Weidner Turkey Burgers

A few years ago Aaron and I took a full 365 days off from eating pork and beef. A few of you out there are thinking, “niiiiiice you guuuuuys.” And the rest of you are having to use a car jack to lift your jaws from the ground.

We made the decision mostly for environmental reasons. Of course for health as well, but mostly it was a challenge! We like challenges.

And quizzes! Oh, I do love the quizzes.

Anyway, the majority of the year was a cinch.

Chicken? Duh, no problem.

Fish? Yes please.

Vegetarian meals? Are you kidding, of course!

Burgers? ….wait, burgers? UM, I forgot to read the fine print in this deal.

“I guess there’s turkey” we pouted. “But turkey burgers are narstry.”

What’s that? ANOTHER CHALLENGE?

It didn’t take long for us to get giddy for turkey burgers, after flying through the kitchen like ravenous maniacs, perfecting this summertime staple over and over again. This burg’ has a lot going on in it: heat, spice, flavor, herbal zings.

(did she just say “zings?)

Try these! Change it up and put your own spin on it. You might not miss Mr. Moo after all.

Weidner Turkey Burgers:

 

 

 

What it takes for 4 big burgers:

* 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
* 3 garlic cloves, minced
* 1 Tbs. worcestershire sauce
* 1 Tbs. soy sauce
* 2 tsp sambal oelek
* 1/2 cup mixed, chopped herbs (basil, chives, oregano, parsley, whatevs)
* 1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
* coarse salt and freshly ground pepper
* 4 whole wheat buns
* whatever fixins’ you prefer: tomato, cheese, avocado, dijon, hummus

In a large bowl, combine the turkey, garlic, worcestershire, soy sauce, sambal oelek, herbs and breadcrumbs. Form 4 large patties. Sprinkle each side lightly with salt and pepper. Stick them in the fridge for at LEAST an hour. Half a day is ideal.

Grill the burgers until cooked through, about 6 minutes per side. If you’re having cheese, place the slices on each patty for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Lightly brush the buns with extra-virgin olive oil and grill 30 seconds, or until you get those nice grill marks.

Serve with preferred toppings and a green side salad!

20 Responses to Weidner Turkey Burgers

  1. Julia July 26, 2011 at 9:18 am #
    These look yummy! I started using turkey for burgers a few years ago too when I was on some health kick and it's sort of stuck now. We add finely chopped mushrooms and red pepper to the turkey mixture :)
    • Bev Weidner July 26, 2011 at 1:12 pm #
      Oh now mushrooms and red pepper sound amazing to add! I'm doing that next time. Thanks!
  2. jenna July 26, 2011 at 1:33 pm #
    these look delish! I've always wanted to use turkey for burgers but get nervous. I'm going to have to give these a try for sure now and i love Julia's idea of adding mushrooms and red pepper! a fun twist
    • Bev Weidner July 26, 2011 at 5:40 pm #
      Thanks Jenna! I know, I love her addition, too! Thanks for dropping by!
  3. Katie July 26, 2011 at 7:43 pm #
    Yumm! I am always looking for ways to make turkey burgers differently! I have one on my site with lots of garden veggies in it and topped with avocado and sprouts....I love the heat you put in this one I'm such a huge sambal oelek fan! ...gonna try it soon!
    • Bev Weidner July 26, 2011 at 8:45 pm #
      Katie, thanks so much! Uh, garden veggies - DONE. I'm trying that next time!
  4. Gaby July 26, 2011 at 8:08 pm #
    I'm totally into turkey burgers but they've gotta be done right - and these look absolutely fantastic! can't wait to give them a try in my kitchen!
    • Bev Weidner July 26, 2011 at 8:45 pm #
      Gaby, thanks so much! (love your site, btw!)
  5. Kelli Heskett Lind July 26, 2011 at 9:50 pm #
    Bev - I've just stumbled onto your website, and I'm in love! I'm so glad to see that you are happy and living out your passions - just like I remember you (and you don't look a day older, either!). Thanks for the great healthy recipes and GORGEOUS photos. You have a new fan in Colorado! Kelli
    • Bev Weidner July 26, 2011 at 11:14 pm #
      I'm so excited to see your face (name) on my computer screen!
  6. Katie July 27, 2011 at 12:00 am #
    Mmm, I love me a good burger. This looks awesome.
    • Bev Weidner July 27, 2011 at 1:22 pm #
      Thanks Katie! (LOVE your blog, btw. How Sweet It Is sent me your way, and I'm so happy she did.)
  7. Deborah July 27, 2011 at 3:53 am #
    Turkey burgers are hard, but these look absolutely delicious!
  8. Cassie (Bake Your Day) July 27, 2011 at 7:00 pm #
    These look like good turkey burgers! My hubby and I don't really eat pork and every now and then we have steak...for no particular reason other than preference. We love vegetarian meals and seafood. We do like turkey burgers and have done lots of experimenting with them this year and have found a few favorites that we like. One is sun-dried tomatoes, spinach and feta cheese. It's heavenly!
    • Bev Weidner July 27, 2011 at 7:28 pm #
      Cassie, oh WOW! I'm DEFINITELY going to try your version. Good grief! y.u.m.
    • Julia July 31, 2011 at 8:30 pm #
      Blimey, that does sound good! It seems like the turkey burger possibilities are endless... Yes, I did just say "blimey".
      • Bev Weidner July 31, 2011 at 11:15 pm #
        Ha! I have to say, I like the word "blimey." Can I steal it?
        • Julia August 1, 2011 at 7:43 pm #
          Of course! You have to say it in a British accent though :)
          • Bev Weidner August 1, 2011 at 7:48 pm #
            But of course! Cheerio!

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