Ingredients
For the Turkey Burgers
- 1 pound (454 grams) lean ground turkey
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped cilantro
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Quick-Pickled Red Onion
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup apple cider vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup, honey, or sugar
Chili Lime Mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise (preferably avocado oil mayo)
- 1 teaspoon mild chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For Serving
- Brioche buns or your favorite burger buns
- Sliced tomato
- Lettuce or mixed greens
- Sliced cheddar or Havarti cheese
Instructions
- Prepare Quick-Pickled Onions: Place the thinly sliced red onion in a heatproof 16-ounce glass jar. In a small saucepan, combine apple cider vinegar, water, salt, and maple syrup (or honey or sugar). Bring to a boil over high heat, then remove from heat and let cool for two minutes. Pour the pickling liquid over the onions in the jar. Set aside for 30 minutes to allow the onions to pickle, develop a vibrant pink color, and mellow the sharp flavor.
- Make the Turkey Burger Mixture: In a large bowl, gently combine lean ground turkey, beaten egg, panko breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, barbecue sauce, chopped cilantro, minced garlic, finely chopped red onion, smoked paprika, ground cumin, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix with your hands just until combined; the mixture will be moist, which is normal.
- Form Patties: Wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking and shape the turkey mixture into 4 to 6 patties depending on your preferred burger size.
- Cook the Turkey Burgers: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive or avocado oil in a large skillet, preferably cast iron, over medium heat until shimmering. Add the turkey patties and cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until the internal temperature reaches 180°F (82°C), ensuring they are fully cooked but remain moist. If using cheese, add slices during the last couple of minutes of cooking to melt on top.
- Make Chili Lime Mayo: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mild chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, sea salt, and lime juice until smooth. This can be made ahead of time and refrigerated.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the cooked turkey burgers on brioche buns with lettuce or mixed greens, sliced tomato, melted cheese, quick-pickled red onions, and a generous spread of chili lime mayo. Enjoy with a side salad and sweet potato fries if desired.
Notes
- Nutrition information is based on four turkey burgers each topped with 1 tablespoon of chili lime mayo and does not include buns or additional toppings.
- Using a meat thermometer is highly recommended to prevent overcooking and dryness.
- Quick-pickled onions can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- The chili lime mayo can also be prepared in advance to save time.
- For best texture and flavor, do not overmix the turkey mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
- Diet: Low Fat
