She Strengthens

Reinventing the Turkey Burger

A Robust Twist on a Classic

Turkey burgers often get a bad rap, but with the right ingredients and techniques, they can be just as flavorful and satisfying as their beefy counterparts. By incorporating ground dark-meat turkey, smoky BBQ sauce, and savory soy sauce, we’re giving this humble patty a bold makeover.

The Perfect Patty

To start, combine 1 1/3 pounds of ground dark-meat turkey with 3 tablespoons of finely chopped red onion, 1/4 cup of smoky BBQ sauce, and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce in a medium bowl. Season with a pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Use your hands to gently mix the ingredients, then divide the meat into 4 equal portions and shape each into an even 1/2-inch-thick patty. Make a shallow indentation in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking.

Crispy Bacon and Toasted Buns

While the patties are resting, fry 6 slices of thick-cut applewood-smoked bacon in a large skillet until browned and crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate and set aside. Next, heat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high and toast 4 hamburger buns.

Grilling to Perfection

Use a metal spatula to transfer the turkey patties to the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until grill marks appear on the bottom. Flip the burgers and cook for an additional 6 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Add 4 slices of cheddar cheese to the top of each patty for the last 4 minutes of cooking.

Assembling the Masterpiece

Once the burgers are cooked, transfer them to a warmed plate and tent loosely with foil for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, spread mayonnaise on the bottom buns, then top each with 3 bacon slices, a turkey patty, a spoonful of BBQ sauce, and pickled jalapeños and/or pickle slices. Close up with the bun tops and serve immediately.

A Flavorful Fusion

With its rich BBQ sauce, crispy bacon, and savory soy sauce, this turkey burger is anything but bland. Give it a try and experience the perfect blend of flavors and textures in every bite.