These are the easiest Weeknight Turkey Burgers you’ll ever make! Finely minced onion, garlic and spices are mixed into lean ground turkey, formed into patties and slipped under the broiler. You’ll have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes with very little clean up. Serves 4 – but can easily be doubled.
Broiling turkey burgers is a quick and easy way to prepare juicy, flavorful patties without needing to fire up the grill. But determining the right broiling time is key to achieving the perfect interior doneness while developing a nice char on the outside of the burgers So how long does it take to broil turkey burgers to juicy perfection?
As an avid home cook and food blogger, I’ve experimented extensively with broiling times for turkey burgers. In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about how long you should broil turkey burgers based on factors like thickness temperature and doneness preference. You’ll also find plenty of handy tips for maximizing flavor and testing doneness when broiling turkey burgers.
Why Broil Turkey Burgers?
Before diving into broiling times, let’s first look at why broiling turkey burgers is such a great cooking method:
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Healthier option: Turkey is a leaner meat lower in fat and calories than beef. Broiling allows you to enjoy a healthier burger.
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Quick and convenient: Broiling cooks the burgers fast without needing to constantly flip them.
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Adds flavor: Broiling allows you to add lots of flavor with spices, sauces, etc.
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Versatile: You can customize turkey burgers with varied seasonings and toppings.
Factors That Affect Broiling Time
Several key factors impact the broiling time needed for turkey burgers:
Thickness – Thicker patties take longer to broil. Thinner burgers may need 5-7 minutes per side while thicker ones require up to 10 minutes per side.
Temperature – Higher broiler temperatures cook burgers faster. Broiling at 500°F speeds up cooking. Lower the temp if browning too fast.
Doneness – Burgers broiled to medium (160°F internal) take less time than well-done (165°F).
Distance from heat – Broiling closer to the heating element decreases cook time. Place pan 3-4 inches from heat.
Burger composition – Burgers with more fat generally need longer broil times than lean turkey patties.
General Broiling Times for Turkey Burgers
For average 1/2-inch thick turkey burger patties, these broiling times will produce safe and juicy results:
- At 500°F, broil 4-5 minutes per side
- At 450°F, broil 5-6 minutes per side
- At 400°F, broil 6-7 minutes per side
Always use a meat thermometer to confirm the burgers have reached 165°F internally. If needed, give them an extra minute or two under the broiler until fully cooked.
Handy Tips for Broiling Turkey Burgers
Follow these useful tips for picture-perfect broiled turkey burgers every time:
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Preheat broiler for at least 10 minutes before cooking. This ensures it reaches the proper temperature.
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Use a broiler pan for optimal airflow and easier flipping. Line it with foil for quick cleanup.
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Brush burgers with oil to prevent sticking and enhance browning. Olive, avocado or canola oil work great.
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Flip once halfway through broiling for even cooking on both sides. Use tongs for easy flipping.
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Add cheese/toppings in the last 1-2 minutes so they don’t burn.
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Allow burgers to rest 5 minutes before serving so juices redistribute.
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Brush buns with butter then broil briefly until toasted.
Expert Tips for Maximizing Flavor
It’s easy to pack tons of flavor into turkey burgers:
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Season raw patties with salt, pepper and spices like chili powder before broiling. Let stand 15 minutes so flavors absorb.
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Mix in finely diced onions, garlic, herbs or other aromatics into the raw burger mixture.
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Use bold sauces and toppings like guacamole, salsa, chimichurri or gochujang mayo.
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Brush patties with barbecue sauce during the last minute of broiling for a saucy finish.
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Dollop flavored compound butters on the cooked burger to infuse herb, citrus or other flavors.
Testing Doneness of Broiled Turkey Burgers
It can be difficult knowing precisely when a turkey burger is cooked to perfection. Watch for these doneness signs when broiling:
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Touch test: Lightly press the center. It should feel firm, not squishy, when done.
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Interior color: Slice a burger in half to check the center is no longer pink. Color should be opaque throughout.
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Juices: Use a knife to check juices run clear, not pink. Pink juices mean more cooking is needed.
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Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm burgers reach 165°F internally. This eliminates guesswork on doneness.
So for perfectly cooked turkey burgers in 15 minutes or less, just follow my broiling time guidelines for your preferred thickness and doneness level. Before you know it, you’ll be an expert at cooking up juicy, crispy-crusted turkey burgers.
To recap, thicker burgers and higher doneness levels require longer broil times. But factors like temperature, distance from heat, and burger composition also impact total broiling time. For 1/2-inch patties, aim for 4-7 minutes per side based on your broiler’s temperature. And remember to use a thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature.
With the right techniques, broiled turkey burgers can be even quicker and tastier than grilling. So fire up your oven’s broiler and enjoy the rewarding experience of homemade turkey burgers bursting with flavor. Once you’ve mastered the basics, explore creative recipes to take your burger game to the next level. The possibilities for delicious broiled turkey burgers are endless!
