This is the most succulently juicy Turkey Burger recipe out there – even non-turkey lovers will be singing its praises- and yours! The turkey burgers are extra juicy thanks to Greek yogurt (and other tips!), masterly seasoned and infused with richer, deeper flavor thanks to beef bouillon (optional). These juicy flavor bombs are easy to whip up and enjoy immediately or chill for entertaining or whenever the cravings strike!
Juicy flavorful turkey burgers are a summertime staple. But their tender texture makes them prone to falling apart on the grill or in the pan. With a few simple tricks, you can keep your turkey burgers fully intact and delicious from the mixing bowl to the bun.
Why Turkey Burgers Crumble
Ground turkey is much leaner than ground beef. Less fat means less moisture and binding power. Without a proper binder, turkey burgers lack the structure to hold everything together, resulting in mushy meatloaf patties or burgers that completely disintegrate.
Turkey breast meat is especially lean. Opt for a combo of light and dark turkey meat for the best texture and moisture retention. If using only breast meat, mix in a teaspoon of olive or avocado oil per pound.
Choosing a Binder
A binder absorbs moisture and adds sticky gluten proteins to hold the patties together. Popular options:
- Breadcrumbs – Classic choice that crisps up nicely when cooked
- Rolled oats – Gluten-free option with extra fiber
- Egg – Binds and adds moisture
- Mashed potatoes – Surprisingly effective starch binder
- Nut butter – For a nutty flavor and creamy texture
Use 1/4 to 1/2 cup binder per pound of ground turkey. Refrigerate patties before cooking so binders can fully hydrate.
Handling with Care
- Chill meat before mixing – Cold turkey doesn’t smear as easily
- Gently mix just until incorporated – Don’t overwork
- Lightly form into patties – Don’t compress too firmly
- Make indent in center – Stops bulge while cooking
- Let rest before cooking – Allows binders to fully absorb moisture
Handle patties gently when placing on grill. Don’t press down with spatula, which can cause crumbling.
Cook Smarter, Not Harder
- Preheat grill or pan – Ensures even cooking
- Flip only once – Less agitation means less falling apart
- Don’t squash patties – Let them cook undisturbed
- Cook to 165°F – Proper temp for food safety
- Rest 3-5 minutes – Allows juices to redistribute
Cooking over high heat increases falling apart risk. Keep heat medium and take it slow for the best results.
Extra Tips for Success
- Mix in finely chopped veggies – Onion, peppers, mushrooms add moisture
- Make thicker patties – 3/4 to 1 inch is ideal
- Use dark turkey meat – More fat equals better binding
- Try smash burgers – Sear hard in a hot skillet for crispy edges
With the right techniques and a little practice, you’ll be flipping beautiful turkey burgers that hold together perfectly every time. Ditch the mealy meatloaf patties for juicy, grill-worthy burgers your family and friends will devour. The right binder and gentle handling makes all the difference. Fire up the grill and get ready for your best turkey burgers yet!
Prep Ahead Turkey Burgers
-Turkey patties: Form the patties on the parchment, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 48 hours. DON’T bring to room temperature before cooking – cook straight from the refrigerator.-Toppings: Prep the toppings while the burgers are chilling or prep 24 hours ahead of time and refrigerate in separate containers. -Remoulade: Store for up to one week in the refrigerator.
- Don’t overmix. Overmixed turkey is tough turkey. Stop mixing the ground turkey ingredients as soon as they are combined – the more you handle the meat, the tougher your turkey burger will be and the more likely it is to dry out and crumble.
- Use cold, greased hands. To help the turkey not stick, run your hands under cold water, shake, then spray with cooking spray. Gently mix the turkey patty ingredients with fingers spread apart. Damp hands will also help the meat combine quicker and prevent over-handling AKA tough burgers.
- Use a light touch. Don’t squeeze the meat mixture tightly when dividing and forming into loose balls. Form a ball that feels airy instead of compact. If you overwork the turkey mixture, the proteins can break down and become tough.
