Texas Turkey Burgers

Texas Turkey Burgers Recipe - Made with Ground Turkey & Jack Cheese

Region / culture: USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 14-16 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Texas Turkey Burgers are a delicious and flavorful twist on traditional turkey burgers. Packed with barbecue sauce, green chiles, and jalapeño peppers, these burgers are sure to spice up your next cookout.

History

Texas Turkey Burgers are a popular dish in the Lone Star State, known for their bold flavors and spicy kick. This recipe puts a Texas twist on the classic turkey burger, incorporating ingredients commonly found in Tex-Mex cuisine.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) ground turkey or chicken
0.5 cup barbecue sauce
1 can (4 oz (113 g)) chopped green chiles, drained
4 slices (1 oz (28 g) each) monterey jack cheese with jalapeño peppers
4 hamburger buns, split

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix together turkey, barbecue sauce, and chilies.
Shape the mixture into 4 patties, each about 0.75 inch thick.
Preheat the oven to broil.
Place the patties on a rack in a broiler pan.
Broil the patties with the tops about 3 inches from the heat for 10 to 14 minutes, turning once, until the turkey is no longer pink in the center.
About 1 minute before the burgers are done, top each patty with a slice of cheese.
Continue to broil until the cheese is melted.

To Grill

Cover the grill and preheat it to medium heat.
Grill the patties, covered, for 14 to 16 minutes, turning once, until the turkey is no longer pink in the center.
About 1 minute before the burgers are done, top each patty with a slice of cheese.
Continue to grill until the cheese is melted.

Variations

Add a slice of bacon to each burger for an extra layer of flavor.
Swap out the barbecue sauce for a spicy chipotle mayo for a different twist on the recipe.
Use ground beef or ground chicken in place of turkey for a different flavor profile.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to drain the chopped green chiles before adding them to the turkey mixture to prevent the burgers from becoming too watery.

- For a smokier flavor, try grilling the burgers instead of broiling them in the oven.

- Don't overcook the turkey burgers, as they can become dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Texas Turkey Burgers on toasted hamburger buns with your favorite toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and avocado. Pair with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Broiling and grilling are the recommended cooking techniques for Texas Turkey Burgers. Both methods result in juicy and flavorful burgers with a nice charred exterior.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have green chiles on hand, you can substitute with diced jalapeños or bell peppers. Feel free to customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the turkey mixture for the burgers in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. This is a great time-saving tip for busy weeknights.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Texas Turkey Burgers on a platter with a side of homemade salsa and guacamole for a festive presentation. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Texas Turkey Burgers with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita for a true Tex-Mex experience. For non-alcoholic options, try a glass of iced tea or a citrus-infused sparkling water.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Texas Turkey Burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the burgers until heated through or warm them in a skillet on the stovetop.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Texas Turkey Burgers contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Texas Turkey Burgers contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Texas Turkey Burgers contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Texas Turkey Burgers contains approximately 30 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Texas Turkey Burgers are a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the green chiles and jalapeño peppers. They also provide a healthy dose of iron and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains poultry and may not be suitable for those with poultry allergies.

Summary

Texas Turkey Burgers are a nutritious and protein-packed meal option, perfect for those looking to spice up their turkey burger game.

Summary

Texas Turkey Burgers are a flavorful and spicy twist on traditional turkey burgers, perfect for those who love a little heat in their meals. With a combination of barbecue sauce, green chiles, and jalapeño peppers, these burgers are sure to be a hit at your next cookout. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still remember the exact moment I discovered this recipe for Texas Turkey Burgers. It was a warm summer day, and I had just finished helping my neighbor with her garden. As a token of gratitude, she invited me over for lunch.

As I sat at her kitchen table, she brought out a platter of juicy, grilled turkey burgers that were unlike anything I had ever tasted before. The flavors of the Southwest danced on my taste buds, and I knew I had to learn how to make them myself.

I asked my neighbor for the recipe, and she chuckled before revealing that it was a closely guarded family secret. However, she did promise to teach me how to make them the next time I came over.

And so, over the course of the next few weeks, my neighbor became my culinary mentor. She taught me all the tips and tricks for crafting the perfect Texas Turkey Burger. From the seasoning blend to the grilling technique, she shared her wisdom with me, and I soaked it all in like a sponge.

One of the key components of the recipe was the special seasoning blend that my neighbor used. It was a magical mix of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of cayenne pepper for a kick. This blend gave the turkey burgers their signature Tex-Mex flavor that set them apart from any other burger I had ever tasted.

Another crucial element was the addition of diced green chilies and shredded pepper jack cheese to the turkey mixture before forming the patties. These ingredients added a depth of flavor and a touch of heat that took the burgers to a whole new level.

But perhaps the most important lesson I learned from my neighbor was the importance of patience when grilling the turkey burgers. She taught me to resist the temptation to constantly flip the patties and to let them cook undisturbed until they had developed a beautiful char on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside.

As I continued to practice and perfect the recipe, I began to experiment with different toppings and accompaniments to complement the Texas Turkey Burgers. I discovered that a dollop of homemade guacamole and a few slices of ripe avocado were the perfect pairing, adding a creamy texture and a cool contrast to the spicy flavors of the burger.

I also learned that serving the Texas Turkey Burgers on a toasted brioche bun with a smear of chipotle mayo and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro elevated the dish to gourmet status. The combination of flavors and textures created a symphony in my mouth that left me craving more with each bite.

Over time, I began to share my newfound recipe with friends and family, who all raved about the deliciousness of the Texas Turkey Burgers. They couldn't believe that such a simple dish could pack such a flavorful punch, and they begged me to make it for them again and again.

As the years went by, the Texas Turkey Burgers became a staple in my culinary repertoire. I would make them for cookouts, family gatherings, and even just for a quick weeknight dinner. And each time I served them, I would think back to that fateful day when my neighbor introduced me to the recipe that would become a beloved tradition in my kitchen.

Now, as I pass on this recipe to you, my dear grandchild, I hope that you will enjoy making and sharing these Texas Turkey Burgers just as much as I have. May they bring you joy, satisfaction, and the warmth of memories shared around the table with loved ones. And may you always remember the story of how I learned to make them, a tale of friendship, generosity, and the love of good food.