Barefoot Contessa's Juicy Turkey Burger Recipe

Nothing beats the savory flavors of a good burger cooked on the backyard grill. Ina Garten of Barefoot Contessa provides a recipe for turkey burgers that swap out the traditional beef for a leaner, healthier ground turkey option. Read on for her simple technique to make your next cookout delicious!

About the Barefoot Contessa

Ina Garten is a famous chef and cookbook author known for her casual, homey recipes. Her popular show Barefoot Contessa and bestselling cookbooks demystify cooking techniques for everyday home cooks.

This turkey burger recipe is from Barefoot Contessa Parties! It provides a lighter but still delicious burger option perfect for your next summer get-together.

Benefits of Turkey Burgers

Choosing lean ground turkey burgers over beef offers health advantages like:

• Less saturated fat and overall calories
• More protein per serving
• Less cholesterol concerns
• Easier to keep patties juicy and flavorful

Turkey burgers are an easy nutrition switch to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.

Ingredients in Ina's Turkey Burger

For the savory turkey burger recipe, you'll need:

• Extra lean ground turkey (preferably 93% lean)
• Breadcrumbs
• Eggs
• Worchestershire sauce
• Seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper
• Olive oil

That's it for the simple but tasty base recipe! Add cheese, veggies, or condiments to dress them up.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making Ina's famous turkey burgers is easy:

1. In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire, and seasonings until well blended.
2. Form into patties slightly wider than your burger buns.
3. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Cook patties until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
4. Serve burgers on buns with your favorite condiments and toppings.

That's all the work for a fresher-tasting backyard burger everyone will love!

Cooking Tips for Juicy Burgers

Tricks to keep turkey burgers moist include:

• Don't overwork the meat when forming patties
• Make a shallow indentation in patties to prevent puffing up
• Brush or spray patties with a little oil before cooking
• Always use a digital thermometer to confirm doneness

With these techniques, you'll have tender turkey burgers that don't dry out.

Serving Suggestions

Delicious ways to serve Barefoot Contessa turkey burgers:

• On whole grain buns with traditional fixings like lettuce, tomato, etc.
• With unique aioli sauces instead of ketchup for flavor
• Open-faced on salad greens for a lighter meal
• Add avocado slices and chimichurri sauce for an southwest twist

The lean turkey patties pair well with so many culinary flavors!

Storing and Freezing Cooked Burgers

For enjoying turkey burgers again later:

• Refrigerating: Store cooked patties up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Allow patties to cool completely then freeze up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Bake frozen patties at 375°F or microwave until warm.

The patties retain their juiciness for quick weekday meals when properly stored.

Common FAQs What's the best bun for turkey burgers?

Whole grain buns or lettuce wraps hold up well and provide fiber and nutrients.

What toppings go well with them?

All the classics like cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, plus unique sauces and condiments.

Should you brine ground turkey first?

Brining keeps ground turkey moist but isn't necessary with Ina's recipe.

Can you swap ground chicken?

Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well.

Is dried breadcrumb better than fresh?

Dried lends better binding and gives patties a nice texture.

Recreate Barefoot Contessa Flavor at Home

With Ina Garten's classic technique and quality ingredients, you can enjoy restaurant-worthy turkey burgers conveniently from your own backyard. Impress your family with your culinary skills using this easy recipe. The flavors speak for themselves!

More Barefoot Contessa Recipes to Try

- Easy Homemade Macaroni and Cheese - Ultimate Fried Chicken - Slow Roasted Salmon with Mustard Sauce - Outrageous Brownies - Lemon Bars with Shortbread Crust Conclusion

For your next cookout, skip the beef and try Ina Garten's famous lean turkey burger recipe instead. With a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy back yard burgers bursting with flavor but with the added health benefits of ground turkey. Follow her pro tips for keeping these patties juicy and delicious. You may never go back to beef burgers again!

5 FAQs about Turkey Burgers

What keeps ground turkey burgers from drying out?

Avoid over-mixing the meat, make a shallow indentation before cooking, and brush patties with oil.

What are good turkey burger topping ideas?

All the classics like cheese, lettuce, tomato plus unique aioli sauces and avocado.

Is it safe to eat turkey burgers medium rare?

No, always cook to an internal temperature of 165°F. Ground turkey should not be served rare or pink.

Can turkey burgers be grilled instead?

Absolutely! Grill over direct medium heat 5-7 minutes per side brushing with oil.

How do you keep turkey burgers moist when reheating?

Reheat gently in the oven or microwave with a little water to create steam and prevent drying out.