Description
Succulent grilled pesto turkey burgers combine fresh Mediterranean herbs with lean protein for a delightful summer meal. Herb-infused patties deliver robust flavor and lean nutrition that elevates weeknight dinner expectations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.25 lbs (567 g) ground turkey (93% lean recommended)
- 0.25 cup (59 ml) basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 0.25 cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 burger buns
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 0.25 cup (30 g) breadcrumbs (optional, for structure)
- 1 tbsp olive oil, for brushing grill
- Sliced mozzarella or provolone (optional)
- Tomato slices
- Arugula or lettuce
- Additional pesto or mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preparation: Merge ground turkey with pesto, Parmesan, garlic powder, seasoning, and breadcrumbs by gently folding ingredients to maintain meat’s delicate texture.
- Patty Formation: Craft four uniform patties with minimal pressure, creating smooth discs that will hold together during grilling. Briefly refrigerate to solidify structure and enhance flavor.
- Grilling Setup: Heat outdoor grill to moderate-high temperature and brush cooking grates with olive oil to prevent sticking and encourage caramelization.
- Cooking Process: Grill turkey patties for 5-6 minutes per side, ensuring internal temperature reaches 165°F. Optional cheese can be melted during final cooking moments for added richness.
- Bun Preparation: Lightly toast burger buns to introduce crisp texture and elevate overall dining experience.
- Assembly: Spread pesto or mayonnaise on toasted buns, layer with arugula, tomato slices, and grilled turkey patty. Arrange with artistic precision to maximize visual and flavor appeal.
- Serving: Present immediately with complementary side dishes, celebrating the vibrant essence of summer grilling cuisine.
Notes
- Gentle Meat Handling: Mix ground turkey ingredients with light, swift movements to keep the meat tender and prevent tough, dense burgers.
- Chilling Patties: Refrigerate formed patties for 15-30 minutes before grilling to help them hold together and develop deeper flavor integration.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring food safety without overcooking the delicate turkey meat.
- Moisture Preservation: Avoid pressing patties while grilling, which can squeeze out natural juices and result in dry burgers; let them cook undisturbed for optimal tenderness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg