Middle Eastern Turkey Burgers

Middle Eastern Turkey Burgers are flavorful and juicy patties made with ground turkey and a blend of aromatic spices.

The ground turkey, preferably with some dark meat for added moisture, is mixed with minced garlic, kosher salt, chopped fresh mint, chopped fresh parsley, olive oil, sweet paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper. These ingredients infuse the turkey with a Middle Eastern flair and create a delicious flavor profile.

Once the mixture is well combined, it is shaped into 1-inch-thick patties and refrigerated for at least 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the patties to firm up. This step helps the burgers hold their shape and enhances their texture when grilled.

To cook the burgers, a medium charcoal or gas grill fire is prepared. The patties are grilled, covered with vents open, until they are nicely marked and cooked through. It usually takes around 4 to 6 minutes per side, and an instant-read thermometer can be used to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, guaranteeing they are fully cooked.

The Middle Eastern Turkey Burgers are served with a refreshing Cucumber and Yogurt Sauce. The sauce is made by combining finely diced English cucumber, chopped red onion, kosher salt, plain whole-milk or low-fat yogurt (preferably Greek), finely chopped fresh cilantro, a pinch of sugar, and a pinch of cayenne or Aleppo pepper. The cucumber and onion are first soaked in salt to draw out excess moisture, then rinsed and drained before being mixed with the remaining ingredients. This sauce provides a cool and tangy contrast to the spiced turkey burgers.

The combination of the well-seasoned turkey patties and the refreshing cucumber and yogurt sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors that make Middle Eastern Turkey Burgers a delightful and satisfying meal option. Enjoy them on their own, or serve them in a bun with your favorite toppings for a complete burger experience.

SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 lb. ground turkey, preferably including some dark meat (93% lean)
• 2 medium cloves garlic
• 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
• 1/4 cup lightly packed chopped fresh mint
• 1/4 cup lightly packed chopped fresh parsley
• 2 Tbs. olive oil
• 2 tsp. sweet paprika
• 1 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne
• Cucumber and Yogurt Sauce

CUCUMBER AND YOGURT SAUCE

• 1/2 cup peeled, seeded, and finely diced English cucumber
• 2 Tbs. finely chopped red onion
• Kosher salt
• 1/2 cup plain whole-milk or low-fat yogurt, preferably Greek
• 2 Tbs. finely chopped fresh cilantro
• Pinch of sugar
• Pinch of cayenne or Aleppo pepper; more to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Gently break the meat into large pieces in a large bowl.
2. Mince the garlic, sprinkle with the salt, and using the flat side of a chef’s knife, smear and mash to a paste.
3. Gently mix the garlic paste, mint, parsley, olive oil, paprika, cumin, coriander, and cayenne into the turkey.
4. Shape the meat into 4 equal 1-inch-thick patties. Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 20 minutes and up to 4 hours.
5. Prepare a medium charcoal or gas grill fire.
6. Grill the burgers, covered with vents open, until nicely marked and just cooked through (an instant-read thermometer inserted in a burger should read 165°F), 4 to 6 minutes per side.
7. Serve with the Cucumber and Yogurt Sauce.

CUCUMBER AND YOGURT SAUCE

1. Combine the cucumber, onion, and 1 tsp. salt in a bowl.
2. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes.
3. Drain off the liquid and rinse the cucumber and onion to remove excess salt.
4. Drain the mixture well and taste a few pieces. If it’s too salty, rinse and drain again.
5. In a small bowl, combine the cucumber and onion with the yogurt, cilantro, sugar, and cayenne or Aleppo pepper.
6. Let the mixture sit for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
7. Season the sauce to taste with salt and cayenne.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

PER SERVING

• 400 CALORIES | 36G PROTEIN | 4GCARB | 26G TOTAL FAT | 7GSAT FAT |
  11GMONO FAT | 5G POLY FAT | 130MGCHOL | 840MGSODIUM | 1G FIBER

NOTE:

• Forget the buns and instead pick up some pita bread to serve with these burgers.
• The sauce can be made several hours ahead and stored in the refrigerator.