These turkey burgers are a tasty twist with the sweetness of honey and a kick from jalapeños. The creamy avocado sauce on top makes them even more delicious!
Making these burgers is a breeze! I love how the avocado sauce adds a cool touch. It’s like my taste buds are having a party! 🎉 Perfect for summer grills or weeknight dinners!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the main protein for the burgers. If you’re looking for a leaner option, you can use ground chicken. For a different flavor, ground beef or a plant-based burger mix works well too!
Jalapeños: These add a nice kick! If you’re sensitive to spice, consider using bell peppers instead, or just add a small amount of jalapeño. If you want more heat, leave the seeds in!
Avocado: Creamy avocado forms the base of your sauce. If avocados aren’t available, you can substitute with mashed ripe banana for a similar texture, or use store-bought guacamole for convenience.
Greek Yogurt: This gives the sauce a creamy feel. If you’re avoiding dairy, try using a plant-based yogurt or sour cream substitute.
What’s the Best Way to Shape and Cook the Burgers?
Shaping and cooking the burgers properly makes a big difference. First, to prevent the turkey from being tough, mix the ingredients just until combined. Form patties that are slightly larger than your buns since they shrink a bit while cooking.
- When shaping, create a slight indentation in the center of each patty. This helps them cook evenly and prevents puffing.
- Cook the burgers on medium-high heat, allowing them to get a nice sear for flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm they reach 165°F (74°C) for safety.
These tips will help you achieve juicy turkey burgers every time!
Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Burgers:
- 1.5 lbs ground turkey
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional, for mixing or topping)
For the Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced or grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A splash of water for thinning if needed
For Toppings and Serving:
- Fresh corn kernels (can use fresh or thawed frozen corn)
- Sliced jalapeños
- Diced red onion
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Soft burger buns, toasted
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prep and 15-20 minutes to cook. Altogether, expect to spend around 30-35 minutes to make these delicious turkey burgers from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Burger Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped jalapeños, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, honey, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough.
2. Form the Burgers:
Divide the mixture into 4-6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty about 3/4-inch thick and make a slight indentation in the center of each patty. This helps them cook evenly without puffing up.
3. Make the Avocado Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, add the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Cook the Burgers:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Grill the turkey patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they are nicely browned and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Prepare the Toppings:
While the burgers are cooking, mix together the fresh corn kernels, sliced jalapeños, diced red onion, and a few chopped cilantro leaves in a small bowl to create a refreshing topping.
6. Toast the Buns:
Lightly butter the insides of the burger buns and toast them on the grill or in a skillet until they are golden brown.
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Start by spreading a generous layer of creamy avocado sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place the cooked turkey patty on top, then add the jalapeño-corn topping. Feel free to garnish with extra cilantro leaves and sliced jalapeños if you like a bit more spice!
8. Serve:
Serve the assembled burgers with lime wedges on the side for extra zest. Enjoy your flavorful honey jalapeño turkey burgers with creamy avocado sauce, and get ready for a taste sensation!
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This recipe beautifully combines the light flavor of ground turkey with a sweet honey glaze and jalapeño spice, while the creamy avocado sauce adds a refreshing touch! Enjoy these juicy burgers at your next gathering or as a delicious weeknight meal!
FAQ for Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Can I Use Frozen Ground Turkey?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before mixing your burger ingredients. Avoid microwaving to thaw as it can change the texture.
What if I Don’t Have Jalapeños?
No problem! You can substitute with diced bell peppers for a milder flavor, or use a splash of hot sauce in the turkey mixture if you’d like some heat without the jalapeños.
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover cooked turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them! Just wrap them individually and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently in a skillet or microwave.
Can I Make the Avocado Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the avocado sauce a few hours in advance. To keep it from browning, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, pressing the wrap directly onto the sauce surface. Stir before serving if it thickens up.
