For some reason, turkey burgers get a bad rap. Now, if you’e someone who likes turkey burgers, you may be scratching your head as to why (myself). If you’re one of the people who rolls their eyes at turkey burgers, is it because they tend to by dry and less flavorful than beef burgers (I believe the term “cardboard-like” can be thrown around)? Well, intro the magic bullet to covert you to the turkey train: basil and olive oil! I know it sounds weird, but adding freshly chopped basil to your turkey meat really boosts the flavor of the burgers and goes surprisingly well with turkey. The oil helps to add some (heart healthy) fat back into the meat to make it juicier and less dry. Give it a try below!
Ingredients:
(Makes 4 medium sized burgers)*
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped.
- 1 package turkey turkey meat (I use lean, organic)
- Sprinkle of salt and pepper
- 1 tbs olive oil + more for spray
- Whatever sides you’d like- bun, lettuce, tomato, etc. (see notes)
Directions:
- Finely chop basil. Add in a large bowl with your turkey meat and 1 tbs olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then use your hands to combine together. Please wash them first. Then, form 4 equally sized patties.
- Heat oil in a pan over high heat. Let it get really hot. Once hot, add burgers. Cook for 5 min on ones side, then flip. Cook for up to 5 more minutes or until cooked to your liking. I used a grill pan and cooked mine indoors– see notes below.
Notes:
*On amount of meat: If you wanted to only make 2 burgers, cut everything in half. The reason I made 4 was that I didn’t want leftover turkey meat so wanted to use up the whole package. If you want to optimize for 2 servings, maybe use the rest of the meat for taco night?
On sides: I LOVE Dave’s Killer Buns which taste to me almost like potato bread buns but have 6 grams of protein. I get them at Safeway. And no, this isn’t sponsored (I wish!)
On pans: I used a grill pan and ended up with burgers that convincingly look like they were cooked outdoors on a grill. I highly recommend investing in a grill pan if you either are not confident at grilling outside (me) or simply don’t want to go outside to grill some nights (my dad). You can buy them at a variety of price points: $30 Cravings by Chrissy Teigan at Target, $40 Cuisinart on Amazon, or $100 Staub at Williams Sonoma. I have the last one that I purchased on super sale over Christmas, and my dad has a Cuisinart one he purchased for much less at Costco (cannot find online). To be honest, they seem to work the same!
What am I listening to as I make this? “One More Night” by Michael Kiwanuka
What else can I make with my basil? I’m so glad you asked because I hate having leftover herbs go bad! Here are a few ideas:
Loading…
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Want more Carmel Kama’aina content? Follow me on Instagram. All my latest recipes, poems, and behind the scenes tricks are published first on Instagram. Sneak a peek below:
What about 3-4 recipes weekly with corresponding grocery lists weekly? Sign up for the Carmel Kama’aina weekly blast:
The Carmel Kama'aina 