Turkey Burger with Guacamole (Printable Version)
Juicy turkey patties paired with creamy, zesty guacamole for a fresh, flavorful handheld meal.
# What You'll Need:
→ Turkey Burgers
01 - 1 lb lean ground turkey
02 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
09 - 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
→ Guacamole
10 - 2 ripe avocados
11 - 1 small tomato, seeded and finely diced
12 - 1/4 small red onion, finely diced
13 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
14 - 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
15 - Juice of 1 lime
16 - 1/4 tsp salt
17 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ For Serving
18 - 4 burger buns
19 - Lettuce leaves
20 - Sliced tomato
21 - Sliced red onion
# Directions:
01 - In a bowl, combine ground turkey, chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just blended.
02 - Divide the mixture into four equal portions and form into patties.
03 - Heat olive oil in a skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook patties 5 to 6 minutes per side, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove and let rest.
04 - In a bowl, mash avocados until mostly smooth. Stir in diced tomato, red onion, jalapeño if used, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning as desired.
05 - Lightly toast burger buns, if preferred.
06 - On bottom bun, layer lettuce, turkey patty, a generous spoonful of guacamole, sliced tomato, and sliced red onion. Top with bun halves.
07 - Serve immediately while warm.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- These burgers are juicy and seasoned beautifully without any heaviness that makes you want to nap afterward.
- Homemade guacamole tastes nothing like the store-bought version, and once you make it fresh, you'll never go back.
02 -
- Ground turkey dries out faster than beef, so don't skip the gentle mixing and don't cook it past 165°F—even a few degrees makes a difference.
- Guacamole oxidizes quickly, so make it as close to serving time as possible, and if you do make it ahead, press plastic wrap right onto the surface to keep air away.
03 -
- Chill your turkey mixture for 15 minutes before forming patties if your kitchen is warm—this helps them hold together better and cook more evenly.
- Brown your onions and garlic in the oil for 30 seconds before they hit the turkey; it softens their raw edge and makes them meld better into the meat.