Oh, the humble turkey burger—often overshadowed by its beefy counterpart, yet so full of potential! Imagine a sunny afternoon in Athens, with laughter in the air and the scent of fresh herbs wafting through a bustling taverna. This Greek-inspired twist on the turkey burger brings those flavors right to your kitchen, blending savory spices with a touch of feta—it’s like a mini-vacation for your taste buds.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 420°F. In a large bowl, combine 1 ½ pounds of 93% lean ground turkey with 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1/3 cup of finely chopped Kalamata olives, 3 ounces of crumbled feta cheese, 1 cup of finely chopped fresh spinach, and a pinch each of sea salt and black pepper. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Take a large handful of the meat mixture and form it into a ball. Flatten the ball to create a patty around 1 ½ inches thick. Repeat this process to make a total of 5 equal-sized patties. To prevent the patties from puffing up while cooking, press your thumb gently into the center of each patty to create a shallow indentation.
- Place a large oven-safe nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with olive oil spray. Once the skillet is hot, add the turkey patties. Cook them on one side for 3 to 4 minutes until the edges are browned and seared, then flip the patties.
- After flipping, cook for another minute, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake the patties for 9 to 11 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, you can bake the patties on a lined baking sheet for 8 to 10 minutes.
- Serve the turkey patties as burgers on toasted whole wheat buns with butter lettuce, cucumber slices, red onion, sliced tomato, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Alternatively, enjoy them as a main dish accompanied by rice, quinoa, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds of 93% lean ground turkey
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
- 1/3 cup of finely chopped Kalamata olives
- 3 ounces of crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup of finely chopped and tightly packed fresh spinach
- A pinch of sea salt
- A pinch of black pepper
- Olive oil spray
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1275 kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.5 g | Protein: 145 g | Fat: 72.5 g | Saturated Fat: 27.5 g | Cholesterol: 555 mg | Sodium: 1800 mg | Fiber: 2.5 g | Sugar: 5 g
FAQ
- Are turkey burgers a healthier option compared to beef burgers?
- Turkey burgers can be a healthier choice than beef burgers, depending on the fat content of the ground turkey used. Opting for lean ground turkey, such as the 93% lean variety used in this recipe, provides a lower-calorie alternative while still maintaining flavor.
- What ingredients are used to make Greek turkey burgers?
- Greek turkey burgers are prepared using lean ground turkey, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, chopped spinach, sea salt, and black pepper. These ingredients combine to offer a savory and nutritious meal.
- How should I cook turkey burgers for the best results?
- To cook turkey burgers, first sear them in an oven-safe non-stick skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on one side and an additional minute on the other side. Then, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 420°F for 9-11 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, bake them on a baking sheet for 8-10 minutes.
- Can I grill these Greek turkey burgers?
- Yes, you can grill these turkey burgers if you prefer. Ensure they are cooked thoroughly, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer.
- What are some serving suggestions for Greek turkey burgers?
- You can enjoy these turkey burgers on a toasted whole wheat bun with toppings like butter lettuce, cucumber slices, red onion, sliced tomato, and a dollop of Greek yogurt. Alternatively, serve them as part of a meal with rice, quinoa, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Tips
- Ensure the ground turkey you use is lean, ideally 93% lean, to make a healthier turkey burger while maintaining flavor.
- To prevent the patties from puffing up during cooking, create a shallow indentation in the center of each patty with your thumb before cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify that the internal temperature of the turkey burgers reaches 165°F, ensuring they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
- For a versatile meal, consider serving the burgers with a whole wheat bun and toppings like butter lettuce and Greek yogurt, or opt to serve them bunless with a side of rice or salad for a lighter option.
Equipment
- Oven-safe nonstick skillet
- Meat thermometer
