Description
These Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions offer a juicy, flavorful, and healthier alternative to classic beef burgers. Ground turkey combined with slowly caramelized yellow onions creates a sweet and savory taste that is both satisfying and nourishing. Quick and easy to prepare, these burgers are perfect for weeknight dinners, weekend cookouts, or meal prepping. Customizable and made with simple ingredients, they strike the ideal balance between wholesome and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground turkey
- 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or almond flour for gluten-free option)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 burger buns or large lettuce leaves (for serving)
Optional Toppings
- Cheese slices (cheddar, feta, or pepper jack)
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Avocado slices
Variation Add-ins (Optional)
- Chopped jalapeños or pinch of cayenne pepper (for spicy kick)
- Fresh herbs such as thyme, parsley, or rosemary
- Shredded cheese incorporated in patties
- Finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or grated zucchini
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add thinly sliced yellow onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until onions are soft, deeply golden, and fragrant, developing their full sweet flavor.
- Prepare the Burger Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, cooled caramelized onions, minced garlic, breadcrumbs (or almond flour), egg, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined to avoid tough burgers. Shape the mixture into even patties weighing about 4-6 ounces each.
- Cook the Turkey Burgers: Heat a lightly oiled skillet or grill to medium-high. Cook the patties for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Do not press down on the patties to keep them juicy. If using cheese, add a slice on each patty during the last minute of cooking and cover to melt.
- Assemble and Serve: Toast burger buns if desired. Layer with the cooked turkey patty, extra caramelized onions if available, and your choice of toppings such as lettuce, tomato, or avocado. Serve immediately alongside your favorite sides.
Notes
- Patience with onions: Slowly caramelizing onions is essential for deep, sweet flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the mixture can cause dry, dense burgers.
- Check temperature: Use a meat thermometer and cook until internal temp is 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Rest before serving: Let cooked patties rest a few minutes to redistribute juices.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh turkey, onions, and garlic improve overall flavor.
- Gluten-free modifications: Swap breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free crackers.
- Make ahead: Patties and caramelized onions can be prepped in advance; cook fresh when ready to serve.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger (without bun)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg