These Easy Turkey Burgers are juicy and delicious, topped with sweet caramelized onions and a creamy aioli. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal any night of the week!
Who knew turkey burgers could be this good? The caramelized onions add a lovely sweetness that matches perfectly with the creamy sauce. I could eat these every day—seriously! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: I recommend using ground turkey that is 93% lean for a juicy burger. If you’re looking for a leaner option, 99% lean turkey is available, but it may be drier. You could also substitute ground chicken or even beef for different flavors.
Onions: Yellow onions are great for caramelizing because of their sweetness. If you prefer a milder taste, you could use white or red onions instead. For a shortcut, using pre-caramelized onions is also an option!
Mayonnaise: For the aioli, mayonnaise is essential for creaminess. You can use Greek yogurt instead for a lighter option. Adding a touch of sriracha can add some kick to the aioli too.
Buns: I love sesame seed buns, but any sturdy burger bun works. Whole wheat or gluten-free buns can be great alternatives, depending on your dietary needs.
How Do You Get Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions takes patience, but it’s worth it for that deep, sweet flavor! Start by slicing your onions thinly; this helps them cook evenly. Here’s how to caramelize them perfectly:
- Heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add onions with a pinch of salt, stirring occasionally.
- Cook for 25-30 minutes until they are golden brown, adjusting heat if necessary to prevent burning.
- If you like, add a teaspoon of sugar halfway through for more sweetness.
Keep stirring occasionally, and don’t rush it. The slower, the better!
Easy Turkey Burgers with Sweet Caramelized Onions and Creamy Aioli
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 lb (450g) ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, helps with caramelization)
- Pinch of salt
For the Creamy Aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 garlic clove, minced or grated
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling:
- 4 sesame seed or everything bagels or buns
- Pickle slices (optional side)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and an additional 30-40 minutes for cooking (including caramelizing the onions). In total, you’ll need about 45-55 minutes to make these delicious turkey burgers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelize the Onions:
Start by melting butter and heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they turn deeply golden and caramelized, which should take about 25-30 minutes. If you want to enhance their sweetness, sprinkle sugar over the onions about halfway through. Once done, remove them from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Aioli:
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. To keep the flavors fresh, cover the aioli and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the burgers.
3. Make the Turkey Patties:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely diced onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Stir everything gently until just combined—be careful not to overwork the meat.
Next, divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties about 3/4 inch thick.
4. Cook the Burgers:
In the same skillet used for the onions (after wiping it clean), heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the turkey patties to the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked through and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Toast the Buns:
If you like, toast the bagels or buns in a dry skillet or oven until they’re lightly browned. This step adds a nice texture!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Spread a generous amount of aioli on the bottom half of each bun. Place a cooked turkey patty on top, followed by a spoonful of those marvelous caramelized onions. Cap each burger with the top half of the bun.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these delicious turkey burgers immediately, accompanied by pickle slices or your favorite side dishes. Enjoy your juicy turkey burgers topped with luscious sweet onions and creamy, garlicky aioli!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will work just as well. Just ensure it has enough moisture to keep the patties juicy, similar to turkey.
How Do I Store Leftover Turkey Burgers?
Store any leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make the Aioli Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the aioli a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. This will even allow the flavors to meld together more!
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise for the Aioli?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, Greek yogurt can be used instead of mayonnaise. It will give you a creamy texture with fewer calories. Just add a little extra garlic for flavor!
