Cooking turkey burgers on the barbecue is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. With the right techniques and timing, you can make juicy, flavorful turkey burgers that your family and friends will love. This guide will cover everything you need to know about how long to BBQ turkey burgers to perfection.
Introduction
Turkey burgers are growing in popularity as more people look for leaner and more nutritious options to classic beef patties. The great thing about turkey burgers is that they are lower in fat and calories but still pack lots of protein and flavor. They can be just as satisfying and delicious off the grill as regular hamburgers.
The cooking times and techniques for BBQ turkey burgers can be a bit different than for beef, however. The lean turkey meat can dry out quickly if overcooked. With the right timing and temperature monitoring, you can easily grill moist and juicy turkey burgers the whole family will enjoy.
This guide will cover:
- The benefits of turkey burgers
- Tips for buying and preparing turkey burgers
- How long to cook turkey burgers on a BBQ gas and charcoal grill
- The signs turkey burgers are done
- Common mistakes and how to avoid them
- Delicious seasoning and topping ideas
Follow these simple steps and timing guidelines for grilling turkey burgers perfectly every time.
Benefits of Turkey Burgers
There are a few key benefits that make turkey burgers a great choice:
Lower fat and calories – Turkey meat is much leaner than beef. A 4-ounce turkey burger patty typically has around 200 calories compared to nearly 300 calories in a beef burger of the same size. Turkey burgers are also lower in saturated fat and cholesterol.
More protein – Ounce for ounce, turkey often has a bit more protein than beef. You’ll get around 25 grams of protein in a typical 4-ounce turkey burger.
Versatile flavor – Without the strong beefy taste, turkey burgers can be seasoned and flavored in endless ways. Get creative with spice rubs, marinades, cheeses, veggies, and condiment toppings.
Nutrient-rich – Turkey contains lots of B vitamins like niacin as well as zinc and phosphorus. Going with ground turkey breast meat offers the highest nutrition.
So for a satisfying but lighter grilled burger option, turkey is a great choice. Follow the guidelines below for BBQ success.
Tips for Buying and Preparing Turkey Burgers
Here are some useful tips for selecting and getting your turkey burgers ready for grilling:
Choose 93% lean ground turkey – The leaner the meat, the less chance of drying out. Ground turkey breast is ideal but if opting for thigh or mixed meat, look for 93% lean.
Form patties firmly – Gently shape patties that hold together but avoid over-mixing. Make indentations with your thumb in the center to prevent puffing up.
Go for 1/2 pound patties – This size gives you some leeway on grill time versus thinner patties. Make them no more than 1-inch thick.
Brush with oil – Coat both sides lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Canola, olive, or avocado oils work well.
Season generously – Turkey meat takes to seasoning and marinades very well. Sprinkle and press in seasoning mixes or dry rubs before grilling.
Try a marinade – Soaking turkey patties in a marinade adds juiciness. Yogurt- or buttermilk-based ones work great.
Let them rest – After shaping patties, allow them to chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes before grilling. This helps them hold together better.
Handle carefully – Be gentle when moving raw turkey patties to prevent them breaking apart, especially if using a marinade. Use a thin spatula.
Proper preparation is key to grilling up the best turkey burgers. Now let’s get into the grilling times.
How Long to Grill Turkey Burgers on Gas BBQ
A gas grill offers quick cooking times and lots of direct heat for burgers. Here is a timeline of approximately how long to expect when BBQing turkey burgers on gas:
- 3-5 minutes per side – This is ideal for getting a sear while keeping turkey burgers nice and juicy. Cook over direct high heat around 400°F.
- 6 minutes total for 1/2 pound – Flip the burgers just once halfway through. Don’t press down on them as they cook.
- 10-12 minutes total for 1 pound – Bump up time for double patties but still only flip once. Add a few minutes if using thigh meat.
- 2 minutes extra per side for char – If you want good char marks, allow a couple extra minutes per side after flipping.
- 5 minutes extra if frozen – Defrost fully before grilling but add more time if still slightly frozen in the middle.
- 30 seconds to 1 minute rest – After taking off heat, let turkey burgers rest for a short time before serving.
The relatively quick cooking time for gas grilling allows the turkey burgers to get caramelized and charred on the outside while staying moist on the inside.
How Long to Grill Turkey Burgers on Charcoal BBQ
Here are the approximate turkey burger cook times for a charcoal grill:
- 4-7 minutes per side – Cook over direct high heat, adjusting the charcoal as needed to maintain temperature.
- 8-10 minutes total for 1/2 pound – Flip halfway, moving to indirect heat if flare-ups occur. Don’t press down as they cook.
- 14-18 minutes total for 1 pound – Add several minutes for very thick double patties, allowing extra time if using dark meat.
- 3 minutes extra per side for char – For nice grill marks, allow extra time after flipping before removing from direct heat.
- 6 minutes extra if frozen – Defrost fully before grilling but add more time if still slightly frozen inside.
- 1-2 minutes rest – Once off the grill, let turkey burgers rest briefly before serving to allow juices to settle.
The main difference with charcoal is needing more time preheating and managing the heat. Turkey burgers go well with the smoky charcoal flavor.
Signs Turkey Burgers Are Done
It’s important not to overcook turkey burgers or they will dry out. Look for these signs your turkey burgers are fully cooked:
- Internal temperature of 165°F – This is the food-safe temperature. Insert an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part avoiding bone.
- Meat springs back when pressed – Gently press on the patty and it should feel firm and quickly bounce back. No indentation should remain.
- No pink inside – turkey is safely cooked when no longer showing any pinkness in the center. The meat will turn white throughout when fully cooked.
- Clear juices – Cut into a burger and check that the juices run clear with no traces of pink liquid. Some redness from spices is OK.
Err on the side of slightly undercooked when unsure. You can always put a burger back on the grill for another minute or two if needed. But overcooking leads to dryness that can’t be reversed.
Now let’s go over some common grilling mistakes and how to prevent them.
Common Turkey Burger Grilling Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to end up with dry, overcooked turkey burgers if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes and fixes:
Smashing down patties – Repeatedly pressing on burgers as they cook squeezes out moisture. Resist the urge.
Grilling frozen patties – Always fully thaw turkey burgers before putting them on the grill. Even partially frozen centers take much longer to cook through.
Cooking too hot – Extreme high heat can char the outside before the inside cooks. Keep around medium-high heat.
Moving around too much – Flipping frequently can lead to crumbling. Let them cook undisturbed before gently flipping once.
Pushing down with spatula – Scraping the raw side stuck to the grill can tear patties. Allow them to release naturally before flipping.
Topping too soon – Cheese, toppings, and buns placed on too early leads to steaming versus searing. Add in last few minutes only.
Serving immediately – Allowing a short rest lets moisture redistribute evenly. Never serve turkey burgers straight off the grill.
Follow the timing guidelines outlined and avoid these common mistakes for the best results grilling your turkey burgers.
Seasoning and Topping Ideas
One of the great things about turkey burgers is how well they adapt to flavorings and custom toppings. Here are some tasty ideas:
- Southwest – Cumin, chili powder, sautéed peppers and onions, pepper jack cheese, avocado
- Italian – Basil, oregano, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella, pesto mayo
- Mediterranean – Mint, lemon juice, feta, roasted red peppers, spinach, tzatziki
- Tex Mex – Chili powder, cilantro, salsa, guacamole, fried onion strings
- Hawaiian – Pineapple, teriyaki sauce, shredded cabbage, mango salsa
- Buffalo – Hot sauce, blue cheese crumbles, celery sticks, ranch dressing
- French Onion – Caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, Dijon mustard, onion straws
- Bacon and Blue – Crumbled bacon, blue cheese, caramelized onions, balsamic reduction
- Greek – Feta, olives, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, Greek yogurt sauce
Get creative with your favorite add-ins! The flavors pair well with the lean turkey meat.
Conclusion
Grilling turkey burgers on a BBQ may take a bit more care and attention than beef patties. But following the guidelines provided here will reward you with plump, juicy and flavor-packed turkey burgers the whole family enjoys.
The key is using properly prepared lean ground turkey, generous seasoning, maintaining grill heat, avoiding common mistakes, and resting the cooked patties before serving.
In just 10-15 minutes over direct heat, you can serve up succulent turkey burgers full of fresh-off-the grill flavor. Round them out with flavorful toppings and sides for a satisfying twist on a backyard classic.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grilling Turkey Burgers
Here are answers to some common questions about getting the best results when barbecue cooking turkey burgers:
What temperature should I grill turkey burgers?
- Heat your gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat around 400°F. This allows quick cooking without overcharring the exterior before the interior cooks through.
Should I use a meat thermometer for turkey burgers?
- Yes, using an instant-read thermometer is highly recommended. Turkey needs to reach 165°F minimum internal temperature to be food safe. This ensures doneness on the inside.
Do turkey burgers shrink on the grill?
- Turkey burgers may shrink slightly as the proteins tighten with cooking. Making indented centers when forming patties helps prevent excessive shrinking into hockey pucks.
Can I grill turkey burgers from frozen?
- Always thaw turkey burgers fully in the fridge before grilling for food safety and best results. Adding extra grill time for even partially frozen centers will likely lead to dryness.
Should I brush turkey burgers with oil or not?
- Lightly coating turkey patties with oil before grilling is recommended. This helps promote browning and prevents them from sticking. Use a high smoke-point oil like avocado or grapeseed.
How do I avoid turkey burgers drying out on the BBQ?
- Use lean 93% meat, don’t press down while cooking, cook to proper internal temp, avoid flare-ups, let rest before serving, and resist urge to overcook. Proper preparation and cooking times are key for moistness.
What are the best turkey burger toppings?
- The lean turkey meat takes well to almost any flavors. Classics like cheese, bacon, guacamole, and condiments work great. Get creative with cheeses, veggies, sauces, and spices for lots of variety.
Properly grilled turkey burgers are delicious, satisfying, and a healthier alternative to beef that the entire family can enjoy. Follow these tips and suggested cook times for your best BBQ turkey burgers yet.