These grilled Middle Eastern turkey burgers are flavor-packed and juicy! Serve them with sliced red onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes for a totally fresh take on burger night.
Here at Housewife Corner, we understand how to make the most out of ground turkey! Our readers frequently tell us they purchase turkey every week and enjoy experimenting with new meal ideas. Over the years, we’ve crafted numerous ways to turn this lean protein into a speedy and delicious weeknight dinner. If you haven’t tried them yet, be sure to check out our Turkey Tacos, Ground Turkey Stuffed Peppers, or Turkey Enchiladas. This Middle Eastern Turkey Hamburger is the latest addition to our repertoire of healthy ground turkey recipes.
Why We Love This Recipe For Grilled Middle Eastern Turkey Burgers
This turkey burger recipe is a delightful choice for a year-round weeknight dinner, but it truly shines during warmer weather when grilling becomes an option again. Whether you need a quick meal after school or are hosting friends for a cookout, these burgers are a popular pick.
Recipe Highlights
- Weeknight Meal: Easy to prepare and ready in under an hour.
- Nourishing: Between the turkey and bulgur wheat, these burgers are packed with protein and fiber to keep you feeling satisfied.
- Family Friendly: Burgers are always a hit! Being leaner than red meat, turkey makes for a healthier family meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to customize your burgers with your favorite toppings and condiments.
Ingredients For Middle Eastern Turkey Burgers
- Fine Bulgur Wheat: A fiber-rich alternative to breadcrumbs that helps bind the turkey burger patties together.
- Lean Ground Turkey: We recommend 85% lean ground turkey for its tenderness; 90% lean is a great option to reduce fat and calories.
- Olive Oil, Garlic & Onion: Sauté these for an aromatic base that adds flavor and moisture.
- Toasted Pine Nuts: Inspired by Kibbeh, a traditional Lebanese dish, these add a wonderful texture.
- Herbs: Fresh parsley and chopped mint enhance the burgers with a light herbal flavor.
- Seasonings: Don’t skip the salt, ground pepper, cinnamon, and ground allspice, which bring authentic Middle Eastern flavors.
- Hamburger Buns: Choose your favorite style, but remember to toast them for that extra flavor! For fewer calories, serve the burgers on greens or cucumber noodles instead.
- Toppings: A dollop of labneh or Greek yogurt, along with sliced red onion, cucumber, and tomatoes, will elevate your burger experience. Let guests customize their toppings!
Be sure to explore our Serving Suggestions to finalize your shopping list.
How To Make These Grilled Turkey Burgers
Step 1: Soak & Drain Bulgur
In a medium bowl, place bulgur. Pour boiling water over it and let it sit until softened and the water is lukewarm, about 30 minutes. Drain through a fine mesh sieve, pressing out any excess moisture.
Step 2: Cook Onion & Garlic
While the bulgur is soaking, heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, cooking until the onion becomes translucent, about 12 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and let it cool.
Step 3: Preheat
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Step 4: Mix Burger Patties
Combine the drained bulgur with the onion mixture, then mix in turkey, pine nuts, parsley, mint, salt, cinnamon, pepper, and allspice. Knead until well combined. Divide into four burgers and transfer them to a baking sheet for easy grilling.
Step 5: Oil the Grill
Soak a paper towel in oil. Using tongs, carefuThe turmeric application to the solution of the baking with the vocalroof can!
Step 6: Grill
Place the burgers on the grill and cook undisturbed until browned at the bottom, about 4 to 6 minutes. Turn them over and continue cooking until an instant-read thermometer reads 170 degrees F.
Step 7: Serve With Toppings
Serve the burgers on toasted buns topped with labneh, red onion, cucumber, and tomatoes. Enjoy!
FAQs and Expert Tips For Middle Eastern Turkey Burgers
Although bulgur is a traditional component, you can substitute it with 1/3 cup almond meal or low-carb breadcrumbs to reduce carbohydrates.
Absolutely! You can use a grill pan indoors; ensure to turn the fume hood on as it may produce smoke. Adjust cooking time as needed.
They shouldn’t if you preheat the grill and follow the oiling instructions. Avoid flipping too early; they will naturally release when ready.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stove.
Yes, you can freeze the cooked burgers for up to three months. Place them in an airtight container and thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
What Goes With Middle Eastern Burgers?
Make-Ahead and Freezing
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the patties up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to grill.
- Freezing: Transfer cooled patties (wrapped in parchment) to a freezer-safe container, lasting up to three months. Thaw in the fridge before grilling.
Variations To Try
- If you prefer a different protein, substitute with your choice of ground meat.
- Add crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
- Include sun-dried tomatoes, lettuce, or tzatziki to personalize your burger.
- Feel free to use your preferred seasonings for a custom flavor profile.
- Try lettuce wraps instead of buns for a lower-carb option.
Additional Burger Recipes To Try
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