Buffalo Turkey Burgers

Sometimes, nothing hits as hard (or as good) as a burger. Meat, cheese, bun and condiments are all it takes to create a dish so delicious that it satisfies your body and your soul. Our Buffalo turkey burgers offer a leaner alternative to classic beef hamburgers while bringing the spicy, briny flavors of Buffalo wings in the form of a juicy burger.

This recipe transforms classic bar fare into a far more interesting dish with a spiced turkey patty, refreshing lettuce, crisp celery and an indulgently creamy blue cheese dressing. To amp up the pungent saltiness of the burgers, we suggest crumbling some blue cheese on top of the patties while assembling the burger. It will enhance the dressing, and its creaminess will also help tame the spicy hot sauce.

We make our Buffalo burgers in a skillet on the stovetop, but you could easily cook them on the grill. Bring them out at your next backyard cookout alongside easy summer appetizers for a meal everyone will remember. If you’re serving a crowd with mixed dietary needs, you could plate a few on lettuce wraps instead of buns for a gluten-free, low-carb option. Or you can form smaller patties and plate them on Hawaiian rolls to turn this spicy turkey burger into a slider recipe.

Ingredients for Buffalo Turkey Burgers

• Louisiana-style hot sauce
• Ground cumin
• Chili powder
• Garlic
• Salt
• Pepper
• Ground turkey
• Hamburger buns
• Shredded lettuce
• Celery
• Blue cheese salad dressing

Directions

Step 1: Make the patties

In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of the hot sauce with cumin, chili powder, garlic, salt and pepper. Add the ground turkey, and mix lightly but thoroughly. Shape into four 1/2-inch-thick patties.

Editor’s Tip: If the turkey mixture sticks to your hands while forming the patties, apply a little oil on your palms.

Step 2: Cook the burgers

In a large nonstick skillet, cook the burgers over medium heat for four to six minutes on each side or until a thermometer reads 165°F.

Editor’s Tip: One major complaint about turkey burgers is that they can get drier than their beef counterparts, so make sure to cook the burger to precisely 165° to ensure a juicy turkey burger every time.

Step 3: Assemble

Serve burgers on buns with lettuce, celery, salad dressing and the remaining hot sauce.

Editor’s Tip: Toast your buns in the skillet with a bit of butter to crisp them up. It adds a nice texture and also helps prevent the buns from becoming soggy.

How to Store Buffalo Turkey Burgers

Refrigerate the cooked turkey patties in an airtight container, keeping them separate from the toppings and buns. The patties should last up to four days. Do not refrigerate assembled burgers, as they will become soggy. To reheat, warm the patties in the microwave or a skillet over medium heat until they’re heated through.

Can you freeze Buffalo turkey burgers?

We recommend freezing Buffalo turkey burgers before cooking the turkey patties. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm. Remove them to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw the patties in the fridge overnight and cook as directed.

Buffalo Turkey Burgers Tips

What can I serve with Buffalo turkey burgers?

Serve Buffalo turkey burgers with side salads, refreshing cold pasta salads or crunchy coleslaw recipes. And while burgers and french fries are a combo that never fails to please, don’t be afraid to experiment with the wide world of hamburger side dishes that aren’t fried potatoes.  You can even consider adding a decadent chocolate milkshake to your meal to tame some of that hot sauce’s heat.

How do I keep turkey burgers from falling apart?

Keeping the meat cold and avoiding overmixing it is key to preventing turkey burgers from falling apart. The meat will crumble if overworked, so use a light hand when mixing the patties. If you’re still having trouble, try adding breadcrumbs or eggs to the ground turkey mix to bind the patties together.

How can I ensure my turkey burgers are juicy?

To ensure juicy turkey burgers, use a gentle hand when mixing and shaping the patties to avoid overworking the meat. This leaves air pockets within the patty that allow steam to enter and keep the burger juicy. Also, avoid pressing down or turning the patties too frequently, which can cause the internal juices to escape. Finally, avoid overcooking the burger, as turkey is lean and will dry out if cooked to more than 165°.