This recipe makes juicy grilled turkey burgers with smoky barbecue sauce and a tender texture. It uses simple ingredients and a straightforward grilling method to create flavorful, moist burgers perfect for summer cookouts.
Combine 1 pound ground turkey, 1/3 cup chopped onion, 1/3 cup barbecue sauce, 1/3 cup dried breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl.
Mix thoroughly until combined.
Shape the mixture into 4 burger patties.
Preheat the barbecue grill to medium heat.
Lightly oil the grill grates.
Place the turkey burgers onto the grill.
Cook for 4 to 6 minutes per side.
Continue cooking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Brush with additional barbecue sauce if desired.
Serve immediately.
Notes & Wine Advice
Serving Advice
Serve these BBQ turkey burgers on toasted buns with your favorite toppings such as lettuce, tomato, pickles, and extra barbecue sauce. They pair wonderfully with classic sides like coleslaw, grilled corn, fries, or fresh green salads. For a smoky, casual meal, add sliced cheddar cheese or jalapeños to the burgers. These burgers are ideal for summer cookouts, family dinners, or any outdoor gathering where you want a flavorful yet lighter alternative to beef burgers.
Variations
To add extra barbecue flavor, consider mixing smoked paprika, garlic powder, or jalapeños into the turkey mixture before shaping the patties. For a cheesier option, place a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese on each patty during the last minute of grilling to melt. You can also experiment with different barbecue sauces, such as spicy or sweet varieties, to customize the flavor profile. For a milder version, omit the jalapeños and use a sweeter sauce. These variations keep the smoky barbecue base while adding new dimensions to the classic turkey burger.
Wine Advice
Zinfandel: A fruity Zinfandel pairs beautifully with the smoky barbecue sauce and grilled turkey, complementing the sweet and smoky flavors while standing up to the richness of the burger.For a non-alcoholic pairing, try a sparkling apple cider or a fruity iced tea with a hint of lemon to balance the smoky and savory flavors of the turkey burgers.Estimated ingredient cost: USD 2.75 per serving, excluding optional sides and drinks. Local prices vary.Missing nutrition values have been estimated per serving; existing values were retained. Assumptions: Nutrition estimates are based on one of four servings using 1 pound of ground turkey, 1/3 cup chopped onion, 1/3 cup barbecue sauce, 1/3 cup dried breadcrumbs, and seasonings. Assumes typical commercial barbecue sauce and standard ground turkey with 93% lean meat. Serving size is one burger patty without bun or additional toppings. Optional sides and drinks are excluded.