These turkey smash burgers, moist and delicious, won’t make you miss the beef. Ground turkey gets a boost of umami from soy sauce and garlic powder. The key to this recipe’s success is using ground turkey with the highest amount of fat you can find, and making the patties thin so they cook through without drying out. Enjoy them with your favorite toppings and a side of chips or fries.
Make ahead: The raw patties can be formed and refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 1 day in advance.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Ingredients
Servings: 2–4 (makes 4 burger patties)
- 1 pound ground turkey, preferably 85 percent lean
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil, such as peanut, canola or vegetable, plus more as needed
- 4 slices cheese, such as sharp cheddar, American or pepper jack (optional)
- 2 to 4 hamburger buns
- Mayonnaise, mustard, sliced tomatoes, lettuce and other toppings of your choice, for serving (optional)
Directions
-
Step 1
In a large bowl, gently mix together the turkey, soy sauce, garlic powder and pepper until evenly combined. Work the meat as little as possible to ensure tender patties. Divide the turkey mixture into four portions about 4 ounces each. (Wet your hands with cold water or lightly rub them with oil to prevent sticking.) Flatten each portion into a disk about 5 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick.
-
Step 2
In a large (12-inch) cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil until shimmering. Working in batches, add the turkey patties to the skillet and cook, adjusting the heat as needed, until browned, 2 to 3 minutes. Flip, top with the cheese, if using, and cook until browned on the other side and the turkey is cooked all the way through (it should register 165 degrees on an instant-read thermometer), 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a platter, scrape the skillet to remove any browned bits or melted cheese, add more oil, if needed, and repeat with the remaining patties.
-
Step 3
Add 1 to 2 of the cooked burgers to the bottom of each bun, follow with your favorite toppings and cover with the bun tops. Serve hot.
Substitutions
Ground turkey >> ground dark meat chicken.
Gluten-free? >> Use tamari instead of soy sauce, and lettuce or gluten-free bread instead of a bun with wheat.
Variations
To cook these on a grill, prepare it for direct heat. If using a gas grill, preheat to high (500 degrees). If using a charcoal grill, light the charcoal or wood briquettes; once the briquettes are red hot, distribute them under the cooking area for direct heat. For a hot fire, you should be able to hold your hand about 6 inches above the coals for 3 or 4 seconds. Have ready a spray water bottle for taming any flames. Place a large cast-iron skillet on the grates directly over the fire and cook the burgers with an open grill lid as directed.
