When it comes to ground turkey, I have a love/hate relationship with it. Mostly hate. It just has such a distinct taste that I can’t get past, and sometimes it seems like no matter how many condiments I add to it, I can’t disguise it enough. But knowing how healthy it is, I keep trying, in the hopes of finding a few more ground turkey recipes that I don’t mind. And such is the case with these Zesty Turkey Burgers.
I found the recipe in a recent issue of Taste of Home magazine, and with the ground turkey and oats, it’s pretty healthy stuff, and with the added addition of a ketchup glaze (although ketchup isn’t uber-healthy), it gives it enough of a kick in the taste buds that we’ll let it slide occasionally. I served these on whole wheat buns that were topped with a bit of mustard, ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, a few leaves of fresh spinach and half an avocado. It’s making my mouth water just thinking about it, but a lot of that has to do with the toppings. Toppings can make the most mundane thing seem sinful. Use fresh ingredients and you can really pack on the deliciousness, without the guilt.
Tomorrow … Summerfest!
Project 365
Photos #140 and 141, August 9, 2010
Today, Nick started a week of Boy Scout camp. We were in the car at 7:12 am. I can’t remember the last time I was in the car quite that early. I was a little apprehensive this morning, since I took a big gulp and this year, I signed him up for bus transportation, instead of driving him myself. It’s about 25 minutes one way, and he’s never been on a bus, alone, before. Letting go is not always easy, but I made it through the day, barely breathing, by exchanging emails during the day with another nervous mom.
Zesty Turkey Burgers
Recipe courtesy of Taste of Home magazine
1/2 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/3 cup quick cooking oats
1 pound lean ground turkey
4 lettuce leaves (I used spinach instead)
4 hamburger buns, split (I used whole wheat)
In a small bowl, combine the first seven ingredients. Transfer half of the mixture to a large bowl; stir in oats. Set remaining ketchup mixture aside for basting. Crumble turkey over oat mixture and mix well. Shape into four patties.
Coat the grill rack with cooking spray before starting grill (I used grill pan). Grill the patties, covered, over medium heat for 5-7 minutes on each side or until a meat thermometer registers 165 and juices run clear, basting occasionally with the ketchup mixture. Serve on lettuce-lined buns.
I haven’t bought ground beef in such a long time. I switched to ground turkey and haven’t looked back. Thanks for sharing this recipe though! And I hope Nick enjoyed riding the bus.
Hi! I’ve been following your blog for a while in Reader. I really like your writing and the recipes and photos you post. :)
Anyways, have you tried ground chicken? I don’t know how available it is in your area, but I also really dislike ground turkey but find I almost always love ground chicken. It’s much more neutral in flavor. One grocery store I used to live near didn’t carry it but was willing to take a package of chicken breast and dark meat and grind it on the spot for me. I would get a couple pounds and freeze it in smaller amounts. This made it more worthwhile for the grocery store to grind it for me.
Turkey is definitely an acquired taste! My favorite turkey burgers mix salsa into the meat which keeps them moist and gives them TONS of flavor!
Nick is growing up so fast! Hope he has fun at camp!
I haven’t been a fan of ground turkey burgers either, but with those toppings I think anyone would be converted!
It’s hard to watch them ride off for the first time, but it does get easier. My boys started riding the bus to school in kindergarten, and now it’s really no big deal anymore. They only ride to school since I have to pick them up from the afterschool program after work, so it’s a realy treat when they get to ride it home as well. They become big kids before we know it!
Now I know what I will do with that package of turkey that is in my refrig. Not too bad on weight watchers points too – 6 if using a 1 point roll.
Love the photo of him coming off the bus
Made this for lunch right after I read the recipe. Used 20 oz pkg of turkey and 1 point english muffin. By making 6 patties it brought the Weight Watchers points down to 4.
I will be having it again for dinner.
Turkey is the cheapest meat here, so a good way to use is always welcome! I’d cook it with pork fat but that would completely defeat the object!
come visit amiaconnoisseur.blogspot.com
I like turkey. I like deer burgers too! They look good!
Sometimes it’s so hard to make a turkey burger taste good. But this recipe sounds like a winner. Can’t wait to give it a try.
Do you use “ground turkey” or “ground turkey breast”??
I love ground turkey breast, but definitely don’t like ground turkey (where there is a mix of dark and white meat, plus whatever fat they have hanging around…). I find that ground turkey (the mix) has a stronger flavor and is quite indigestible for me, meaning I keep “tasting” (burping!) it the entire afternoon after eating. This never happens with ground turkey breast and now I only use that for burgers and turkey loaves, and I love turkey burgers!!
I always add grated onions to my ground turkey breast to add moisture, as well as grated zucchini, also adds moisture. I also usually season it with garlic, salt, pepper, herbs and add some grated parmesan cheese, makes a world of diference, lots of flavors added!
Ana
Some turkey recipes are better than others, that’s for sure. This one looks like a winner.
It’s me again with another comment on these burgers.
They have become a staple in my house – they are great for weight watchers!
I made them last week again – only didn’t make them as burgers – did them as mini meatloafs in a cupcake tin. I have a pan that makes 6 large ones. Put the sauce on top and baked at 350 for 35-40 mins.
Family liked them better as meatloaves.