How to Make Turkey Hamburgers

Turkey hamburgers are a lean alternative to beef burgers. Because turkey has less fat, they also have fewer calories than the average beef version. Ground turkey can be purchased at the supermarket or can be made at home with fresh turkey and a meat grinder. Home ground turkey has a fresher taste and allows the cook to know exactly what is in the burger. Like all ground meats, turkey hamburgers should be cooked thoroughly before serving.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Meat grinder
• Whole turkey, turkey breast or drumsticks
• Sharp knife
• Seasonings (your preference)
• Hamburger press (optional)

Make Home Ground Turkey

1. Allow the turkey to thaw if frozen. Drumsticks will generally thaw in the refrigerator overnight while a whole turkey may take several days. Use a sharp knife to remove the meat from the bone. Cut the meat into chunks approximately 1 inch square.

2. Set up a meat grinder. Feed the turkey into the grinder and process until all meat has been fed through the machine.

3. Add any seasonings you desire to the ground meat. Use your hands to mix the seasonings evenly. For a finer grind, run the meat through the grinder a second time. This will also assure that the seasonings are distributed throughout the meat.

4. Form the ground turkey into patties either with your hands or using a burger press. Store the patties in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook.

Pan Frying Turkey Hamburgers

5. Heat a heavy skillet until hot. Add a tablespoon of oil to the pan. Since turkey is lean, the oil will help keep the burgers from sticking to the pan.

6. Lay the turkey burger patties in the pan and sear on both sides.

7. Reduce the heat and cook the burgers until well done and there is not any pink in the center of the meat.

Tips & Warnings

• Freeze any unused ground turkey. Use freezer bags or butcher paper to wrap either bulk meat or shape into patties. A square of parchment paper between patties will allow you to remove the number of patties needed for the next turkey burger meal.
• Turkey burgers can also be cooked under the oven broiler or on the grill.
• If you use a whole turkey to make the burgers, toss the bones in the crock pot, fill the pot with water and let cook for approximately 12 hours. This will make delicious soup stock for a later meal.

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