Savory Grilled Turkey Burgers with Carrot & Garlic
Elevate your grilling game with these deliciously moist turkey burgers, expertly crafted to perfection. The secret to their juiciness lies in the finely shredded carrots, which not only enhance the flavor but also add a delightful texture. Enhanced with fresh garlic and a touch of hickory-flavored barbecue sauce, these burgers are perfect for the grill, whether you're cooking outdoors or using an indoor grill. These low-fat turkey burgers are a family favorite, offering a nutritious alternative to traditional beef burgers. They’re versatile and can easily be made ahead of time; just prepare the patties and let them chill to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. With options for spicy heat and garlic intensity, these burgers cater to your personal taste. Ideal for summer barbecues, weeknight dinners, or meal prepping, you can even double or triple the recipe and freeze for future meals. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground turkey
2 lbs (preferably mixed white and dark meat)
Carrots
1/2 cup (finely shredded (do not squeeze out moisture))
Green onions
2 (finely chopped (or use 1 small onion))
Garlic
1 tablespoon (finely minced (about 3 cloves, or use 1-2 teaspoons garlic powder))
Seasoning salt
2 teaspoons (can reduce to 1-1/2 teaspoons)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Breadcrumbs
1/2 cup
Eggs
2 (slightly beaten)
Hickory-flavor barbecue sauce
1/3-1/2 cup (increase breadcrumbs if using more)
Hot sauce
1/2-1 teaspoon (or to taste)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the ground turkey with the finely shredded carrots, chopped green onions, minced garlic, seasoning salt, black pepper, breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, barbecue sauce, and hot sauce until well incorporated. If the mixture feels too wet, gradually add more breadcrumbs until the desired consistency is reached.
2
Once mixed, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours or up to 24 hours. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld and improves the overall taste of the burgers.
3
After chilling, preheat your grill to medium heat. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent sticking.
4
Shape the turkey mixture into 8 equal patties, making sure they are slightly larger than your burger buns as they will shrink while grilling.
5
Place the patties on the grill and cook for approximately 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
6
Once cooked, remove from the grill, let rest for a couple of minutes, and serve on buns with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, and additional barbecue sauce.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
11g
Carbs
15g
Protein
1.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the secret to making these turkey burgers so moist?
The secret to their juiciness is the inclusion of finely shredded carrots, which enhance both the flavor and the texture without making the burgers greasy.
How long should I refrigerate the turkey mixture before grilling?
It is recommended to chill the mixture for a minimum of 4 hours, or up to 24 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and improve the consistency for grilling.
What type of ground turkey should I use for this recipe?
A mixture of white and dark meat is preferred to ensure the burgers remain flavorful and moist.
Should I squeeze the moisture out of the shredded carrots?
No, you should not squeeze out the moisture from the carrots, as this moisture is what helps keep the turkey burgers succulent.
Can I use garlic powder if I don't have fresh garlic?
Yes, you can substitute the 1 tablespoon of fresh minced garlic with 1-2 teaspoons of garlic powder.
What should I do if the burger mixture is too wet?
If the mixture feels too wet to handle, gradually add more breadcrumbs until you reach the desired consistency.
How many patties does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to produce 8 equal-sized patties.
What internal temperature should the turkey burgers reach?
The burgers are fully cooked when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Can I use a regular onion instead of green onions?
Yes, you can substitute the 2 green onions with 1 small finely chopped onion.
How long do the turkey burgers take to cook on the grill?
They typically take 12-15 minutes on medium heat, flipping halfway through.
What happens if I increase the amount of barbecue sauce in the mixture?
If you use more than the recommended 1/3 to 1/2 cup of barbecue sauce, you should also increase the amount of breadcrumbs to maintain the proper texture.
Can these burgers be cooked on an indoor grill?
Yes, these burgers are suitable for both outdoor grills and indoor grills.
Are these turkey burgers low in fat?
Yes, with only 5g of fat per serving, these are a nutritious low-fat alternative to traditional beef burgers.
Can I make these burgers ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prepare the patties and let them chill in the refrigerator to develop flavor, or even freeze them for future meals.
Is it possible to freeze the prepared patties?
Yes, you can double or triple the recipe and freeze the extra patties for a convenient future meal.
What size should I make the patties?
Shape them slightly larger than your burger buns, as they will shrink slightly during the grilling process.
Do I need to oil the grill?
Yes, you should lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the turkey patties from sticking.
What are the nutritional facts for one burger?
Each burger contains approximately 200 calories, 15g of protein, 11g of carbohydrates, and 5g of fat.
How much fiber is in each turkey burger?
There is approximately 1.5g of fiber per serving.
Can I adjust the spiciness of the burger?
Yes, you can adjust the heat by varying the amount of hot sauce from 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon or to your personal preference.
What kind of barbecue sauce is recommended?
A hickory-flavored barbecue sauce is recommended to provide a smoky, savory depth to the turkey.
How much seasoning salt should I use?
The recipe calls for 2 teaspoons, but you can reduce it to 1-1/2 teaspoons if you prefer less sodium.
Should the eggs be beaten before adding them to the mix?
Yes, the 2 eggs should be slightly beaten before being combined with the other ingredients.
What are the suggested toppings for these burgers?
Popular toppings include lettuce, tomato, and additional barbecue sauce on a bun.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, the ability to make the mixture 24 hours in advance or freeze the patties makes it ideal for meal prep.
Why should I let the burgers rest after grilling?
Letting the burgers rest for a couple of minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moister bite.
How many calories are in these savory turkey burgers?
There are 200 calories per burger patty.
Is the garlic flavor very intense?
The recipe is versatile; you can use 3 fresh cloves for a robust flavor or reduce it to your taste preference.
How much breadcrumbs are needed for the base recipe?
The base recipe requires 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, though you may add more if the mixture is too wet.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each turkey burger contains 11g of carbohydrates.