These Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers mix sweet and spicy for a tasty bite! Juicy turkey meets zesty jalapeños, creating a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
And let’s talk about the creamy avocado sauce—it makes these burgers super dreamy! I like to pile on the toppings and enjoy every delicious mouthful! 🥑🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is lean meat that keeps the burgers juicy! You can swap it for ground chicken or even plant-based meat if you prefer a vegetarian option.
Jalapeños: They add a spicy kick. If you’re looking for less heat, consider using bell peppers or even banana peppers. Pickled jalapeños also work great for added tang!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a fresh flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce. If you’re not a fan, parsley or green onions are excellent substitutes.
Avocado: This is the star of the creamy sauce! If you’re out of avocados, Greek yogurt can work in a pinch, although the flavor will change a bit.
How Do I Keep My Turkey Burgers from Being Dry?
To keep your turkey burgers juicy, don’t overmix the meat when combining the ingredients. Mix just until everything is combined and then form your patties gently.
- Chill the patties before cooking for better shape and moisture retention.
- Cooking them over medium heat instead of high ensures they stay juicy.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—165°F (74°C) is perfect!
What’s the Best Way to Toast Burger Buns?
Toasting your brioche buns can elevate your burger experience! Here’s how:
- Spread butter on the cut side of each bun.
- Toast them in a skillet or on a grill over medium heat until they turn golden brown.
- This adds flavor and helps to keep the sauces from making the buns soggy.
Now you’re all set to make delicious Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers that are juicy, flavorful, and absolutely delightful! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1.5 lbs (680g) ground turkey
- 1-2 jalapeños, finely chopped (adjust to heat preference)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/3 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: small handful cilantro
For the Toppings:
- Fresh corn kernels (raw or lightly cooked)
- Extra sliced jalapeños
- Additional chopped red onion
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges
For Serving:
- 4-6 burger buns (brioche or your choice)
- Butter (for toasting buns)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes to prepare and about 15-20 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll be looking at around 45 minutes from start to finish—a quick and delicious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Turkey Patties:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped jalapeños, red onion, minced garlic, honey, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined, being careful not to overwork the meat.
2. Form the Patties:
Shape the mixture into 4-6 equal-sized patties, about 3/4 inch thick. Place them on a plate and chill in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes. This helps the patties hold their shape while cooking.
3. Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lime juice, minced garlic, and cilantro if using. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Set this aside in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
4. Cook the Burgers:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill over medium heat. Cook the turkey patties for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and they are golden brown.
5. Prepare the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, spread butter on the cut side of the burger buns. Toast them on a skillet or grill until they are golden brown and toasty.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a generous layer of creamy avocado sauce on the bottom bun. Place the cooked turkey patty on top, then add fresh corn kernels, sliced jalapeños, chopped red onions, and cilantro leaves.
7. Finish and Serve:
Cover the burger with the top bun and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over your burger.
Enjoy these burgers, where the sweet honey and spicy jalapeños come together perfectly with the cool creamy avocado sauce for a delightful meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute for ground turkey in this recipe and will offer a similar texture and flavor. Just ensure you cook it to the same internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How Can I Make These Burgers Spicier?
If you’re looking for more heat, try using more jalapeños or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the turkey mixture. You can also top the burgers with spicy pickled jalapeños!
Can I Make the Avocado Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, the avocado sauce can be made in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent browning, you can add a little extra lime juice on top before sealing it.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them gently in a skillet or microwave, and enjoy the creamy avocado sauce fresh on top!
