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Garlic & Zest

Gourmet Cooking at Home!

Sriracha Avocado Turkey Burgers

Sriracha Avocado Turkey Burgers
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Turkey burgers don’t have to be “meh” and boring. These sriracha avocado turkey burgers are everything you want in a burger with a fiery little kick. The ground turkey meat is seasoned with melted shallots and sriracha hot sauce for spicy turkey burgers tamed with with the freshness of avocado and cilantro. The easy sriracha mayo is better than ketchup and perfect to dip your fries in too!

combining sriracha, shallots and cilantro for spicy turkey burger patties.

I love a spicy turkey burger for a casual dinner or afternoon cookout, however, turkey burgers have a reputation for being dry and flavorless. However, they don’t have to be.  For meaty, juicy, tender, flavorful spicy turkey burgers that are truly mouthwatering, follow these simple tips.

How to make moist turkey burgers

  1. Don’t use ground turkey breast, or if you are, mix it in equal portions with dark meat ground turkey. The dark meat of the turkey has more fat and consequently, more moisture and flavor. That’s key to a juicy burger.
  2. Add more moisture with sautéed vegetables. In these burgers, I’m using sautéed shallots, but you could also shred some zucchini or summer squash and sauté it just until softened. Adding it to the ground turkey mixture will help your spicy turkey burgers stay moist and juicy.
  3. Season the meat (and not just with salt and pepper). We’re adding hot sauce and fresh herbs to this mixture to infuse the ground turkey with sriracha kickiness and fresh cilantro. You want to use enough of each to really flavor the meat. These additions will also keep the grilled turkey burgers moist and tender.

making a divot in the patties with a rounded tablespoon to prevent doming.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but there is a solid technique to shaping burgers, so that you don’t wind up with a big, domed patty.

Shaping spicy turkey burgers

Use the back of a tablespoon to create a divot in the center of the patties.  This helps prevent the burger from puffing up while it cooks. Many people just use their thumb to make the indentation, but if you saw my Lilliputian hands, you’d agree that they would have virtually no impact on the dome — my round tablespoon does the trick for me. Just depress it at least half an inch into the meat so it’s got a little crater. Easy. 

Refrigerate the patties

After adding the sriracha and shallots and forming the patties, the meat may be a little too soft. 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator should help them firm up while you start the grill. I hope you’re getting hungry, because it won’t be long now before your spicy sriracha avocado turkey burgers with spectacular sriracha mayo are ready to eat.

mixing sriracha mayo in a bowl.

While the turkey patties rest in the fridge and the grill is heating, mix up the sriracha mayo. You’re gonna love this stuff. It’s creamy, spicy, tangy and lush. The perfect crown for the spicy avocado turkey burgers.

Ingredients for sriracha mayo

  • Mayonnaise
  • Sriracha hot sauce
  • Cilantro
  • Lime zest

Mixing sriracha mayonnaise

  1. Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine.
  2. Taste for seasoning and adjust as necessary.
  3. Refrigerate the spicy sriracha mayo while the burgers cook.

 

grilling the burgers and topping with cheese.

This is where I step out… and my grill master steps in. He doesn’t like me messing with his grill.

Making grilled turkey burgers

  1. Heat the grill to a medium high heat (about 450°).
  2. Place the burgers on the grill over the flame or embers if you’re using a charcoal grill and cook about 5-6 minutes before flipping to the other side. 
  3. Don’t fiddle with the burger as it cooks. Let it sear and get proper grill marks.
  4. Cook the burger for 4-6 minutes on the other side or until the internal temperature of the meat reaches 155°-160°F. I like  to use a good instant read thermometer for this.
  5. Dress the burger with a slice of American cheese and cook until the cheese just starts to melt. Remove the spicy turkey burgers to a carving board to rest.
  6. When the burgers come off, lightly toast the buns on the grill. Watch closely so they don’t burn.

NOTE:  Poultry should be cooked to a temperature of 165°F. I usually check that I’m in close range of that number, but remove it a minute or so before it actually achieves doneness. Why? Residual cooking time. The meat continues to cook even after you’ve removed it from the heat source.  Even more reason to use an Instant Read.

 

 

instant read thermometer.

