I use bread crumbs and herbs to bind the turkey meat for these burgers like I would if I were making meatloaf or meatballs. Turkey meat, which has less fat and less flavor than ground beef, needs the extra flavor and texture these ingredients add. I like to serve them on whole-wheat buns to keep with the healthy theme of the turkey. Photo to the left by Quentin Bacon.
Serves 4
1 ½ pounds ground turkey
½ cup fresh bread crumbs
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Texas Pete or Tabasco)
2 scallions, minced (white and green parts)
4 fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
1 teaspoon sea salt, plus extra to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra to taste
Canola or safflower oil for oiling the grill grates
4 whole-wheat hamburger buns
1 large ripe tomato, cored and sliced
12 Sweet pickle slices
mustard and mayonnaise, for serving
1. In a large bowl, combine breadcrumbs, mayonnaise, chives, scallions, basil, Worchestershire sauce, red pepper sauce, salt and ground pepper. Add turkey and lightly mix with hands, until just blended. Shape turkey mixture into 4 patties, each about 1-inch thick.
2. Meanwhile, build a charcoal fire or preheat a gas grill. Place patties on cooking grate over direct heat. Cook over medium heat 5 to 6 minutes, until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the side of each burger registers 165°F.
3. Layer 3 pickle slices and 1 tomato slice on the bottom of each bun. Top each with a burger and the other half of the bun. Serve with mustard and mayonnaise.
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