Name: Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground turkey; 1 to 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

There’s nothing quite like biting into a perfectly moist, flavorful burger — and that’s exactly why this Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe is a keeper. With a few simple ingredients and easy steps, you'll get juicy, tender turkey patties that don’t dry out, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.

A burger on a wooden board with a white marbled background, featuring a bottom bun with bright green spinach leaves, a dark brown grilled meat patty, several slices of purple onion topped with a slice of red tomato, and a dollop of white sauce under a golden brown top bun. On the left side of the board are golden yellow crispy fries, while in the background there is a glass of yellow drink, blurred green leafy vegetables, and a red tomato partly sliced on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made turkey burgers plenty of times, and trust me, it’s so easy to end up with dry, crumbly patties. But this recipe? It’s my go-to when I want juicy, flavorful turkey burgers that everyone raves about. They’re lighter than beef but just as satisfying.

Super simple ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to make these tasty burgers.
Juicy every time: The key is mixing in some olive oil and Worcestershire sauce, which keeps the turkey from drying out.
Quick and versatile: Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute BBQs.
Customizable: You can add your favorite toppings and spices to make it truly your own.

A sandwich with four visible layers sits on a wooden board against a white marbled background. The bottom layer is a toasted bun with a rough texture topped with chopped green olives spread thickly. Above it, there is a thick, browned patty with spices visible on its surface. On top of the patty is a creamy white sauce with green herbs mixed in. Above the sauce are red tomato slices, followed by thin purple onion rings, and finally, thin slices of green cucumber. The sandwich is covered with a toasted bun top that has a golden-brown crust. A second sandwich is blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting the right balance here is simple but important. Ground turkey can be lean and dry if you’re not careful, so the olive oil adds moisture while Worcestershire sauce brings an umami punch. Salt and pepper round out the flavors perfectly. Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need:

Flat lay of raw ground turkey formed into a thick patty, a small white ceramic bowl with golden extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with glossy dark Worcestershire sauce, a neat pile of coarse sea salt crystals, and a scattering of whole black peppercorns, all arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Ground turkey: Choose fresh, lean ground turkey for best texture and flavor; avoid overly processed or frozen meat.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and keeps the patties juicy without overpowering the turkey’s mild flavor.
Worcestershire sauce: This ingredient is a game-changer — it enhances savoriness and gives the burgers a subtle depth.
Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of the turkey.
Black pepper: Freshly ground pepper provides a nice, mild heat and complements the other seasonings.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to keep things classic but don’t hesitate to get creative here. Adding finely chopped herbs, like parsley or thyme, can lift the flavor, or mix in minced garlic and onion powder for a savory kick. Don't be shy with the Worcestershire sauce—it truly makes a difference.

Variation: One time, I mixed in some grated zucchini to sneak in extra veggies and moisture—totally delicious and kept those burgers juicy.
Dietary tweak: If you want gluten-free, just make sure your Worcestershire sauce is GF, and you’re good to go.
Heat it up: Throw in some chili flakes or cayenne pepper if you like a little spicy edge.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe

Step 1: Gently Combine the Ingredients

Start by placing the ground turkey in a large bowl. Add the olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to gently knead everything together—just until combined. Be careful not to overwork the meat or your patties may turn tough.

Step 2: Shape the Patties

Divide the mixture into four equal parts and form each into a patty roughly ¼ to ½ inch thick. Press your thumb in the center of each patty to create a small indent; this prevents them from puffing up while cooking and helps them cook evenly.

Step 3: Heat & Prepare Your Cooking Surface

Preheat a heavy skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat, or get your outdoor grill ready at around 400-450°F. Make sure to oil the pan or grill grate well so the burgers don’t stick. I like to use a brush or paper towel dipped in oil for this step.

Step 4: Cook & Flip

Place the patties on your cooking surface, and cook for about 5 minutes on the first side. Flip once halfway through cooking to get a nice crust on each side. Keep in mind, turkey burgers must reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Rest Before Serving

Once the burgers reach 160°F, take them off the heat and let them rest for about 5 minutes. The residual heat will bring them up to 165°F, ensuring they’re juicy and safe to eat. This rest period also helps the juices redistribute throughout the patty.

Top Tip

From experimenting in my kitchen, I’ve discovered a few tips that make all the difference when making this Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe. Don’t skip them—they’ll save you from dry or tough burgers every time!

Don’t Overmix: Mixing the meat too much develops the proteins which can toughen the burger; just combine gently.
Indent the Patties: That thumb print in the middle keeps the burgers from bulging and ensures even cooking.
Use Olive Oil & Worcestershire Sauce: They bring moisture and umami that turkey alone lacks.
Rest the Burgers: Letting the patties rest off the heat keeps them juicy rather than drying out right at serving time.

How to Serve Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe

Juicy Turkey Burger - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love topping these turkey burgers with classic lettuce, tomato, and red onion slices for fresh crunch. A little slice of avocado or melted cheddar adds creaminess and richness. If I’m feeling adventurous, a slather of chipotle mayo or garlic aioli makes it next-level delicious.

Side Dishes

I often serve my Juicy Turkey Burgers with sweet potato fries or a simple green salad. For BBQs, grilled corn on the cob and coleslaw are my go-to sides—they complement the flavors perfectly without overshadowing the burger.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, I’ve tried serving these burgers open-faced on toasted ciabatta with a smear of pesto and roasted red peppers. They also make fantastic sliders for parties—just scale down the patties and add a variety of toppings to please every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within two hours of cooking. They keep well for up to 3 days. Just pop them in the fridge and reheat gently later.

Freezing

If I want to save them longer, I wrap individual cooked burgers in plastic wrap and then place in a freezer bag. This recipe freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat leftover turkey burgers is gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a lid on, so they warm through without drying out. You can also microwave—but cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make these turkey burgers ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can mix and form the patties a few hours ahead, then refrigerate them until you're ready to cook. Avoid making patties too far in advance as the texture can suffer.

Why do turkey burgers often turn out dry and how does this recipe prevent that?

Turkey is lean, so it can easily dry out when cooked. The olive oil and Worcestershire sauce in this recipe add moisture and umami, keeping the burgers juicy without making them greasy.

What’s the best way to know when turkey burgers are cooked perfectly?

Using a meat thermometer is your best bet. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. You can remove the burgers at 160°F and let them rest — the temperature will continue to rise, ensuring safety without overcooking.

Can I grill these turkey burgers outdoors?

Definitely! Just preheat your grill to medium-high (around 400-450°F), oil the grate well, and cook the burgers for about 5 minutes per side. The same internal temperature guidelines apply for safety.

Final Thoughts

This Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe holds a special place in my meal rotation because it’s reliable, delicious, and surprisingly quick to pull together. I hope you give it a try and discover how easy it is to enjoy a flavorful, juicy turkey burger that rivals any traditional burger. Once you nail the technique, you might just find yourself making these all summer long—like I do!