 

What’s a good instant read thermometer?

I’m glad you asked. The gold standard for professional and home cooks alike is the Thermoworks Thermapen Mk4. It’s not cheap, but this is the Cadillac of meat thermometers and probably is the only one you’ll EVER need. Here’s why: 

  • 2-3 second readings!
  • Foldaway thermocouple probe
  • Patented auto-rotating display
  • Use in either hand
  • Motion-sensing sleep & wake mode
  • Intelligent backlight
  • Waterproof to IP67
  • 3,000 hour battery life 
  • Takes a AAA Battery — not one of those weird, impossible to find, custom sizes (thank-you-very-much)
  • Display temps in °C or °F

I’m an affiliate for the Thermapen, because it’s a product I really believe in. If you’re in the market for a good instant read, check out this link for special offers and deal (you won’t pay any more for the product and I’ll make a few dollars for another round of avocado turkey burgers for the grill).

sliced avocado, cilantro and sriracha mayo for serving

Just before serving, slice up the avocado (if you do this too early, the flesh will oxidize and become an unsightly brown). Better to wait til the last minute.  Serve your spicy turkey burgers with a pile of fresh cilantro leaves and maybe additional sriracha sauce if you like a little more heat.

smearing spicy turkey burgers with sriracha mayo.

Don’t they look incredible?

These spicy burgers are moist, tender, flavorful — and frankly AH-MAZING. Nothing like those sad, dry, bland patties you may be familiar with. We can’t get enough of that luscious sauce either. While I could go all “food blogger” on you and create dainty little sriracha mayo swirls and squiggles with a squeeze bottle, I’m-gonna-keep-it-real. It’s too good. Zesty, tangy with a kick of heat. Spoon a big dollop of that spicy mayo on your burger — and make sure there’s extra if you’ve got french fries to serve it with. Skip the ketchup.

Check out these summertime favorites and more fun grilling recipes: 

  • Caribbean Jerk Smoked Pork
  • Grilled Veal Chops with Garlic Herb Crust
  • Grilled Yellowtail Snapper with Garlic Aioli
  • Bourbon Marinated Grilled Flank Steak
  • Ultimate Bacon BBQ Burger

 

Spicy turkey burger on a plate with sriracha mayo dripping down one side.

 

Print Pin
4.34 from 3 votes

Sriracha Avocado Turkey Burgers

Juicy, meaty and satisfying, these are not your everyday turkey burgers.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword burgers, ground turkey
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 5
Calories 580kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 pounds ground turkey
  • 2 large shallots minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 cup cilantro chopped
  • 1/4 cup sriracha sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 5 hamburger rolls
  • 5 slices American cheese
  • 1 avocado sliced thin

For the Sriracha Aioli

  • 1/2 cup good quality mayonnaise such as Hellman's or Duke's
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped
  • 1 lime zested

Instructions

Assemble the burgers

  • In a small skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and sweat them until soft and translucent. Transfer the shallots to a large bowl.
  • Add the ground turkey, cilantro, sriracha, salt and pepper. Mix with your hands until well combined.
  • Form the burgers into 4 equal patties and transfer to a sheet pan. Use the rounded part of a tablespoon to make an indentation in the center of each burger (to prevent the puffy dome from forming as they cook).
  • Refrigerate the burgers for 15-20 minutes to firm up.
  • Meanwhile, preheat the grill to a medium high heat (around 450°).

Make the Aioli

  • In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha, cilantro and lime zest. Stir and taste for seasoning. If you like it spicier, add more sriracha, for more tang, add more lime. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Grill the burgers

  • When grill is hot add the burgers and cook about 5 minutes per side or until they reach 165° internal temperature. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of American Cheese on each burger and cook until it's just melted.
  • Transfer burgers to a cutting board to rest for a minute or two. Meanwhile, toast the buns on the grill until just lightly browned.
  • Assemble the burgers with sliced avocado on the bottom bun, followed by the burger, a tablespoon of sriracha aioli and extra cilantro leaves if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 580kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 1458mg | Potassium: 692mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 438IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 310mg | Iron: 3mg

Pin “Sriracha Avocado Turkey Burgers” For Later!

 

These easy, homemade ground turkey burgers are juicy, moist and spicy with a tangy, creamy sriracha sauce, melty cheese and fresh avocado and cilantro. The best grilled burgers for a cookout or picnic. #turkeyburgers #srirachasauce

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Chicken/Poultry// Sandwiches, Tacos & Pizzas44 Comments

« Tex-Mex Chicken Chile Rellenos
Key Lime Mango Crab Cake Salad »

Comments

  1. Tara says

    June 28, 2016 at 11:21 PM

    Such gorgeous burgers! Definitely perfect for the 4th. Love the tip about preventing dome tops.

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 29, 2016 at 7:36 AM

      I appreciate that Tara! Happy 4th!

      Reply
  2. Delicious Everyday says

    June 28, 2016 at 10:50 PM

    Your burgers look so good. I know my husband would love them. And I love the sound of your aioli. Lime and chilli is one of my favourite flavour combinations 😀

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 29, 2016 at 7:36 AM

      I’m so glad you like it – chili and lime is a classic, don’t you think?

      Reply
  3. Cynthia l says

    June 28, 2016 at 10:38 PM

    This burger looks delicious. I lived in FL for a while and can back up your statement about being ready to grill all year long – of course, I have been known to spark up my grill in the snow! Great burger and the sauce sounds amazing.

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 29, 2016 at 7:35 AM

      Where do you grill in the snow?

      Reply
  4. Aish says

    June 28, 2016 at 10:01 PM

    Loved the post

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 29, 2016 at 7:34 AM

      Thanks, Aish!

      Reply
  5. Gwen @simplyhealthyfamily says

    June 28, 2016 at 8:57 PM

    I love STUBB’s BBQ sauce and avocado AND Turkey burgers!! All.Kinds.Of.Wonderful. going on here!! I SO wish it wasn’t 1 million degrees out here in Phoenix!! 🙁

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 29, 2016 at 7:34 AM

      I hear ya on the one million degrees – South Florida is suffocatingly hot!

      Reply
  6. Peter Block says

    June 28, 2016 at 8:48 AM

    Lisa, every layer of this burger has flavor. This burger is perfect. This is so going to end up on my table!!!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 28, 2016 at 9:19 AM

      Thank you, Peter — that means a lot coming from you!

      Reply
  7. strawberryblondiekitchen says

    June 27, 2016 at 4:00 PM

    I love your tip about making the indention with the back of a tablespoon. That is genius! I will also have to go and look for that Stubb’s BBQ sauce here. Looks delicious!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 27, 2016 at 4:55 PM

      I have no choice but to use the tablespoon – my hands are too small to make a dent!

      Reply
  8. adawnpaxton says

    June 27, 2016 at 3:56 PM

    I love that you used a measuring spoon to make the indent! What a great idea…my little fingers never make a difference when I use them to make the indent! This recipe looks fantastic! Adding it to my meal plan for next week!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 27, 2016 at 4:54 PM

      Glad I’m not the only one with munchkin fingers! Enjoy them!

      Reply
  9. Lisa says

    June 27, 2016 at 3:53 PM

    These look so good, I love turkey burgers! You’re lucky to have year round grilling! In Iowa we’ve just learned to take advantage of the good grilling months as much as possible, but come about January I’m begging my husband to scoop the snow around the grill so we (I) can grill something…..anything!!!! ?

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 27, 2016 at 4:53 PM

      Oh, that’s too funny! I guess that makes sense in Iowa, though. My husband’s family is from Minnesota — talk about a cold winter…. Yikes!

      Reply
  10. Ludmilla says

    June 27, 2016 at 3:45 PM

    I took a peek and liked what I saw: chunky natural ingredients in flavors!! Looks amazing you burgers!!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 27, 2016 at 4:52 PM

      I appreciate that Ludmilla! We couldn’t put them down between bites — way too good!

      Reply
  11. Tamara says

    June 27, 2016 at 3:36 PM

    I think south Texas (McAllen) is a lot like south Florida! Our grill is always ready to go too 🙂 I love using ground turkey and boosting the flavor with good stuff… This burger looks great!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 27, 2016 at 3:43 PM

      Yay – another year-round-griller! We limit our consumption of red meat, so turkey burgers are a great anytime meal!

      Reply
  12. Kate Veggie Desserts (@veggie_desserts) says

    June 27, 2016 at 2:44 PM

    How great that you can grill any time of year. I love Sriracha so I’ll definitely keep an eye out for Stubbs’ new sauce. Lovely recipe and that aioli is a beauty!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 27, 2016 at 3:42 PM

      Thank you Kate! It’s funny – I just take grilling for granted, but I’m hearing from people who only get to cook outdoors a few months out of the year. I guess it is pretty special!

      Reply
  13. hotpinkshrink says

    June 27, 2016 at 1:11 PM

    Looks great! We always use that bbq sauce. So tasty!

    Kat | PersianKittyKat.com

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 27, 2016 at 1:56 PM

      Thanks, Kat! Stubb’s has the best!

      Reply
  14. Michelle Orchid Rodriguez says

    June 27, 2016 at 12:33 PM

    You had me at “turkey burger”, It’s so hard to find recipes for a great tasting one. I absolutely loved this post. Gorgeous pictures and so inspirational, makes me wish I had a grill,lol.

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 27, 2016 at 1:11 PM

      Thank you Michelle! I’m sorry you don’t have a grill – but they have them charcoal grills at the local parks around my house – maybe by yours, too?

      Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 27, 2016 at 1:11 PM

      Thank you Michelle! I’m sorry you don’t have a grill – but they have charcoal grills at the local parks around my house – maybe by yours, too?

      Reply
  15. Derek @ Dad With A Pan says

    June 27, 2016 at 11:54 AM

    Best turkey burger I’ve ever seen!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 27, 2016 at 1:09 PM

      Thanks so much Derek! Glad you like it!

      Reply
  16. Suchi @elegantmeraki says

    June 27, 2016 at 11:45 AM

    This is perfect! Well here in MI grilling is like luxury!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 27, 2016 at 1:09 PM

      The weather should be ok for grilling now, though — right?

      Reply
  17. holacroqueta says

    June 27, 2016 at 11:31 AM

    Always looking for new ways to spice up ground turkey. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 27, 2016 at 1:08 PM

      This is a really simple and delicious burger too!

      Reply
  18. laughingspatula says

    June 27, 2016 at 10:30 AM

    Lucky you that you can grill all year! We get about 3 months of sun in Seattle :). This burger is right up my alley. I love ground turkey and chicken and avocado!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 27, 2016 at 11:16 AM

      Only 3 months of sun? Yikes! Time to visit South Florida!

      Reply
  19. yined ramirez says

    June 27, 2016 at 10:25 AM

    A turkey burger my husband will love! I love your pics!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 27, 2016 at 11:15 AM

      I’m so glad you like it!

      Reply
  20. coralgableslove says

    June 27, 2016 at 9:48 AM

    Do you think if I leave the Siracha hot sauce out and just leave the Stubb’s Texas Sriracha Anytime Sauce it would be too bland? I know I’m being ridiculous since it’s the whole point of this recipe. It looks amazing but I can’t handle spicy food that well 🙂

    Reply
  21. Azlin Bloor says

    June 27, 2016 at 9:29 AM

    What amazing flavours in this recipe all around. From the burger to the aioli! And I love the bottle cap quote too!

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 27, 2016 at 9:48 AM

      I know, isn’t that the most heartfelt quote? It really stuck with me!

      Reply
  22. homemadezagat says

    June 27, 2016 at 9:07 AM

    Yes the joys of living in South Florida. Our grill is always out.. well unless it’s raining. These burgers look amazing. I’m especially excited that they are turkey since and not beef lol

    Reply
    • Lisa says

      June 27, 2016 at 9:47 AM

      Our grill is out even when it’s raining. In fact, if it’s not coming down in buckets, my grill-master is unfazed!

      Reply

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Meet Lisa

Lisa

Calling all cooks! You don’t have to be a gourmet chef to get a delicious, healthy meal on the table! At Garlic & Zest, I’ll show you how to make hundreds of seasonal, fresh recipes and indulgent comfort foods with easy step-by-step instructions and photos to help you master the dish.

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