Turkey Burgers That Stay Juicy
A classic American-style turkey burger that cooks up tender and flavorful—never dry—thanks to smart mixing, a little added moisture, and proper heat management. Perfect for weeknight grilling or stovetop skillet burgers with all the traditional fixings.
Turkey burgers get a bad reputation for drying out, but it’s mostly a technique problem, not a turkey problem. Here we use gentle mixing, a moisture-boosting binder, and a quick dimple-in-the-center trick to keep the patties plump. Once you understand why these steps work, you can apply them to any lean ground meat burger with confidence.
Total Time
24 min
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
14 min
Servings
4
Ingredients
Burger Patties
- •1 1/2 lb ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
- •1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- •1/4 cup whole milk (or plain yogurt)
- •1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- •1 tsp kosher salt
- •1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- •1 tsp garlic powder
- •1 tsp onion powder
- •1 tsp smoked paprika (optional but classic-burger friendly)
- •2 tbsp finely minced onion (optional, for extra moisture and flavor)
- •1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For Cooking
- •1–2 tbsp neutral oil or melted butter (for skillet), or oil for the grill grates
To Serve (Classic Fixings)
- •4 burger buns, toasted
- •4 slices American cheese, cheddar, or pepper jack (optional)
- •Lettuce, tomato slices, and onion slices
- •Pickles
- •Ketchup, mustard, and/or mayonnaise
Instructions
- 1
Make the moisture binder: In a large bowl, stir together the panko and milk. Let stand 2 minutes so the crumbs hydrate (this helps the burger hold onto juices).
- 2
Season and combine gently: Add Worcestershire, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika (plus minced onion/parsley if using). Add the ground turkey and mix with your hands just until evenly combined—overmixing makes turkey burgers dense and drier.
- 3
Form patties: Divide into 4 equal portions and shape into patties about 3/4-inch thick. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each patty (prevents doming and helps them cook evenly).
- 4
Preheat: For skillet, heat a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat and add oil/butter. For grill, preheat to medium (about 375–425°F) and oil the grates.
- 5
Cook: Cook patties 5–7 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part. If adding cheese, place it on during the last 1–2 minutes and cover the skillet or close the grill lid to melt.
- 6
Rest and serve: Rest burgers 2 minutes (this keeps juices in the patty). Serve on toasted buns with classic toppings and condiments.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Nutrition calculated automatically from ingredients.