Mediterranean Turkey Burgers

These Mediterranean Turkey Burgers are bursting with flavor and remarkably simple to prepare. Made with lean ground turkey, savory Kalamata olives, aromatic green onions, fresh herbs, horseradish Dijon, and a tasty blend of feta and gruyere cheese, these burgers are packed full of flavor. Whether you choose to fire up the grill during summer or sizzle them in a pan indoors, these tasty turkey burgers can be ready in about 20 minutes.

Jump to:

• Ingredients needed to make Mediterranean Turkey Burgers:
• How to Prepare Mediterranean Turkey Burgers: Grilling and Pan Frying Options
• Cooking Tips and Techniques for Perfect Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
• Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Your Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
• What tools do I need to make this recipe?
• Looking for more dinner inspiration?
• Mediterranean Turkey Burgers

Ingredients needed to make Mediterranean Turkey Burgers:

• Ground turkey - Opt for extra-lean 99/1 fat percentage for minimal shrinkage while cooking. You can use a fattier percentage if desired, but consider adding a binder like breadcrumbs or ground pork rinds if the meat is loose.
• Kalamata olives - These dark purple olives add a bold and briny flavor to the burgers.
• Onions - I prefer to use mild green onions in the burger meat and then serve red onions on the side as an optional topping.
• Feta cheese - A soft cheese with lovely creaminess and a salty profile
• Gruyere cheese - A sharp cheese with earthy, nutty, and buttery flavor
• Horseradish Dijon mustard - I love the gentle spice this adds to these turkey burgers. If you prefer, you can substitute traditional Dijon mustard mixed with a bit of horseradish cream.
• Egg - A large egg helps bind the meat so it doesn't fall apart when you cook the burger patties.
• Fresh herbs - I use fresh parsley and dill for these turkey burgers, but you are welcome to swap in dried parsley and if that's what you have on hand.
• Salt and pepper - A small amount of Kosher salt and cracked black pepper helps flavor the meat.
• Burger buns or alternative - I love serving these turkey burgers with a brioche burger bun, but we are just as likely to skip the bun and serve these Mediterranean Turkey Burgers over a simple salad or slaw -- This Horseradish Dill Slaw is my favorite option to pair with these. It also makes a tremendous burger topping if you do choose to use a bun.
• Additional toppings - If you don't feel like topping these burgers with slaw, I alternatively love to top these burgers with a cool Tzatziki Sauce. They are also great with sliced red onion and tomatoes.

How to Prepare Mediterranean Turkey Burgers: Grilling and Pan Frying Options

To prepare delicious Mediterranean turkey burgers, start by combining all the ingredients in a medium bowl until well combined. Form the mixture into 4 patties, each about 1-inch thick, and set them aside.

Grilling Method

For a smoky and flavorful experience, preheat your grill to medium-high, around 450 degrees F/ 230 degrees C. Place the turkey burgers on the grill and cook for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit / 74 degrees Celsius.

The grilling process imparts a beautiful char and intensifies the juicy turkey's natural flavors. Once cooked to perfection, serve the grilled turkey burgers on your favorite burger buns with a variety of toppings. Personally, I love to pair mine with a Horseradish Dill Slaw, but they also go well with sliced red onion and tomatoes, or served atop a bed of fresh salad or slaw.

Pan Frying Method

If you prefer a stovetop cooking method, pan frying is an excellent option. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey burgers to the hot skillet and cook for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit / 74 degrees Celsius.

Pan frying offers a convenient and quick way to cook the turkey burgers while still achieving a flavorful result. You can enjoy them with the same choice of toppings as mentioned earlier, creating a satisfying meal.

Both grilling and pan frying have their benefits. Grilling infuses the turkey burgers with a smoky char and enhances their juiciness, while pan frying provides a convenient cooking method that yields equally delicious results in a shorter time. Choose the method that suits your preference and cooking setup. Whichever method you choose, serving these Mediterranean turkey burgers with your favorite toppings is sure to result in a mouthwatering meal that everyone will love.

Cooking Tips and Techniques for Perfect Mediterranean Turkey Burgers

Follow these expert cooking tips and techniques to elevate your Mediterranean-style turkey burgers for maximum flavor!

• Cook at the Ideal Temperature - To ensure optimal results, preheat your grill or pan to the ideal temperature before cooking. For this turkey burger recipe, I prefer to preheat the grill to medium-high, about 450 degrees Fahrenheit / 230 Celsius.
• Shape the Burger Patties Gently and Uniformly - For even cooking, shape the burger patties gently and uniformly. This helps to ensure consistent cooking throughout the burgers.
• Create a Perfect Sear for Delicious Caramelized Crust - Resist the temptation to flip the burgers too frequently to create a perfect sear and develop a delicious caramelized crust. Allow each side to cook for a few minutes before flipping.
• Use a Meat Thermometer for Safe Consumption - Use a meat thermometer to ensure the turkey burgers reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit / 74 degrees Celsius for safe consumption. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the patty to get an accurate reading.
• Let the Burgers Rest Before Serving - After cooking, let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and juicy burger.

Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Your Mediterranean Turkey Burgers

Enhance your Mediterranean Turkey Burgers with these delectable side dishes that perfectly complement their flavors:

• Horseradish Dill Slaw
• Crunchy Greek Salad with Avocado and Feta
• Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad
• Creamy Dijon Dill Potato Salad
• Roasted Radishes with Garlic Chive Yogurt Sauce
• Crispy Cauliflower with Romesco and Feta
• Roasted Greek Potatoes with Whipped Feta
• Mediterranean Roasted Rainbow Vegetables
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Honey Sriracha Sauce
• Creamy Kale Salad with Raspberries and Feta
• Charred Broccolini with Lemon, Pine Nuts, and Parmesan

What tools do I need to make this recipe?

• A cutting board
• A chef's knife
• A kitchen scale
• Measuring spoons
• A cheese grater
• A mixing spoon
• A gas grill
• A grill spatula
• A meat thermometer

Are you looking to upgrade your cooking tools or replenish your pantry? Check out my kitchen tools shop page and pantry staples shop page to find my must-have kitchen tools, pantry items, and other Whip & Wander favorites.

Looking for more dinner inspiration?

Enjoying this simple and delicious Mediterranean Turkey Burger recipe? Explore a collection of my favorite dinner recipes that are ideal for summer grilling or infused with delightful Mediterranean flavors:

• Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza
• Greek Lamb Meatballs with Tzatziki Sauce
• Roasted Salmon with Feta and Herbs
• Grilled Skirt Steak with Avocado Chimichurri Sauce
• Grilled Chicken Wings with Carolina Gold Mustard BBQ Sauce
• Grilled Chicken Wings with Chipotle Peach BBQ Sauce

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