These turkey burgers are a delicious twist on a classic! They are packed with flavor from sweet, balsamic caramelized onions. Juicy and healthy, they’re perfect for any meal.
They satisfy my burger cravings without the guilt. I love throwing them on the grill in the summer! Pairing them with a fresh salad makes for a quick and tasty meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey is great for burgers, keeping them healthy while still being juicy. If you prefer, you can substitute ground chicken or even plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.
Onions: Yellow onions are ideal for caramelizing. Their sweetness enhances the flavor of the burgers. If you want a sharper flavor, red onions work well too. Sweet onions, like Vidalias, are another tasty substitution.
Balsamic Vinegar: This ingredient adds a tangy sweetness. If you don’t have balsamic, try apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar for a different flavor profile. Just remember, the taste will vary a bit!
Cheese: Reduced-fat cheese like mozzarella or Swiss keeps things light. However, if you’d like a bit more flavor, try sharp cheddar or provolone. Vegan cheese is also a good option if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Onions?
Caramelizing onions enhances their sweetness and adds depth to your burgers. The key is patience. You want to cook them slowly.
- Use medium-low heat and stir occasionally to prevent burning. This will take about 20-25 minutes.
- In the last 5 minutes, add balsamic vinegar for that delicious glaze and stir until sticky and deep brown.
- If you find the onions sticking, don’t hesitate to add a splash of water or extra oil to help them along!
Enjoy making these turkey burgers with perfectly caramelized onions! They’re sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Healthy Balsamic Caramelized Onion Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground turkey (preferably lean)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus extra as needed)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 slices of reduced-fat cheese (such as mozzarella or Swiss)
- 4 whole wheat burger buns
- Optional: lettuce, tomato, mustard or other preferred condiments
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 35-45 minutes total. You’ll spend around 20-25 minutes caramelizing the onions and about 15-20 minutes preparing and cooking the turkey burgers. Perfect for a healthy and delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelizing the Onions:
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions along with a pinch of salt. Cook them slowly, stirring occasionally, until they become soft and golden brown—this will take about 20-25 minutes. Remember, patience is key for delicious caramelized onions!
2. Adding the Balsamic Flavor:
In the last 5 minutes of cooking the onions, stir in the balsamic vinegar. Cook it down until the vinegar has reduced and the onions become sticky and richly colored. Once done, remove the skillet from the heat and set the onions aside.
3. Preparing the Turkey Patties:
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Gently mix everything together, being careful not to overwork the meat, as that can make the burgers tough.
4. Shaping the Patties:
Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty that’s slightly larger than your burger buns to account for shrinkage while cooking.
5. Cooking the Turkey Patties:
Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates or the skillet to prevent sticking. Cook the turkey patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they are fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Melting the Cheese:
In the last minute of cooking, add a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Cover the grill or skillet with a lid to let the cheese melt beautifully.
7. Toasting the Buns:
If you like, toast the whole wheat buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster to add a little crunch and warmth.
8. Assembling the Burgers:
To assemble your burgers, place a cheesy turkey patty on the bottom half of each bun. Generously top with the balsamic caramelized onions.
9. Adding Fresh Toppings:
If you’d like, add fresh toppings such as lettuce, tomato, or mustard before placing the top bun over everything. Then, it’s time to dig in!
Enjoy your juicy, flavorful, and healthy balsamic caramelized onion turkey burgers! They’re a perfect meal that combines great flavor with good nutrition.
FAQ for Healthy Balsamic Caramelized Onion Turkey Burgers
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works well as a substitute in this recipe. Just be cautious with the cooking time, as ground chicken may cook slightly quicker than turkey.
How Do I Store Leftover Turkey Burgers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of water to keep them juicy if needed.
Can I Make the Caramelized Onions Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can caramelize the onions a day in advance! Keep them in the fridge in an airtight container. Simply reheat them in a skillet on low heat before serving to give them a fresh taste.
What Can I Substitute for the Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can be good alternatives. Just keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different, but still delicious!
