Description
These easy turkey smash burgers are crispy on the edges, juicy in the center, and topped with a creamy homemade burger sauce. Made quickly on a hot skillet or griddle, this recipe offers a lighter twist on the classic smash burger, perfect for a delicious and speedy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Burgers
- 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey, preferably 93% lean
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 slices cheddar or American cheese
- 4 brioche or burger buns
- Lettuce, tomato, and pickles, for serving
- Thinly sliced red onion, optional
For the Burger Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped dill pickles
- 1 teaspoon pickle juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Burger Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, finely chopped dill pickles, pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to use to allow flavors to meld.
- Form the Turkey Balls: Divide the ground turkey into 8 loose balls, about 3 ounces each. Be careful not to overwork the meat to keep the burgers tender.
- Heat the Cooking Surface: Place a cast-iron skillet or griddle over medium-high to high heat and allow it to become very hot. Lightly grease the surface with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Smash the Patties: Place the turkey balls on the hot surface, spacing them apart. Immediately press each ball firmly and evenly with a sturdy spatula until very thin to create the signature crispy edges.
- Season and Cook First Side: Sprinkle the patties with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook the patties for 2 to 3 minutes until the edges are browned and crispy.
- Flip and Finish Cooking: Flip the patties carefully and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for food safety. During the last minute, place a slice of cheese on each patty to melt.
- Toast the Buns: While the patties finish cooking, toast the brioche or burger buns cut-side down on the skillet or griddle for 30 to 60 seconds until lightly browned.
- Assemble the Burgers: Spread the prepared burger sauce generously on the toasted buns. Layer with lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and optional sliced red onion. Place two turkey patties on each bun and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Work quickly when smashing the turkey balls to achieve crispy edges on the patties.
- Use a sturdy metal spatula for pressing the patties to develop a delicious crust.
- Ground turkey must be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
- If your skillet or griddle is small, cook the patties in batches.
- Store any leftover cooked patties in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course, Burgers, Quick Meals
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
