These Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers are a tasty treat! The mix of sweet honey and spicy jalapeños gives these burgers a delightful kick, while the creamy avocado sauce adds a smooth finish.
Making these burgers is a breeze—just mix, shape, and grill! I love serving them with some crunchy lettuce and tomatoes. They’re perfect for a fun family meal or a backyard cookout!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This recipe uses ground turkey breast for a lean option. If you prefer, use ground chicken or a mix of turkey and pork for added flavor and moisture.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños add heat, but you can scale back or substitute with milder peppers like bell peppers for a gentler taste. Canned green chiles can also work if fresh is unavailable.
Honey: Honey adds a sweet touch, balancing the heat of the jalapeños. For a vegan alternative, use maple syrup or agave nectar to keep the sweetness without the honey.
Avocado: The creamy avocado sauce is a highlight! If you don’t have avocado, try a store-bought guacamole or a creamy dress such as ranch or yogurt-based dressing.
How Do You Ensure Juicy Turkey Burgers?
Getting your turkey burgers to stay juicy is key. Here’s how to do it:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, mix just enough so everything is evenly distributed. Overworking can make the burgers tough.
- Chill the Patties: Chilling them for 15-20 minutes helps them hold their shape while cooking, leading to better texture.
- Cook Correctly: Use medium heat to allow even cooking without drying them out. Check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer; it should read 165°F (74°C).
Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 ½ lb ground turkey breast
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (adjust for heat preference)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- (Optional) 1/4 tsp ground cumin
For Serving:
- 3-4 brioche or soft burger buns, toasted
- Fresh corn kernels (about 1/2 cup), lightly cooked or raw
- Extra slices of jalapeño
- Additional chopped red onion
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Lime wedges for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal will take about 25 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the burger mixture, then another 10-15 minutes for cooking and assembling. Finally, let the flavors meld together while you enjoy the cooking process! It’s a quick and tasty dish for any night of the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Burger Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped jalapeños, minced garlic, honey, chopped cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and diced red onion. Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overwork the meat, as this will help keep your burgers tender.
2. Form Patties:
Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal portions and shape each into a patty about ¾-inch thick, making them slightly wider than your burger buns since they will shrink during cooking.
3. Chill the Patties (Optional):
For better shape retention during cooking, place the patties in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the creamy avocado sauce.
4. Make the Avocado Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh lime juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional ground cumin. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning or lime juice as needed. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water to thin it out a bit.
5. Cook the Burgers:
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, or preheat your grill to medium. Cook the turkey patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and they’re nicely browned on the outside.
6. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, lightly toast the buns on the grill or in a toaster to get them warm and crispy.
7. Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a generous dollop of the creamy avocado sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Place a cooked turkey patty on the bottom bun, then top with fresh corn kernels, extra slices of jalapeño, chopped red onion, and fresh cilantro leaves.
8. Serve:
Close the burger with the top bun and serve immediately, garnished with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing! These tasty burgers pair well with a fresh side salad or some crunchy chips.
Enjoy your flavorful, juicy Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers topped with creamy, zesty avocado sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well in this recipe and will offer a similar taste and texture. Just ensure it’s cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)!
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness Level?
If you prefer less heat, reduce the number of jalapeños or remove the seeds and membranes, as they contain most of the spice. Alternatively, you can use banana peppers for a milder kick!
What Can I Use Instead of Greek Yogurt in the Avocado Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream, or for a dairy-free option, try using silken tofu blended until smooth. It will still give you that creamy texture!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet or the microwave until heated through.
