Cooking juicy flavorful turkey patties on the stovetop can seem intimidating for some home cooks. Unlike beef patties which can tolerate high heat ground turkey is very delicate and can dry out easily if overcooked. Finding the right stove temperature and cook time to yield moist, tender turkey patties takes some trial and error.
Through research and testing, I’ve narrowed down the ideal stove temperature range and approximate cook times for achieving perfect turkey patties cooked on the stove. Follow these simple tips and techniques for guaranteed success every time
Why Temperature Control is Crucial
Controlling the stovetop temperature is the key to cooking turkey patties. Since ground turkey is low in fat, it can dry out very quickly under high heat. Cooking too hot will toughen the texture and drain all the moisture before the interior is cooked through.
On the other hand, cooking too low won’t sufficiently brown the exterior or develop flavor. The goal is to find the Goldilocks temperature that gently cooks the interior while sealing in juices and creating a tasty crust.
Best Stove Temperature for Turkey Patties
For tender, flavorful turkey patties, the ideal stovetop temperature range is medium-low to medium (275°F to 325°F). This gives you enough heat to achieve light browning without overcooking the delicate ground meat.
Many recipes call for medium-high heat, but I find that still too hot for turkey. Aim for a gentle sizzle when the patties hit the pan. If it starts smoking right away, lower the temperature.
Cook Time Guidelines
In addition to finding the sweet spot for temperature, cook times are also essential for perfect turkey patties. Here are some general guidelines:
- 1/2 inch thin patties – Cook for 4-5 minutes per side
- 3/4 inch medium patties – Cook for 6-7 minutes per side
- 1 inch thick patties – Cook for 8-10 minutes per side
These times are for patties made from raw turkey. Frozen or pre-cooked patties will take less time. Always use an instant-read thermometer to confirm the interior reaches 165°F.
If browning too quickly on the outside, lower heat and cook a bit longer. For added insurance, baste with oil while cooking to prevent drying out.
Preparing Turkey Patties
When forming the patties, don’t overwork the meat or compress it too firmly. Gently shape into rounds using your hands. Make an indentation in the center with your thumb to prevent bulging while cooking.
For extra moisture and flavor, mix in a little olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, chopped herbs, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, or seasonings into the ground turkey before making patties.
Right before cooking, brush both sides of the patties lightly with oil. Use an oil with a high smoke point like avocado, grapeseed, or canola oil.
Step-by-Step Stove Instructions
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Heat a skillet over medium-low to medium heat. Cast iron or nonstick work well.
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Swirl a teaspoon of oil to lightly coat the bottom of the pan. Wait 1 minute for it to shimmer.
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Gently place the patties in the pan spaced apart. Don’t press down once they’re in.
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Let cook undisturbed for first side time based on thickness. Check and wait for golden brown crust.
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Carefully flip with a thin spatula. Baste with oil if needed.
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Cook second side until temperature reaches 165°F internally.
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Transfer to a plate and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Troubleshooting Cook Times
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If patties are still pink/raw inside after flipping, lower heat slightly and cook a minute or two longer.
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If exterior is charred before interior is cooked, lower heat and use thinner patties next time.
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If crust won’t brown properly, increase heat slightly for better sear.
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For flare-ups, remove patties temporarily until flames subside.
Serving Suggestions
Turkey patties pair well with classic toppings like lettuce, tomato, onion, pickles, cheese and condiments such as mustard, mayo or ketchup. For extra flavor, try these creative serving ideas:
- Top with guacamole, bacon, and pepperjack cheese
- Add sautéed mushrooms and swiss cheese
- Slather with pesto mayo and roasted red peppers
- Top with goat cheese, arugula, and sun-dried tomato pesto
- Serve on pretzel buns with jalapeño mustard
- Add pineapple salsa, grilled onions, and pepperjack
- Top with bbq sauce, crispy fried onions, and cheddar
So break out your skillet and enjoy restaurant-worthy turkey patties in the comfort of your own kitchen. Just mind the stovetop temperature and cook times and you’ll be sinking your teeth into perfectly cooked, juicy patties in no time. Give it a try this week!
What You’ll Need To Make Skillet Turkey Burgers
Place ground turkey in a medium-size bowl. Add salt, pepper, Worcestershire sauce, ricotta cheese, bread crumbs, and mustard.
Using your hands, mix until well blended.
Divide meat mixture into 4 equal portions. Lightly roll one piece into a ball by tossing it from hand to hand. Then, using your fingertips, gently press the ball into a 3/4-inch-thick patty with a small depression in the middle. This will keep the burgers from puffing up when they’re cooked. Repeat with remaining portions.
Heat a large, heavy, ovenproof skillet over medium heat until very hot, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the oil to the pan and swirl to coat the bottom. Place the burgers on the pan and cook over medium-low heat, without moving them, for 3 to 4 minutes, or until the bottom of each one is dark golden brown and crusty.
Flip the burgers over and cook for another three minutes, or until the bottom side is light brown but not crusty. Put the pan in the oven and cook for another 7 to 8 minutes, or until the burgers are done (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the middle of a burger from the side should read 160°F). Remove the turkey burgers from the pan and serve immediately.
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FAQ
How do you know when a turkey burger is done on the stove?
How long does ground turkey take to cook on the stove?
Do turkey burgers take longer to cook?
How long do you cook turkey burgers?
The cooking time for turkey burgers will vary depending on the thickness of the burgers and the heat of your stove. For thin burgers, cook them for about 5 minutes per side. For thick burgers, cook them for about 7 minutes per side. Once the burgers are cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Can you cook a turkey burger on the stove?
Now you can have a guilt-free juicy turkey burger without the hassle or setback of firing up the grill. Classic Turkey Burgers on the Stove is a great recipe to have on hand for busy weeknights and fun get togethers. You can form the burger patties ahead of time and just refrigerate (or freeze) prior to cooking.
How do you cook ground turkey patties?
Add the seasoning to the ground turkey and mix well. Make the turkey patties, about ½ inch thick, or a little bigger in diameter than your bun (as they’ll shrink up when cooking). Heat a cast iron skillet or a non-stick pan with cooking oil on medium to medium-high heat. When hot, cook the patties, about four mins on each side.
How to cook turkey burgers in a pan?
When cooking turkey burgers in a pan, it is important to cook them to the correct temperature. Turkey burgers should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure that they are cooked through and safe to eat. The cooking time for turkey burgers in a pan will vary depending on the thickness of the burgers.
How long do you cook burger patties?
Heat a cast iron skillet or a non-stick pan with cooking oil on medium to medium-high heat. When hot, cook the patties, about four mins on each side. Assemble your burger with your favorite condiments and toppings! I find cooking the patties for more than a total of 8 minutes will dry out the meat.
How do you cook a turkey burger in a crock pot?
Add turkey, mayonnaise, steak sauce, and parsley. Mix gently with your hands until fully incorporated. Divide into 4 equal portions and gently form into patties. Season tops with garlic salt and pepper. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and place over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, place in burgers, seasoned-sides down.