To Make the Easiest Weeknight Turkey Burgers You Will Need:
- extra lean ground turkey
- an egg
- red onion
- garlic
- cajun seasoning – or use any seasoning you like
- dried parsley
- black pepper
- hamburger buns
- toppings: lettuce, tomato, mayo and pickles
In a glass mixing bowl, add 1 pound extra lean ground turkey, 1 egg that has been beaten with a fork, 1/2 a red onion – finely diced, 1 clove minced or grated garlic – I like using the stuff from a tube for this, 1-1/2 teaspoons cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and some freshly ground black pepper.
Use the same fork to mix the turkey burger mixture until thoroughly combined.
Use a spatula to gather up the mixture and then evenly divide into 4 equal portions.
Place a wire rack into a rimmed metal baking sheet, then top the rack with a sheet of aluminum foil (I use heavy duty) and lightly spray with olive oil.
Shape each portion of the turkey burger mixture into a patty and place onto the prepared, makeshift broiler pan.
Broil the patties 4-inches from the heating element for 5 minutes. Flip and repeat for 4 to 5 more minutes. The internal temp should be 165℉ (75℃).
Top with cheese if desired! Not thinking, I grabbed low fat cheese forgetting it really doesn’t melt. Don’t be like me, use real cheese
Top with desired toppings like a little mayo, lettuce, tomato and pickles. And served with potato chips or french fries.
Juciy, flavorful and little clean up! What more could you ask for in a dinner?
Easiest Weeknight Turkey Burgers
- 1 pound extra lean ground turkey
- 1 beaten egg
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced (about 1/3 cup)
- 1½ teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon parsley flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- black pepper, freshly ground
- 4 whole wheat hamburger buns
- Preheat your broiler to high and place foil on a wire rack set into a rimmed metal baking sheet. Spray the foili with olive oil spray.
- In a glass mixing bowl, add the turkey, beaten egg, red onion, grated garlic, cajun seasoning, dried parsley, kosher salt and some freshly ground black pepper.
- Use a fork to combine thoroughly.
- Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties, placing on the prepared foiled pan.
- Broil the patties 4-inches from the broiler for 5 minutes. Flip and repeat for 4 to 5 more minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165℉ (75℃).
- Serve on buns with lettuce, tomato, mayo and pickle.
Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe
FAQ
How long does it take to broil a burger?
- Preheat the broiler to high.
- Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Season the burgers.
- Place the burgers on the baking sheet.
- Broil for 3 minutes, or until the top is browned.
- Flip the burgers and broil for another 3 minutes.
- Continue broiling until the burgers reach your desired doneness.
How long should a turkey burger be cooked?
Place the patties on the grill or in the pan and cook approximately 5 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 160°F. Remove the patties from the heat and let rest until reaching a temperature of 165°F.
How long to broil frozen turkey burgers?
- Preheat the broiler on high
- Lightly oil the burgers
- Place the burgers on a broiler pan about 4 inches from the heat
- Broil the burgers until they are browned and cooked through
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the burger has reached 165°F
How long to broil a turkey at the end?
Turn at the end of 25 minutes, brush with butter or olive oil, and broil until nicely browned and cooked through, about 18 to 25 minutes more. Be careful not to overcook, or the white meat will be dry and uninteresting.
How do you Broil a turkey burger?
Like grilling, broiling uses intense overhead heat to quickly cook turkey burgers. Follow these tips for broiling: Preheat broiler on high heat. Place oven rack 6 inches from heating element. Arrange burgers on a broiler pan or baking sheet. Broil 5-6 minutes per side. Check temperature, broiling longer if needed until 165°F internal temp.
How long do you cook a turkey burger?
Cook the turkey burgers for approximately 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, flip the burgers over with a spatula. Continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the turkey burger patties and your oven’s efficiency.
How long do you cook a burger in a broiler?
Arrange burgers on a broiler pan or baking sheet. Broil 5-6 minutes per side. Check temperature, broiling longer if needed until 165°F internal temp. Total cook time: 10-15 minutes. Monitor burgers closely when broiling since the concentrated heat can overcook quickly. Thicker patties may take up to 15 minutes.
How long do you cook a turkey burger on a grill?
To cook turkey burgers on a grill, cook them for about 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Spray the patties with oil on both sides, not the grill! Set the coals far away from the grill gate.
How do you cook a turkey burger on a stovetop?
Pan-frying turkey burgers on the stovetop is one of the quickest cooking methods. For 3/4 inch thick patties, follow these guidelines: Heat skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of oil if needed. Place patties in pan. Cook 4-5 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
How long do you cook a burger on a grill?
Grill patties 4-5 minutes per side for 1/2 inch thick burgers. Check temperature, grilling longer if needed to reach 165°F internally. The intense direct heat of grilling sears the exterior while cooking the inside at the same time. Allow thicker burgers up to 12 minutes total.