Chef John's Turkey Burger

This recipe uses some of the same techniques and seasonings as the shish kebab to improve the dull turkey burger. For something made with meat that is 95% fat free this is pretty good!

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 301 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 ½ teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons plain yogurt
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 ½ pounds ground turkey
• 1 teaspoon chile paste
• 1 ½ tablespoons plain bread crumbs
• 1 ½ tablespoons ground almonds
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed and minced
• 1 ½ teaspoons finely grated fresh ginger
• 1 ½ teaspoons garam masala

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, almonds, chili paste, garlic, ginger, salt, garam masala, lemon juice, yogurt, and cilantro; mix thoroughly with a spatula or clean hands.

Step 2

Shape ground turkey mixture into a ball and divide in 4 even pieces; refrigerate for 1 hour. Form each piece into a patty with damp hands.

Step 3

Preheat grill to medium heat and refrigerate turkey burger patties until the grill is hot. Grill turkey burgers until patty appears to be cooked about half way up the side and then flip, grilling each side for about 4 to 5 minutes. Burger is done when surface is cracked and juices start to rise to the top.