These turkey burgers are a fun mix of sweet and spicy! With honey for sweetness and jalapeños for a little kick, they’re bursting with flavor. Plus, that creamy avocado sauce is a dream! 🥑
I love serving these burgers with crispy lettuce and juicy tomatoes. They’re easy to make, and they always impress my friends at cookouts—just don’t forget the napkins! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: This is the base of the burgers. If you prefer something leaner, try ground chicken or even plant-based ground meat as a vegetarian option. Both work well and maintain the burger’s moisture.
Jalapeños: For heat, fresh jalapeños add a great kick! If you want it milder, you can use just one jalapeño or swap with bell peppers for a sweet flavor without the spice.
Honey: Honey adds a touch of sweetness to balance the spice. Maple syrup or agave nectar can be good substitutes if you want a vegan option or a different flavor.
Avocado: A ripe avocado is essential for the sauce’s creaminess. If avocados aren’t available, a blend of Greek yogurt with lime and cilantro can also create a delicious and creamy dip.
Fresh Cilantro: This herb brightens up the flavors. If you’re not a fan, parsley works as a substitute, although the taste will be a bit different.
How Do I Make Sure My Turkey Burgers Stay Moist?
Turkey can be lean and may dry out easily, but there are a few tips to keep your burgers juicy:
- Don’t Overmix: When combining ingredients, gently mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to dense burgers.
- Chill the Patties: After forming the patties, chill them for at least 15 minutes. This helps them hold together while cooking.
- Cook on Medium Heat: Cooking at medium heat will help them cook through without burning. Always check the internal temperature—165°F/74°C is ideal.
- Add Moisture: Including ingredients like honey and onion not only enhances flavor but also adds moisture to the mix, helping keep burgers juicy!
Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (adjust for heat preference)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp olive oil (for cooking)
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 small garlic clove
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Water, as needed for thinning
Additional Toppings:
- Fresh corn kernels (raw or lightly grilled)
- Extra sliced jalapeños
- Extra chopped red onion
- Fresh cilantro leaves
For Serving:
- Soft burger buns, toasted
- Lime wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus an additional 15 minutes to chill the patties before cooking. Cooking time will be around 12 minutes, making the total time around 42 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a sunny weekend barbecue!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Burger Mix:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped red onion, chopped jalapeños, minced garlic, honey, chopped cilantro, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until everything is just combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the burgers tough.
2. Form Patties:
Shape the turkey mixture into 4 equal patties, making them about 3/4 inch thick. Place the patties on a plate or tray and pop them in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes—they’ll hold together better when cooking if they’re chilled.
3. Make the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, add the avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro leaves, and garlic clove. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste and add salt and pepper to your liking. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Set the sauce aside.
4. Cook the Burgers:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the turkey patties and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until they are fully cooked through—the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) and they should be nicely browned.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, you can toast the burger buns. Lightly grill or pan-fry them until golden and warm—this adds delicious flavor and prevents the buns from getting soggy.
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a generous layer of the creamy avocado sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a hot turkey patty on top, then pile on the fresh corn kernels, any extra sliced jalapeños, chopped red onion, and cilantro leaves. Cap it off with the top half of the bun.
7. Serve:
Serve these beautiful burgers immediately with lime wedges on the side for a squirt of zesty flavor. Enjoy your tasty honey jalapeño turkey burgers with creamy avocado sauce! They’re sure to be a hit!
Happy cooking! 🎉
FAQ for Easy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Can I make these burgers spicy without jalapeños?
Absolutely! If you prefer the heat, you can opt for a spicier variety of peppers, like serrano or even crushed red pepper flakes mixed into the turkey. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference!
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes! Ground chicken or pork can work well for these burgers if you want a different flavor. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the meat used.
How should I store leftovers?
Any leftover burgers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. The avocado sauce can be stored in the fridge for about 2 days; just give it a stir before serving!
Can I prepare the avocado sauce in advance?
Yes! You can make the creamy avocado sauce a few hours ahead of time. To prevent browning, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, pressing it directly onto the surface of the sauce. Alternatively, adding a bit of extra lime juice can help maintain its vibrant color!
