These turkey burgers are sweet, spicy, and oh-so-tasty! Made with honey and jalapeños, they bring a fun kick to your BBQ. Plus, the creamy avocado sauce makes each bite delicious.
Seriously, who knew turkey burgers could be this exciting? I love pairing them with a side of sweet potato fries for a perfect meal. Give it a try—you won’t regret it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Lean, flavorful, and a great alternative to beef. If you need a variation, ground chicken works well too. For a vegetarian option, try black bean patties or lentil-based burgers.
Jalapeños: They add a nice kick! Adjust the quantity based on your heat preference. If you want a milder flavor, use bell peppers instead or remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños.
Honey: This gives the burgers sweetness and pairs well with the spiciness of the jalapeños. You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute if you’re looking for alternatives.
Avocado: Rich and creamy, it makes the sauce delightful. If avocados aren’t available, you could use mashed banana or tahini for a different flavor profile, though the taste will change.
What’s the Best Way to Keep Turkey Burgers Moist?
Cooking turkey burgers can be tricky because turkey is leaner than beef, which means it can dry out easily. Here are some tips to ensure juicy burgers:
- Mix ingredients gently to avoid overworking the meat. This keeps the patties tender.
- Make an indentation in the center of the patty; it helps them cook evenly and reduces puffing during cooking.
- Cook them on medium heat. This allows them to brown without burning while keeping the inside juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; they should reach 165°F (74°C).
Using these tips, your turkey burgers will be delicious and juicy every time! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1.25 pounds ground turkey
- 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water as needed to thin sauce
For the Toppings & Assembly:
- 3 brioche burger buns (or preferred buns)
- Fresh corn kernels (about 1/2 cup, can use fresh or thawed frozen)
- Extra jalapeño slices (optional)
- Extra chopped red onion
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and roughly 15-20 minutes to cook. You’ll make the patties, whip up the creamy avocado sauce, and cook everything in no time. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive weekend BBQ.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Burger Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped jalapeños, honey, red onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Be careful not to over-mix; this keeps your patties tender!
2. Form Patties:
Divide the mixture into 3 equal portions. Shape each portion into a thick burger patty, about 3/4-inch thick. Make a slight indentation in the center of each patty—this helps them cook evenly.
3. Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the avocado flesh, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until you have a smooth and creamy consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and feel free to adjust the seasoning!
4. Cook the Patties:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the turkey patties and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the patties are golden brown. Yum!
5. Toast the Buns (Optional):
While the patties are cooking, slice your buns and lightly toast them on the grill or in a skillet until they’re golden brown. This adds a nice crunch!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a generous layer of the creamy avocado sauce on the bottom halves of the buns. Place a turkey patty on each bun bottom, and top with fresh corn kernels, sliced jalapeños, chopped red onion, and cilantro leaves. Assemble to your heart’s content!
7. Serve:
Cover with the top bun and serve immediately. Don’t forget to include lime wedges on the side for a bright burst of flavor when you squeeze them over your burger!
Enjoy these flavorful, juicy turkey burgers that perfectly balance sweet honey and spicy jalapeño, wonderfully paired with a rich and creamy avocado sauce. Happy eating!
FAQ for Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers
Can I Use Lean Ground Turkey for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Lean ground turkey is perfect for this recipe. Just be cautious not to overcook it, as lean meat can dry out quickly. Consider adding a bit of olive oil or using slightly higher-fat ground turkey if you want more moisture.
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level in the Burgers?
If you prefer less heat, use fewer jalapeños or remove the seeds and membranes before chopping. You can also substitute jalapeños with mild bell peppers for a sweeter flavor. If you love spice, feel free to add more jalapeños or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
Can I Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can make the avocado sauce in advance! However, to prevent browning, store it in an airtight container and cover the surface with plastic wrap. You may need to stir in a little water to rehydrate it before serving if it thickens in the fridge.
What Are the Best Ways to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store leftover turkey burger patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on a skillet. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked patties and reheat them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What Can I Serve With These Burgers?
These burgers pair wonderfully with sweet potato fries, a fresh green salad, or grilled vegetables. For a fun twist, try serving them with coleslaw for added crunch and flavor!
