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spicy turkey burger on whole wheat bun with lettuce and pepper jack cheese.

Jalapeño Pepper Jack Turkey Burgers

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 47 reviews
  • Author: Sally
  • Prep Time: 40 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 burgers
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These medium spicy turkey burgers are plump and juicy with mega flavor from a variety of spices and herbs. Refrigerate the patties for at least 30 minutes, then grill or sauté.


Ingredients

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro
  • 1 jalapeño, diced
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 2 pounds 94% lean ground turkey*
  • optional: 6 slices pepper jack cheese
  • for serving: hamburger buns, jalapeño slices, spicy mayo or ranch dressing, guacamole, tomato, lettuce, etc

Instructions

  1. Whisk all of the first 11 ingredients together (not the 12th ingredient, the ground turkey) in a large bowl. Once completely combined, add the ground turkey and use your hands, a rubber spatula, or wooden spoon to thoroughly mix. Once completely combined, form the mixture into 6 plump and compact patties. The patties will weigh around 6 ounces each and be a heaping 1/2 cup each.
  2. Place the patties onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet, baking pan, or plate. Cover tightly then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 24 hours. This ensures the patties will hold their shape. You can also freeze the patties for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.
  3. Clean the grill and grease with vegetable oil. Pour a little vegetable oil on a paper towel and carefully rub all over the grates. Preheat grill to high. Place cold turkey burgers on heated grill and cook for 5 minutes with the lid closed. Flip burgers over and cook covered for an additional 3 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 165°F (74°C). If adding cheese, place a slice of cheese on the burger for the last 30 seconds. Overcooking the turkey burgers will quickly dry them out, so keep a close eye on them.
  4. Serve on hamburger bun with desired toppings.
  5. Store leftover turkey burgers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

  1. Make Ahead & Freezing Instructions: You can shape the turkey burger patties up to 24 hours in advance, see step 2. You can also freeze the shaped patties for up to 3 months, see step 2. You can freeze the cooked turkey burgers as well. Cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-friendly container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator or on the counter or defrost in the microwave. Heat up to your liking. I usually microwave for 30 seconds until warm throughout.
  2. Special Tools (affiliate links): Glass Mixing Bowl | Rubber Spatula or Wooden Spoon | Baking Sheet or Plate | Parchment Paper
  3. Ground Turkey: The leaner the ground turkey, the higher the chance the burger has to dry out. I recommend around 94% lean.
  4. Stove Directions: Heat 1 Tablespoon of vegetable or canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Hold your hand over the skillet and when you feel the heat rising up, the skillet is hot enough. Carefully place cold turkey burgers in heated skillet and cook for 5 minutes with a lid on top. Flip burgers over and cook covered for an additional 4-5 minutes or until a meat thermometer registers 165°F (74°C). If adding cheese, place a slice of cheese on the burger for the last 30 seconds. If skillet isn’t large enough, cook in batches.