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Turkey Smash Burgers (15-Minute Recipe)

Turkey Smash Burger on a bun with lettuce, tomato, onion, and cheese, surrounded by potato chips.

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Quick-cooking Turkey Smash Burgers are a healthier alternative to the classic ground beef smash burger. Seasoned ground turkey patties are pressed onto a hot grill, creating a caramelized, crispy exterior and evenly cooked, juicy interior!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey 
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2-3 tablespoons salted butter (for oiling the skillet)

Optional toppings

  • Burger buns
  • Cheese
  • Lettuce
  • Tomato
  • Onion
  • Pickles
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayo

Instructions

  1. Cut a small square of parchment paper to place between your smashed burgers and your burger press. The parchment should be about the same size as your burger press.  
  2. Combine the ground turkey, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix until just combined. 
  3. Divide the burger mixture into four equally-sized portions. Shape the divided burger portions into round balls.  
  4. Preheat and oil a large cast iron skillet, stove-top griddle, or flat-top grill over medium heat. Use 2-3 tablespoons of butter to oil your flat top.
  5. Place all four burgers onto the grill. The burgers should be placed about 3 inches apart, with about 3 inches of space around each ball. You need room on all sides of the burger to be able to smash it down. Complete this step in batches if you don't have enough room for all four burgers. 
  6. Place the square of parchment onto your first burger. Press the burger down using your burger press or the back of a large metal spatula, keeping the parchment square between the burger and the burger press. Press until the burger is about 1/4 inch thick. Repeat this process for the remaining burgers. 
  7. Cook each burger for about 3-4 minutes per side. Use a digital meat thermometer to make sure the burgers have cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F. 
  8. Let the burgers rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. Place them on toasted burger buns, add your favorite toppings and condiments, and enjoy!  

Notes

  • A flat-top grill or skillet is a must!  
  • Placing a small square of parchment paper between your burger press and the raw meat is highly recommended.  This prevents the uncooked top of the burger from sticking to the press. 
  • Let the burgers rest for a few minutes before serving them.  Resting redistributes the juices, making them extra juicy and moist! 
  • The nutrition information shown below is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator.  It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. 

Nutrition