All-American Turkey Burgers

All-American Turkey Burgers Recipe - Mouthwatering Homemade Burgers

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 5-7 minutes | Servings: 3

Introduction

All-American Turkey Burgers offer a healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers without sacrificing flavor. This recipe combines ground turkey with a blend of spices, sauces, and vegetables to create a juicy, flavorful burger that's perfect for any barbecue or family dinner. Whether you're looking to lighten up your meals or simply love the taste of turkey, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

History

The turkey burger has gained popularity in the United States over the past few decades as a healthier alternative to beef burgers. Originating from the health-conscious movements of the 1970s and 1980s, turkey burgers were initially seen as a niche health food. However, as awareness of the benefits of leaner meats grew, so did the popularity of the turkey burger. This All-American Turkey Burger recipe is a modern take on the classic, incorporating flavors and ingredients that appeal to contemporary tastes while maintaining the essence of what made turkey burgers a staple in American cuisine.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground turkey
0.5 medium onion, finely chopped or minced, red, white, or yellow only
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tbsp barbecue sauce, homemade or purchased
1 tsp hot sauce
2 tsp worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

How to prepare

Preheat an electric tabletop grill.
Combine all ingredients and shape the mixture into three burgers.
Place the burgers on the grill and cook for approximately five minutes.
Serve the cooked burgers.

Variations

Consider adding different spices or vegetables to the mix, such as chopped bell peppers or smoked paprika, for a different flavor profile. For a cheesy twist, add a slice of your favorite cheese during the last minute of cooking.

Notes

The carb count will vary a bit depending on what barbecue sauce you use, but should be around 4 g of carbs and 1 g of fiber, for a total of 3 g of usable carbs and 27 g of protein.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your All-American Turkey Burgers are juicy and flavorful, consider the following tips:

- Avoid overmixing the meat mixture to keep the burgers tender.

- Make a small indentation in the center of each burger before cooking to prevent them from puffing up in the middle.

- If using an outdoor grill, ensure it's well-oiled to prevent sticking.

- Let the burgers rest for a few minutes after cooking to redistribute the juices.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these turkey burgers on whole-grain buns with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments. For a low-carb option, skip the bun and wrap the burger in a large lettuce leaf.

Cooking Techniques

While this recipe uses an electric tabletop grill, these burgers can also be cooked on a stovetop grill pan or an outdoor grill. The key is to cook them over medium heat to ensure they're cooked through without becoming dry.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're out of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce makes a good substitute. Ground chicken can also be used in place of turkey for a similar nutritional profile and taste.

Make Ahead Tips

The burger mixture can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered. This allows the flavors to meld and makes for a quick and easy meal prep.

Presentation Ideas

For an eye-catching presentation, serve the burgers with a colorful side salad or a side of sweet potato fries. Garnish with fresh herbs for an added touch of elegance.

Pairing Recommendations

These turkey burgers pair well with a light, crisp salad or grilled vegetables. For a beverage, consider a light beer, iced tea, or a sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover cooked burgers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat or in the microwave, covered with a damp paper towel, to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each All-American Turkey Burger contains approximately 200 calories, making it a lighter option compared to traditional beef burgers. This calorie count makes it easier to fit into a balanced diet.

Carbohydrates

Each All-American Turkey Burger contains approximately 6 grams of carbohydrates. The primary sources of carbohydrates in this recipe are the onion, celery, and sauces. Opting for low-sugar barbecue and hot sauces can further reduce the carbohydrate content.

Fats

These turkey burgers are relatively low in fat, with each burger containing about 10 grams of fat, depending on the fat content of the ground turkey used. Choosing lean ground turkey (93% lean) is recommended to keep the fat content in check.

Proteins

Protein is where these turkey burgers shine, with each serving packing about 22 grams of protein. This high protein content makes the burgers filling and satisfying, perfect for supporting muscle health and keeping you energized.

Vitamins and minerals

Turkey is a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, selenium, and zinc. The vegetables in the recipe also contribute vitamins C and K, along with folate. Together, these nutrients support overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe is free from most common allergens, including dairy, nuts, and gluten (provided gluten-free sauces are used). However, always check the labels of purchased sauces to ensure they meet your dietary needs.

Summary

Overall, the All-American Turkey Burgers are a nutritious option, low in calories and fat but high in protein and essential nutrients. They're a great choice for anyone looking for a satisfying, healthy meal.

Summary

The All-American Turkey Burger is a delicious, nutritious alternative to traditional beef burgers. With its high protein content and low calorie count, it's a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a classic American dish in a healthier way. Whether you're cooking for a summer barbecue or a simple family dinner, these turkey burgers are sure to please.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for All-American Turkey Burgers. It was during one of my many trips to visit my dear friend Martha in her cozy little farmhouse in the countryside. Martha was an amazing cook and always had a new recipe up her sleeve to share with me.

On this particular visit, Martha had planned a barbecue for us and a few of her other friends. She told me she had a special recipe for turkey burgers that she was excited to try out. I was intrigued, as I had never had a turkey burger before. To me, burgers were always made with beef. But Martha assured me that these turkey burgers were just as delicious, if not more so, than their beef counterparts.

As we gathered in Martha's kitchen to prepare the burgers, she began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She had learned it from her grandmother, who had passed it down to her many years ago. According to Martha, her grandmother had come up with the recipe during World War II, when beef was hard to come by and turkey was a more affordable alternative.

Martha's grandmother had taken the basic concept of a classic burger and put her own twist on it, using ground turkey instead of beef. She had also added a secret blend of herbs and spices to give the burgers a unique and flavorful taste. Martha had made a few adjustments to the recipe over the years, but the basic idea remained the same.

As Martha and I mixed together the ground turkey with the herbs and spices, I could already tell that these burgers were going to be something special. The aroma of the seasonings filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. Martha formed the mixture into patties and we headed outside to grill them up.

As the burgers sizzled on the grill, Martha regaled us with stories of her grandmother and the many meals she had prepared using this recipe. She spoke fondly of the times they had spent together in the kitchen, cooking up delicious meals for family and friends. I could see the love and nostalgia in Martha's eyes as she talked about her grandmother, and I felt honored to be a part of this culinary tradition.

Finally, the burgers were done and we gathered around the picnic table to dig in. The first bite was a revelation. The turkey was juicy and flavorful, with just the right amount of seasoning to give it a kick. The burgers were topped with all the classic fixings – lettuce, tomato, onion, and a dollop of ketchup – and served on a soft, toasted bun.

As I savored each bite of that delicious burger, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen. I asked Martha for a copy of the recipe so that I could make it for my family and friends back home. She gladly obliged, handing me a handwritten card with the ingredients and instructions.

Since that day, I have made Martha's All-American Turkey Burgers countless times. Each time I prepare them, I think of Martha and her grandmother, and the culinary legacy they have passed down to me. I have shared the recipe with my own grandchildren, who now enjoy making these burgers with me in my own kitchen.

This recipe holds a special place in my heart, not just because it is delicious, but because it represents the bond between friends and family that is created through the sharing of food. I am grateful to Martha for introducing me to this recipe, and I will continue to make these All-American Turkey Burgers for years to come, passing on the tradition to future generations.