These turkey burgers are a tasty blend of sweet honey and spicy jalapeños, giving you a fun kick. Topped with creamy avocado, every bite is packed with flavor!
What’s great is how easy they are to whip up. I love making these for summer barbecues—everyone can’t get enough of that juicy mix. Plus, who can resist avocado? 🥑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This lean meat is the star of the burgers. I usually opt for 93% lean ground turkey for a good balance of flavor and health. You can substitute with ground chicken or even beef if you prefer a richer taste.
Jalapeño: Adds heat and flavor! For less spice, remove the seeds and ribs. If jalapeños are not available, you can use banana peppers for a milder option, or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the turkey mix for a different kick.
Honey: This provides sweetness to balance the jalapeño spice. If you’re avoiding sugar, agave syrup or maple syrup can work well as a substitute.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro keeps things bright! If you’re not a fan, you could use parsley instead. I personally love the flavor of cilantro in these burgers!
Avocado: A smooth and creamy topping. If avocados aren’t ripe yet, you can use guacamole. Just be aware that the flavor will change a bit.
How Do You Get Perfectly Cooked Turkey Burgers?
Cooking ground turkey can be tricky since it’s lean and can dry out if overcooked. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Cook your burgers on medium-high heat. This helps them brown nicely without burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe and juicy.
- Avoid pressing down on the patties while they cook. This lets the juices escape, and you want a moist burger!
By following these tips and substitutions, your honey jalapeño turkey burgers will be delicious every time! Enjoy cooking!
Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 ½ pounds ground turkey
- 1 small jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 small garlic clove
- Salt, to taste
- Water, as needed for thinning
For the Topping:
- ½ cup fresh corn kernels (raw or lightly grilled)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
For Assembly:
- 6 soft burger buns (brioche buns are a good option)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes of prep time and around 15-20 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes before you can enjoy your delicious turkey burgers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Burger Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped jalapeño, honey, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until well combined but be careful not to overwork the meat.
2. Shape the Patties:
Divide the turkey mixture into 6 equal portions and shape each portion into a patty, making them about ¾ inch thick. This thickness helps them cook evenly.
3. Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, place the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, garlic clove, and a pinch of salt. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add water a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired creaminess. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
4. Prepare the Jalapeño Corn Salsa Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the corn kernels, chopped red onion, and sliced jalapeño. You can squeeze in a little lime juice and sprinkle some salt to enhance the flavors.
5. Cook the Turkey Burgers:
Heat the olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the turkey patties and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the patties are nicely browned and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, you can also toast the burger buns. Place them in another pan or on a grill until they’re golden brown and slightly crisp. This adds extra flavor and texture!
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a generous layer of the creamy avocado sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place the cooked turkey patty on top, then spoon on the jalapeño corn salsa. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and close it up with the top half of the bun.
8. Serve:
Serve your burgers hot with a lime wedge on the side for squeezing over them. Enjoy this delightful sweet and spicy flavor explosion with creamy avocado goodness!
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This recipe truly combines the best elements of flavor and texture, creating a meal that’s not just easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great alternative and will still give you juicy burgers. Just be aware that the flavor might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
How Can I Make These Burgers Spicier?
If you want to amp up the heat, try adding more jalapeños to the turkey mixture or use a spicy sauce in the avocado cream. Chipotle sauce or a few dashes of hot sauce can also elevate the spiciness!
Can I Prepare the Mixture in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the turkey mixture a day ahead. Just cover and refrigerate it until you’re ready to shape and cook the patties. This can help the flavors develop even more!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftover Burger Patties?
Store any leftover cooked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
