Description
These Spicy Southwest Turkey Burgers are a flavorful twist on a classic favorite, featuring a blend of chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper mixed into lean ground turkey. Served on whole wheat buns with fresh avocado, salsa, and cilantro, they’re a delicious and healthy option for a quick weeknight grill or stovetop meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Turkey Burgers
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
For Serving
- 4 whole wheat hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup sliced avocado
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Preheat grill or grill pan: Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat to ensure a perfect sear on the turkey burgers.
- Combine main ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped red onion, and olive oil, mixing gently to combine.
- Add spices: Add chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the bowl, distributing the spices evenly throughout the mixture.
- Incorporate egg: Crack the large egg into the mixture and thoroughly combine all ingredients by hand or with a spoon until evenly mixed.
- Form patties: Shape the mixture into four evenly sized patties, ensuring uniform thickness for consistent cooking.
- Cook patties: Place patties on the preheated grill or grill pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Toast buns: While burgers cook, toast the whole wheat buns on the grill or in a separate pan for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned and warm.
- Assemble burgers: Spread salsa on the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a cooked turkey patty on top, then add sliced avocado and a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro.
- Complete and serve: Top each burger with the top half of the bun and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- Ensure the internal temperature of the turkey burgers reaches 165°F to guarantee they are fully cooked.
- For a spicier kick, adjust cayenne pepper quantity to taste.
- You can swap whole wheat buns for gluten-free buns if needed.
- Let the patties rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to retain juices.
- These burgers also work well cooked in a skillet if a grill is unavailable.
