Description
Juicy turkey smash burgers deliver classic American comfort in a lean, flavorful package. Crispy edges and rich seasoning make these patties a delightful twist on traditional beef burgers you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (500 g) ground turkey (93% lean recommended for juiciness)
- 2 tbsps olive oil or butter (for cooking)
- 4 burger buns (toasted)
- Sliced cheese (cheddar, Swiss, or provolone)
- Lettuce leaves
- Tomato slices
- Red onion slices
- Pickles
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra flavor)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Your favorite condiments (mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, or spicy aioli)
Instructions
- Mixing: Combine ground turkey with Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, gently folding ingredients to maintain meat’s delicate texture.
- Forming: Divide seasoned turkey mixture into four equal patties, creating a slight indentation in the center to prevent bulging during cooking and ensuring uniform shape.
- Preheating: Heat a heavy cast-iron skillet or griddle to medium-high, allowing the surface to reach optimal temperature for achieving a perfect golden-brown crust.
- Searing: Place patties on the hot surface with adequate spacing, firmly pressing down with a spatula to execute the classic “smash” technique, generating crispy, lace-like edges.
- Cooking: Sear first side for 3-4 minutes until a rich, caramelized crust forms, then carefully flip and cook the opposite side for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches safe consumption levels.
- Serving: Transfer smashed turkey burgers to toasted buns, adorning with selected condiments and fresh toppings for a delectable dining experience.
Notes
- Meat Handling Technique: Minimize excessive touching and mixing of ground turkey to maintain a tender, juicy texture and prevent tough, dense patties.
- Temperature Control: Ensure skillet is scorching hot before adding patties to achieve maximum caramelization and crispy, lacy edges that define smash burger technique.
- Flatten with Purpose: Apply firm, even pressure when smashing patties to create thin, crispy borders while keeping the center slightly thicker for moisture retention.
- Safe Cooking Temperatures: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal turkey temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee food safety without overcooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg