These honey jalapeño turkey burgers are a tasty treat! They’re sweet and spicy, giving your taste buds a fun kick. Topped with a creamy avocado sauce, each bite is a delight.
You can whip these up quickly, making them perfect for a weeknight dinner. I love serving them with crispy fries or a fresh salad—yum! 🍔🥑
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the base for the burgers, providing a lean option. If you want something richer, try ground chicken or beef instead. They can add extra flavor and texture to the burger.
Jalapeño: Adds a nice spicy kick. If you’re sensitive to heat, use a milder pepper like a green bell pepper or skip it altogether. You can also adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Honey: This gives sweetness to balance the spice. If you’re looking for a sugar alternative, you could use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both work well but might slightly change the flavor.
Avocado: Essential for the creamy sauce! If avocados are hard to find, you can use a store-bought guacamole for a quick fix, although it may alter the overall flavor.
How Do You Keep the Turkey Burgers Moist and Flavorful?
Keeping turkey burgers moist can be a challenge. Here are a few tips to ensure they stay juicy:
- Don’t overmix the turkey meat when combining ingredients; keep it gentle to prevent toughness.
- Adding something like honey not only sweetens but also helps retain moisture while cooking.
- Cook at medium-high heat to achieve a nice sear on the outside without overcooking the inside.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; aim for 165°F (74°C) to guarantee they’re cooked but not dry.
Remember, juicy burgers need some attention while cooking, but the result is totally worth it! Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 ½ lbs ground turkey
- 1 jalapeño, finely diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lime juice (fresh)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 small garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Garnish and Assembly:
- Brioche burger buns, toasted
- Fresh corn kernels (about 1/2 cup), lightly blanched or grilled
- Additional jalapeño slices (optional)
- Extra chopped red onion
- Fresh cilantro sprigs
- Lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to cook, making a total of about 30-35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick but flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Avocado Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Set aside in the fridge to chill.
2. Prepare the Turkey Burgers:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely diced jalapeño, honey, red onion, garlic, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon until everything is evenly incorporated, but be careful not to overwork the meat to keep it tender.
3. Form Patties:
Divide the turkey mixture into 4-6 equal portions and shape each one into round patties that are slightly larger than your buns. Don’t worry if they aren’t perfect; a little shape variation adds character!
4. Cook the Patties:
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and brush lightly with olive oil. Cook the patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and they are nicely browned.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the patties are cooking, lightly toast the brioche buns on the grill or in a toaster oven until golden and warm. This adds a nice crunch and helps hold everything together!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a generous layer of the creamy avocado sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a cooked turkey patty on top, then add fresh corn kernels, sliced jalapeños if desired, chopped red onions, and cilantro sprigs.
7. Serve:
Top with the other half of the bun and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra bright citrus squeeze. Enjoy your deliciously sweet, spicy, and creamy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works wonderfully in this recipe and will provide a slightly different flavor while keeping the dish light and delicious. Just ensure you cook it to the same internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How Can I Make These Burgers Spicier?
If you love heat, feel free to add more jalapeños or even a splash of hot sauce to the turkey mixture. You can also try adding diced serrano peppers or spicing up the avocado sauce with crushed red pepper flakes for additional heat!
Can I Prepare the Avocado Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The avocado sauce can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. To prevent browning, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing the container.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet. The avocado sauce can also be kept separately for fresh use when serving leftovers!
