These Easy Turkey Burgers are juicy and tasty, topped with sweet caramelized onions and creamy aioli. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend BBQ!
What’s great is how simple these burgers are to make! I love adding extra onions on top—because more is always better, right? Plus, they cook up in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean protein gives the burgers a lighter feel. If you prefer, you can switch it for ground chicken or even lean beef for a heartier flavor.
Onions: Caramelized onions add sweetness. Yellow onions are ideal, but red onions can work too if you like a sharper bite. If you need a quicker option, you can sauté the onions instead for 5-10 minutes.
Aioli: This creamy sauce adds a rich flavor. If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought mayo or flavored mayonnaise. Adding a bit of Dijon mustard can give it a nice kick.
Bread Crumbs: These help bind the turkey mixture. You can use gluten-free bread crumbs or even crushed crackers for a twist. Just keep an eye on the moisture in your mixture!
How Do I Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions can take time, but the results are worth it! Start on medium-low heat so they don’t burn. The key is patience—slow cooking is where the magic happens!
- Slice onions thinly and add to the pan with butter or oil.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of salt to help draw moisture out.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until they’re golden and sweet.
- Don’t rush or crank up the heat; you want them to cook down slowly.
- If you’re looking for more flavor, adding a sprinkle of brown sugar helps with sweetness!
Easy Turkey Burgers With Caramelized Onions And Aioli
Ingredients
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg, lightly beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 medium onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Pinch of salt
For the Aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Assemble:
- 4 sesame seed sandwich buns
- Pickle slices (optional, for serving)
Time Needed
This delicious recipe takes approximately 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping the ingredients and cooking the burgers, and an additional 20-25 minutes cooking the onions to perfection. Quick and simple!
Instructions
1. Prepare the Caramelized Onions:
Start by heating butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook slowly while stirring occasionally, approximately 20-25 minutes, until the onions are soft and have a beautiful golden brown color. For sweeter onions, stir in the brown sugar (if using) and let cook for another 2-3 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the Aioli:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is combined. Cover and place in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.
3. Prepare the Turkey Patties:
In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, the lightly beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together, but be careful not to overwork the meat. Divide the mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties about 3/4-inch thick.
4. Cook the Turkey Burgers:
Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the turkey patties in the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until they’re fully cooked. You’ll know they’re done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove them from the heat and let them rest for a few minutes.
5. Assemble the Burgers:
If you would like, toast the sesame seed buns lightly. Spread a generous amount of aioli on the bottom bun. Place a turkey patty on top, followed by a heaping spoonful of caramelized onions. Finally, add the top bun to finish the burger. Optionally, serve with pickle slices on the side for an extra crunch.
Enjoy your flavorful and juicy Easy Turkey Burgers with sweet caramelized onions and creamy garlic aioli!
FAQ
Can I Use Leaner Ground Turkey?
Absolutely! While ground turkey breast is leaner, it can be less juicy. If you prefer it, you can use it, but consider adding an extra splash of olive oil or a tad more aioli for added moisture!
Can I Make the Aioli in Advance?
Yes, you can make the aioli up to 24 hours ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and flavorful.
How Do I Store Leftover Turkey Burgers?
To store leftovers, let the burgers cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They can last in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
Can I Freeze the Burgers?
Yes! You can freeze uncooked or cooked turkey burgers. If freezing uncooked, shape the patties, lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cooked patties can be wrapped tightly. They’ll stay fresh for about 2-3 months.
