger buns, and enjoy the juicy, flavorful goodness.

Variations

Greek Turkey Burgers

Mix in feta cheese, olives, oregano, and serve with a tzatziki sauce.

Italian-Style Burgers

Add grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and chopped basil into the mix. Serve with marinara sauce and mozzarella cheese.

Southwest Turkey Burgers

Incorporate a blend of chili powder, cumin, and minced jalapeño into the patties. Top with avocado and pepper jack cheese.

Beef Burgers

Replace ground turkey with ground beef for a classic burger. Adjust seasonings, as beef can handle a bolder flavor profile.

Lamb Burgers

Substitute with ground lamb and incorporate Mediterranean spices like cumin, coriander, and mint for a flavorful twist.

Pitfalls and tips

Choose the Right Turkey

Opt for ground turkey that's not too lean. A mix of dark and white meat, with a fat content of about 15-20%, will give you a juicier burger than 99% lean ground breast. If you can only find lean turkey, consider adding a bit of olive oil or grated onion for moisture.

Don’t Overcook

Turkey burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to be safe, but be careful not to go over this temperature. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness without cutting into the burgers, which can release precious juices.

Season Generously

Turkey meat is quite mild, so it needs an extra flavor boost. Season the meat with a good amount of salt and spices. Don't be afraid to add your favorite herbs or a blend of spices such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper. Incorporate the seasoning throughout the meat for an even flavor.

Let Them Rest

Just like a steak, give your turkey burgers a few minutes to rest after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the patty, ensuring a moist bite.

Add Moisture

To counteract the dryness of turkey, incorporate moistening agents into your patties. This could be a splash of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or even a bit of dijon mustard. Another trick is to mix in a few tablespoons of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, which will add both moisture and a slight tang.

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