Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger
Ina Garten’s turkey burger recipe was born out of her desire to create a lighter alternative to the traditional beef burger, without losing the richness and depth of flavor. Many turkey burgers tend to be dry and bland due to the lean nature of ground turkey, but Ina’s recipe ensures a juicy and well-seasoned patty.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- ½ medium onion grated
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon canola oil for cooking
- 4 hamburger buns preferably whole wheat
Instructions
Prepare the Turkey Mixture:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, grated onion, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense burger.
Form the Patties:
- Divide the mixture into four equal portions.
- With damp hands, shape each portion into a patty approximately ½-inch thick.
- Tip: Making a slight indentation in the center of each patty can help them cook evenly and prevent puffing up during cooking.
Cook the Patties:
- Heat the canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is shimmering, place the patties in the skillet.
- Cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the patties are no longer pink in the center.
- Note: Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the patties and the heat level.
Prepare the Buns:
- While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a separate skillet or toaster.
- Toasting adds texture and helps prevent the buns from becoming soggy.
Assemble the Burgers:
- Place each cooked patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun.
- Add desired toppings such as sliced tomato, onion, lettuce, pickles, and red pepper.
- Spread condiments like ketchup and mustard on the top bun, then place it over the assembled ingredients.
Serve:
- Serve the turkey burgers immediately while warm.
- Pair with sides like sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or coleslaw for a complete meal.
Notes
Moisture Maintenance: Since ground turkey is lean, incorporating ingredients like grated onion and ketchup helps retain moisture.
Handling the Meat: Avoid overmixing and overhandling the meat mixture to ensure the burgers remain tender.
Cooking Method: While pan-frying is convenient, these patties can also be grilled. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook as directed above.