When it comes to burgers, the usual suspects—beef, chicken—often steal the show, but oh, turkey and zucchini, an unexpectedly delightful duo! I stumbled upon this combination during a recent summer barbecue—zucchini’s subtle crunch meets turkey’s tender juiciness—it was a revelation! Imagine biting into a burger that’s not just a meal, but a juicy, savory experience that leaves you wondering why you hadn’t tried it sooner.
Steps
- Finely grate zucchini, onion, and garlic using a box grater or mini chopper.
- Thoroughly squeeze out all moisture from the grated zucchini using paper towels.
- In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, squeezed zucchini, breadcrumbs, grated garlic, onion, salt, and pepper. Shape this mixture into 5 equal patties, each around 4 ounces and not too thick.
- To cook on a skillet, heat a large nonstick skillet over high heat and lightly coat it with oil spray. Place the patties in the skillet, lower the heat to low, and cook until browned on one side. Flip the patties multiple times to prevent burning and ensure they cook through.
- For air fryer cooking, preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Cook the patties in a single layer in two batches for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway until they are browned and cooked through.
- To grill, clean the grill thoroughly and spray it with oil to prevent sticking. Cook the patties on medium heat for approximately 5 minutes on each side, ensuring they are no longer pink in the center.
Ingredients
- 6 oz grated zucchini (4.25 oz after squeezing)
- 1 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs (whole wheat or gluten-free)
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 tablespoon grated red onion
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- Oil spray
Nutritional Values
Calories: 805 kcal | Carbohydrates: 22.5 g | Protein: 90 g | Fat: 35 g | Cholesterol: 325 mg | Sodium: 1925 mg | Fiber: 5 g | Sugar: 5 g
FAQ
- Why is zucchini added to turkey burgers?
- Grating zucchini into turkey burgers makes them exceptionally juicy and adds a dose of vegetables, making them healthier. It also stretches the recipe to yield more patties, reducing calories per serving.
- How should I prepare the zucchini for the turkey burgers?
- Use a box grater to finely shred the zucchini, then squeeze out all the moisture with paper towels to prevent the burgers from becoming soggy.
- Can these turkey burgers be cooked on a grill?
- Yes, these burgers can be grilled. It’s recommended to prepare the patties in advance and refrigerate them overnight for better shape retention. Ensure the grill is clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
- What is the best way to cook these turkey burgers using an air fryer?
- Preheat the air fryer to 370°F. Cook the patties in a single layer in two batches for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re browned and cooked thoroughly.
- Are there any dietary modifications for this recipe?
- To make the recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the breadcrumbs with a gluten-free variety.
Tips
- Ensure you thoroughly squeeze out all the moisture from the grated zucchini using paper towels to prevent the turkey burgers from becoming too soggy.
- Prepare the patties ahead of time and refrigerate them overnight if you’re planning to grill, as this helps maintain their shape during cooking.
- For a perfect sear on the stove, heat the pan before adding the burgers, then lower the heat to cook them through without burning.
- If using an air fryer, cook the burgers in batches to ensure even cooking and prevent overcrowding, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.
Equipment
- Air fryer (if using the air fryer method)
- Box grater or a mini chopper (for grating zucchini, onion, and garlic)
- Nonstick skillet (if opting for the stovetop method)
