Move over, classic beef burger — there’s a new star in town! These Turkey Smash Burgers are crispy on the edges, juicy in the center, and pack a bunch with layers of flavor and texture. If you’ve ever wanted a burger that’s both light yet satisfying, this is it. Made with seasoned ground turkey, crispy fried onions, gooey cheese, and a tangy homemade burger sauce, these smash burgers are a must-try for your next burger night.
Whether you’re a fan of regular smash burgers or looking for a leaner, healthier option without compromising on taste, these turkey smash burgers will hit the spot. We start by seasoning the turkey just right, then smash them onto a hot skillet with onions for an irresistible caramelized crust. Finish it off with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and a zesty burger sauce, all tucked into a soft sesame seed bun. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love These Turkey Smash Burgers:
- Healthier Option: Turkey is a leaner alternative to beef, giving you that burger fix without the extra calories.
- Crispy Edges: The magic of a smash burger lies in smashing the patty onto a hot skillet, creating crispy, golden brown edges that are absolutely mouthwatering.
- Flavorful & Juicy: Even though turkey is lean, these patties stay juicy thanks to the perfect smash technique and the addition of melty cheese.
- Customizable Toppings: You can add your favorite toppings, but bacon and homemade burger sauce are a must for that extra burst of flavor.
The Smash Burger Technique:
The secret to a great smash burger is in the name: the smash! Unlike regular patties that are formed and cooked as-is, smash burgers are pressed down onto the skillet, creating a thin, crispy crust. This technique maximizes the surface area, giving you more of that delicious, browned exterior.
For this recipe, we’re taking it up a notch by smashing the patties on top of a bed of onions. This step infuses the meat with a sweet, caramelized onion flavor while keeping it incredibly juicy. Trust us, this is one trick you’ll want to remember.
Tips for the Perfect Turkey Smash Burger:
- Cold Meat: Keep your ground turkey cold before smashing to help it hold together better and prevent sticking.
- Hot Skillet: A hot, well-oiled skillet is key for achieving that crispy crust.
- Don’t Over-Smash: Press down once and let it cook. Over-smashing can make the burger dry.
- Use Thin Slices of Onion: Thin, slivered onions cook faster and become wonderfully caramelized under the burger.
Equipment
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Juicy Turkey Smash Burgers
Equipment
- 1 Small/Medium Stovetop Skillet
- 1 Flat Spatula
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Chopping Knife
- 1 Small Mixing Bowl
- 1 Spoon
Ingredients
Turkey Smash Burgers
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 large white onion thinly sliced into slivers
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
- 4 slices preferred cheese
- 2 buns sesame seed buns halved
- 8 slices bacon optional
- 1-2 dashes salt and black pepper or preferred seasoning to taste
Burger Sauce
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp mustard
- 1 tsp relish
Optional Toppings
- Lettuce
- Tomato Slices
- Pickles
Instructions
- Season the turkey with salt and pepper (or your preferred seasoning). Mix together using your hands and knead the seasoning into the ground meat. Form into 2-3 oz balls of your ground turkey and set aside.
- Slice the onion into thin slivers and set aside.
- Prepare the burger sauce by combining the listed ingredients in a small mixing bowl. Set aside.
- Preheat your stovetop skillet over medium high heat. If including bacon strips into your burger, start with cooking those in their own grease. Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until crispy. When done, remove and let cool on a paper towel to absorb excess grease.
- Using the same skillet, add 1 tbsp of your preferred cooking oil.
- Place a handful of your sliced onions onto the skillet and let caramelize in place. Then place one of your turkey balls on top. Smash with a flat spatula until the meat is very thin.
- Let the patty cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes. Season with additional spices if desired!
- Flip the patty and immediately add a slice of cheese. Let it melt while the patty finishes cooking.
- To assemble the burger, spread the burger sauce on the bottom bun. Then add two of your patties and add your strips of bacon. Top it off with the top half of the bun and good luck taking just one bite!
FAQs
No! You’re welcome to use your preferred type of protein.
It can be if you use gluten free burger buns!
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