Description
Simple southwestern turkey burgers blend zesty spices with lean protein for a quick, flavorful meal. Jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and cilantro create a spicy southwestern profile that will satisfy your craving for bold, exciting flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.25 lbs (567 g) ground turkey
- 4 slices pepper jack cheese
- 1 large egg
- 0.33 cup bread crumbs
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 0.5 jalapeño, finely diced
- 0.25 cup red onion, finely diced
- Guacamole, for topping
Instructions
- Preparation: Combine ground turkey with jalapeño, red onion, chili powder, cumin, salt, egg, and breadcrumbs in a mixing bowl, mixing gently to distribute seasonings evenly without compressing the meat.
- Patty Formation: Divide the seasoned turkey mixture into four equal patties, creating uniform thickness to ensure consistent cooking.
- Grilling Setup: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high, lightly oiling the surface to prevent sticking and create appetizing sear marks.
- Cooking Process: Place turkey patties on the heated surface, cooking undisturbed for 6-7 minutes per side until achieving a deep golden-brown crust and internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Cheese Topping: During final moments of cooking, layer pepper jack cheese over patties, covering to allow smooth melting and creating a creamy finish.
- Assembly: Transfer cooked burgers to a plate, crown with fresh guacamole, and nestle into chosen bun – brioche or whole wheat – completing the spicy, flavorful turkey burger experience.
Caution: Handle jalapeños with gloves or wash hands thoroughly after preparation to prevent skin irritation.
Notes
- Prevent Meat Overworking: Gently mix ingredients to maintain turkey’s tender texture and avoid dense, tough patties.
- Manage Jalapeño Handling: Wear gloves or wash hands immediately after chopping to prevent skin irritation and accidental eye contact.
- Check Temperature Precisely: Use a meat thermometer to confirm 165°F internal temperature, ensuring safe and juicy turkey burgers.
- Cheese Melting Technique: Cover grill during final cooking moments to create perfectly melted, creamy pepper jack cheese topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Southwestern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg