Okay, so let’s talk. Turkey burgers don’t exactly have the best reputation — and I get it. Most of the ones out here are dry, underseasoned, and feel like a punishment for not picking beef. You know the ones: they fall apart in the skillet, taste like wet cardboard, and leave you looking at your plate like, “Why did I do this to myself?” But we’re not doing that today. This juicy turkey burger is different.
This right here is a burger recipe that actually understands the assignment. It’s spicy. It’s smoky. It’s tender in the middle with a crisp golden crust, and it doesn’t need ketchup to make it make sense. We’re bringing in chipotles in adobo, pickled jalapeños, a little Cajun attitude, and just the right blend of herbs and heat to remind your tastebuds what a turkey burger should taste like.
Juicy Turkey Burger (5g Carbs)
Equipment
- Indoor Grill, Oven OR Nonstick skillet/grill pan)
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula or tongs
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring spoons
- Meat thermometer (optional, but helpful for juicy success)
Ingredients
Burger Mixture
- 1 lb ground turkey 93% or 85% lean
- 2 tbsp blended yellow onion excess liquid drained
- ¼ cup chopped scallions
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- ½ tsp Dijon mustard optional, for a subtle tang
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce finely chopped
- 2 tsp adobo sauce from the can
- ½ tsp liquid smoke
- 2 tbsp finely diced pickled jalapeños
🌶️ Seasoning Blend (mix into the meat)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp regular paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for extra kick
- ¼ tsp ground thyme
- ½ tsp marjoram
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp Cajun or Creole seasoning like Tony’s
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp dried parsley flakes
- ½ tsp salt or to taste
Burger Essentials
- Keto Burger Buns
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Pickles
Instructions
- Prep Like a Pro: Preheat your PowerXL Indoor Grill to 400°F. If you’re using a stovetop, get that skillet hot like your favorite playlist — medium-high heat is perfect.
- Mix with Love: In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, blended onion, scallions, soy sauce, mayo, mustard, egg, breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, liquid smoke, and jalapeños. Sprinkle in all your seasonings like you’re blessing the bowl. Mix gently — just until everything comes together. Don’t overwork it. We want tender, not tough.
- Form the Flavor: Shape the mixture into 6 equal patties. Press a little dip into the center of each one with your thumb — this helps them cook evenly and not puff up.
- Grill to Glory: Place patties on your preheated grill and let them sear for about 5–6 minutes per side. Don’t press them down — we’re locking in that juice, not squeezing it out! Check that internal temp hits 165°F. If not, close the lid or lower the heat to 350°F and cook 2–3 more minutes.
- Let it Rest, Boo: Remove the patties and let them rest for 3–5 minutes. That’s when the juices settle in and make magic happen.
- Build Your Burger: Toast your buns if you’re feeling fancy. Layer it up with avocado, spicy mayo, pickled onions, crisp lettuce, or more jalapeños — whatever makes your soul sing.
Notes
- Don’t have a PowerXL grill? No worries — a nonstick skillet or grill pan works great too!
- These burgers freeze beautifully. Wrap individually and thaw overnight when you’re ready to reheat and relive the magic
- Want it less spicy? Swap one of the chipotle peppers for extra cheese. Want it hotter? Drizzle a little extra adobo sauce over the top before serving.
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided with this recipe is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients, brands, or preparation methods you use. Cooking times and results may also vary based on your equipment, conditions, and individual cooking skills. Please use your own judgment and adjust as needed during preparation.
Be mindful of food allergies and sensitivities when preparing this recipe. Always double-check ingredient labels to ensure they are suitable for your specific dietary needs or those of anyone you may be serving. Neither the recipe creator nor this blog assumes responsibility for adverse reactions caused by following the recipe.
These recipes are shared for informational purposes only and should not be considered dietary, nutritional, or medical advice. For personalized advice, always consult with a qualified professional. Happy cooking!