Anyone who has tried to substitute beef for turkey in a burger knows that keeping it moist can be a bit challenging. Sure, it is by far healthier, but can you still get a good flavor?
I will admit, I was starting to give up, until I found this recipe in Bon Appetit. Added to the turkey is a smoky aioli which gives the burgers amazing moistness and flavor. Give this one a whirl if you aren’t a fan of the healthier turkey burger – it might make you a believer.
GRILLED TURKEY BURGERS WITH CHEDDAR AND SMOKY AIOLI
Serves 4
1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds (or use ground)
1/2 teaspoon coriander seeds (or use ground)
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil plus additional for brushing
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1 garlic clove, pressed
1 pound ground dark-meat turkey
4 slices white cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
4 sesame-seed hamburger buns
Toast cumin seeds and coriander seeds in small skillet over medium-high heat until aromatic and slightly darker in color, shaking skillet often, about 1 1/2 minutes. Cool. Finely grind toasted seeds in spice grinder or in mortar with pestle. Whisk mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic, and ground spices in small bowl. Season aioli to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Aioli can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.
Place turkey in medium bowl. Add 2 tablespoons aioli; mix gently. Using damp hands, divide turkey mixture into 4 equal portions, then form each into scant 3/4-inch thick patty, about 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Using thumb, make small indentation in center of each burger. DO AHEAD: Can be made 4 hours ahead. Cover and chill.
Prepare barbecue (medium-high heat). Sprinkle burgers with salt and pepper. Grill turkey burgers 5 minutes. Turn over; grill until almost cooked through, about 4 minutes. Top each burger with 1 cheese slice and grill until meat is cooked through and cheese melts, about 1 minute longer. Place 1 turkey burger on each of 4 bun bottoms. Top each with dollop of aioli and whatever else you would like on your burger. Cover burgers with bun tops.
