These easy, flavorful turkey burgers can be cooked on the grill or stovetop. Keep them juicy using turkey leg and thigh meat and a little olive oil. Season with fresh herbs from the garden and serve with a side of chips!

Photography Credit: Elise Bauer

Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme.

Long before I had any idea what those words meant, or what an herb even was, I was singing those syllables at the top of my lungs, as a kid in the ’60s playing the vinyl record I bought with allowance money.

What these fine herbs were doing in the lyrics of an old English ballad, a lover’s duet no less, I haven’t a clue. But the result was, at least for this kid, a lifelong curiosity about them.

What was parsley, or sage? And why would they hang out with rosemary and thyme?

Tell you what. They’re great in this turkey burger!

VIDEO! How to Make Herbed Turkey Burgers

The Secret to Juicy Turkey Burgers

Ground turkey is typically much leaner than ground beef. In order to keep the burger from being too dry it helps to use ground dark meat from thighs and legs if you can get it. Adding a little olive oil to the mix helps, too.

As for flavor, ground turkey on its own just isn’t as flavorful as ground beef, even if you use ground dark meat as we recommend. But jazzed up with some chopped fresh herbs, a little onion, and garlic? The result is exquisite.

A turkey burger worthy of the name “burger.”

Cook on the Grill or Stovetop

You can cook these turkey burgers on either the grill or the stovetop. Make sure your grill or pan is very hot and well-oiled to prevent the burgers from sticking. For either grilling or stovetop cooking, cook the burgers for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until cooked through (165°F if using a meat thermometer).

Make Ahead and Freeze

Like most burgers, these turkey burgers freeze well. Shape them into patties, then wrap the raw patties in plastic wrap and freeze in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet in the freezer. Once solid, gather them into a freezer bag and freeze for up to three months.

Thaw overnight in the fridge, then cook as per the recipe.

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