Thursday, May 14

Turkey burgers

I really like turkey burgers, but pictures of turkey burgers-not so much. Pictures of any kind of burger, for that matter, kind of gross me out.
I've been enjoying one turkey burger for several years now and just introduced it to my kids this week. They've had a McDonald's burger before but when my daughter asked, almost incredulously, "Can we make burgers at home?" I decided it was time to try it on them.
As with my favorite cookie recipes, I've grown attached to this particular one and have refused to try another. I think it's the only turkey burger I've made in the last 7 years.
Now, with you (Mom?) as my witness, I hereby resolve to branch out and try other turkey burgers this summer. Especially since I know my kids (well, at least one of them) will eat them.
Here is my trusty turkey burger recipe:

Tarragon Turkey Burgers
from Cooking Light Jan/Feb 2002

2 lbs. ground turkey
1/2 c dry breadcrumbs
1/2 c finely shredded zucchini
1/4 c chopped onion
1 T chopped fresh or 1 tsp dried tarragon (go for fresh!)
1/2 t garlic salt
1/2 t black pepper
8 hamburger buns

1. Preheat broiler. (We usually use a Foreman grill).
2. Combine first 7 ingredients in a large bowl. Divide turkey mixture into 8 equal portions, shaping each into a 1/2" thick patty. Place patties on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray; broil 6 minutes on each side or until thoroughly cooked. Serve on hamburger buns with desired toppings.

Other turkey burger recipes I'm considering:
Mar-a-Lago Turkey Burger (isn't that picture gross?)
Juicy Turkey Burgers
Favorite Turkey Burger

Do you have a favorite?

11 comments:

Amy said...

A few thoughts...

1. Kids crack me up.

2. I believe your distaste for burger pictures may be in greater proportion than the actual offensiveness(?) of the pic. Personally, I think the word burger is more offensive. Just think about it...B-U-R-G-E-R...yuck.

3. I love this post and can't wait to try it.

Kate said...

That recipe sounds great! Here is our favorite: Turkey Burger Sliders http://www.marthastewart.com/recipe/best-mini-turkey-burgers?autonomy_kw=turkey%20burger%20sliders&rsc=header_18

We usually use smoked cheddar and serve with sweet potato fries. One of our favorite meals.

Laura said...

Your recipe sounds great! I might have to branch out and try one outside of our family favorite:

RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
1 1/2 pounds lean ground turkey
1 medium-size firm Bosc pear, peeled, cored, and coarsely grated
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs)
1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
2 cloves garlic, very finely minced
1 1/2 teaspoons fresh sage, finely chopped
1 1/2 teaspoons rosemary leaves, finely chopped
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1. Mix together the turkey, pear, egg, panko, parsley, garlic, sage, rosemary, and allspice in a large bowl until well combined. Add the salt and pepper, or more to taste. (To test the flavor, cook a teaspoon or two of the mixture in the microwave or a small skillet.)

2. Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and shape them into patties, gently pressing the center of each to create a slight indentation. This will prevent the patty from bulging in the center, so that you end up with a flat, evenly cooked burger. Refrigerate the patties until the grill is ready.

3. Prepare a charcoal fire or a gas grill to medium-hot. Wipe the rack with canola oil and lay the burgers on it indentation-side up. Let them cook, without pressing down on them, until the bottoms are well seared, about 5 to 7 minutes. Flip the burgers and continue grilling until they are completely cooked through (the juices will run clear), another 5 to 7 minutes.

I'll post the link here to the site where I originally got the recipe, but I'm warning ya: big 'ol turkey burger picture. ;)

Laura said...

Oops. Here's the link:

http://jas.familyfun.go.com/recipefinder/display?id=50375

michelle said...

I've never had a turkey burger, but I just may have to try this, thanks!

Megan said...

Amy, etc.-I have to say, with no offense to Kate because the recipe you shared looks and sounds really good (and fun!), but the word "slider" in reference to a burger grosses me out way more than anything else with relation to burgers.
Megan

Megan said...

Thanks for the recipes, Kate and Laura!
Megan

Amy said...

Have you been hiding your burger issue all our lives? Is it a small issue? Because maybe I should refer to it as a "slider".

Lori Beth said...

I use an egg, bread crumbs, BBQ sauce, some red onion pieces, and some granny smith apple chunks. They come out delcious. Sometimes I use dry oatmeal instead of breadcrumbs too!!

Look forward to trying yours..

moomer said...

Well, the burger issue could be hereditary...you've heard my childhood memory of hiding pieces of a hamburger in my dresser drawer. I get the impression we might be trying some turkey
b-u-r-g-e-r recipes when everyone is here!

Amber said...

Mmm.. turkey burgers are tasty. I usually put avocado, tomato and maybe some bacon on ours. I'll have to give your recipe a try though, my tarragon plant is huge and I only have one recipe for tarragon! Thanks....