A healthier alternative to traditional ground beef burgers, this juicy turkey burger recipe is topped with rich, sweet caramelized onions for a gourmet take on the classic.
Make the caramelized onions: melt butter and olive oil in a Dutch oven or non-reactive pan over medium-high heat, stirring as needed.
Add onions, stirring to coat. Spread them out in as even a layer as possible, sprinkle with sugar and cook, stirring as needed to keep the onions from sticking. Continue to cook until the onions are soft, deep golden brown and smell fragrant and sweet, about an hour.
Remove from heat, season with salt and pepper and top those burgers!
Prepare and cook the burgers. First, mix together the ground turkey, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Form into 4 equal patties. Flatten to about ¼ inch thick. This will help get a nice, juicy turkey burger.
Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat with about a tablespoon canola oil until hot. If using a grill pan or a grill, brush the oil on the grates right before adding the burgers.
Sear both sides of the burgers until a nice crust forms, about 2 minutes a side. Reduce the heat on the stovetop to medium or move to a preheated oven (350°F) and continue to cook the burgers until a thermometer registers an internal temperature of 165°F or the insides are no longer pink. This cook time will depend on how thick you form your patties. Mine took approximately 12 minutes total.
While the burgers cook, prepare your toppings.
Top buns with a burger, caramelized onions, sun-dried tomatoes, and lettuce. Enjoy!
Notes
Technique - Let the burgers rest. Allow the burgers to rest for just a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier burger.Variations - Air Fryer: You can also make this recipe in the air fryer. Line your air fryer and cook each burger for about 4 minutes per side at 400°F.Storage - Store leftover turkey burgers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Store turkey patties, onions, and buns separately.