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turkey smash burger ready to eat
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Juicy Turkey Smash Burgers

5 from 1 rating
Hannah Kling
These Turkey Smash Burgers are a flavorful, protein-packed twist on a classic, made with simple ingredients and cooked to crispy, juicy perfection. Ready in minutes, they’re the ultimate easy dinner for busy weeknights or casual weekend grilling.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 7 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients  

  • 1 lb ground turkey (93/7 or 85/15 for best flavor)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt + pepper (to taste)
  • Burger buns

Toppings:

  • cheese slices (american, cheddar, pepper jack, etc! )
  • pickles
  • lettuce
  • tomatoes

Quick Sauce:

  • Mix 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (or mayo)
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp mustard
  • dash of pickle juice
  • pinch of garlic powder

Instructions

  • In a bowl, gently mix the ground turkey with Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Be careful not to overwork the meat.
  • Divide into 4 equal portions and gently form into balls (don’t flatten yet).
  • Heat a cast iron skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until very hot. Lightly grease with avocado oil or a little butter.
  • Place a turkey ball on the skillet, top with parchment or foil, and press down firmly with a heavy spatula or burger press. Cook undisturbed for 3–4 minutes until a crust forms.
  • Flip the patty, add cheese and cook another 2–3 minutes until fully cooked (165°F internal temp).
  • Toast your buns and build your burgers with your favorite toppings and sauce

Notes

  • Use 93/7 or 85/15 ground turkey for best results: Leaner turkey can dry out quickly, but a bit of fat helps keep the burgers juicy and flavorful.
  • Don’t skip the chill time if your kitchen is warm: If your turkey mixture feels too soft or sticky, a quick 10–15 minute chill in the fridge helps make smashing easier and cleaner.
  • A burger press or heavy spatula makes a big difference: Pressing firmly and evenly helps create that signature smash burger crust while keeping the patty from falling apart.
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