- Make uniform patties. I weigh the loose turkey balls on a kitchen scale before forming patties to ensure they are uniform and will cook evenly.
- Form the patties on the parchment paper. The turkey is wet and sticky, so it’s easiest to smash the balls on parchment paper, then form into patties. This allows you to handle the turkey as little as possible, and easily slide the turkey off when ready to cook.
- Chill the turkey patties before cooking. This allows the flavors to build and meld, and the protein to relax, resulting in more flavorful, tender turkey burgers. Most importantly, this solidifies the fats so the patties don’t crumble when cooked.
- Turn the heat down as needed. If the burgers are charring or burning before they are finished cooking, turn down the heat or move the burgers off the flame to another part of the grill.
- Don’t overcook. Use an instant read thermometer (this one is my fav) and cook just to 160 degrees F.
How to Toast Buns for BEst Turkey Burger Recipe
Buns MUST be toasted for the best turkey burgers! The toasted exterior prevents them from becoming soggy as well as delivering a golden, crispy outside, giving way to a soft inside. TO TOAST IN THE OVEN Line the top and bottom buns on a baking sheet, cut side up, spread with softened butter or mayonnaise, if desired. Bake at 400 degrees F until warmed and lightly crispy about 5 minutes.TO TOAST ON THE STOVE Melt 1-2 tablespoons butter (may sub olive oil) over medium-low heat in a skillet. Add buns, cut side down and toast until golden, about 1-2 minutes.TO TOAST ON THE GRILL Spread some softened butter or mayo on the cut side of the buns for extra decadence, but they are still delicious without. Add buns to the hot grill in a single layer, cut side down and grill until slightly charred, about 1 minute.
How to stop your turkey burgers from falling apart
FAQ
How to make turkey burgers that stay together?
Just half a beaten egg in the raw meat will work as a binder to hold it all together. Just be sure to mix it into the meat well before forming patties. Turkey burgers are really worth the extra effort.
What to use to keep turkey burgers from falling apart?
… involve adding in some extra fat to improve a dry texture, or using a binder such as breadcrumbs to help the mixture hold together better during cookingJun 9, 2024
Why won’t my turkey burgers stay together?
Why do turkey burgers always fall apart? Turkey burgers are more prone to falling apart because they don’t have the same fat content as ground beef patties.May 25, 2023
How do I keep my burgers from falling apart?
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Choose the right meat:Opt for ground beef with a good fat-to-lean ratio (around 80% lean) as fat acts as a binder.
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Chill the patties:Refrigerate your formed patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking to help them maintain their shape.
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Handle gently:When forming patties, press them together lightly and avoid overhandling the meat, which can break it apart.
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Add binders (optional):Incorporate a small amount of breadcrumbs, grated onion, or a beaten egg to help the meat stick together.
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Don’t flip too often:Let one side cook properly before flipping the burger just once to prevent breaking it apart.
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Use a flat spatula:When flipping, use a wide, flat spatula to provide good support and minimize the risk of tearing the patty.
How do you keep turkey burgers from falling apart?
To keep turkey burgers from falling apart on the grill, you can freeze the patties for 30 minutes before grilling to firm them up. Or you can cook delicate burger patties in the oven or in a skillet. If you choose extra lean ground turkey, your burgers may turn out drier than a less lean option.
How do you make a no fail turkey burger?
No Fail, Amazing Turkey Burgers! Tired of dried out, falling apart turkey burgers? Then this flavor packed, healthy, sticks-together-and-doesn’t-fall-apart turkey burger is the one for you! Combine all ingredients in a medium bowl; form into 4 patties. Dust each patty with flour, shaking off the excess.
How do you flip a turkey burger on a grill?
Flip with a grill spatula. To keep turkey burgers from falling apart on the grill, flip them with a grill spatula, using a single, swift motion to slide under the patties. If the grates are well-oiled, the spatula should slide right under with no trouble. Don’t press down on the burgers as they cook!