These Healthy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers are packed with flavor! The turkey is blended with honey and spicy jalapeños, creating a tasty mix that will have your taste buds dancing.
The creamy avocado sauce on top adds a smooth, delicious touch. I like to serve these burgers with a side of crispy veggies for a fun, healthy meal that everyone will love!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey: Lean ground turkey is the base of these burgers, making them a healthier option. If you prefer, you can substitute with ground chicken or beef for a different flavor.
Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños give the burgers a nice kick. You can adjust the heat by using fewer peppers or swapping in mild peppers like poblano for a milder taste.
Honey: This adds a subtle sweetness to balance the heat. If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, try using agave syrup or maple syrup instead.
Greek Yogurt: It makes the avocado sauce creamy and adds protein. Plain yogurt or sour cream can serve as alternatives. For dairy-free options, use coconut yogurt.
Buns: Brioche buns provide a soft, buttery contrast. Whole grain or gluten-free buns are excellent substitutes if you prefer something heartier or need a gluten-free option.
How Do You Make the Perfect Turkey Burger?
Creating juicy turkey burgers can be tricky, but a few tips can help. Mixing the ingredients just until combined prevents them from becoming tough. Here’s how to ensure yours are perfect:
- Chill the Patties: After forming the patties, chilling them helps keep their shape during cooking.
- Don’t Overcook: Cooking turkey burgers to an internal temp of 165°F (74°C) ensures they’re safe to eat while remaining juicy.
- Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the burgers rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, enhancing flavor and texture.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have deliciously juicy turkey burgers ready for your next meal!
Healthy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with Creamy Avocado Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1.5 pounds ground turkey (preferably lean)
- 1-2 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
For the Creamy Avocado Sauce:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Water, as needed for thinning
For the Toppings and Assembly:
- 6 small brioche or sandwich buns, toasted
- Fresh corn kernels (about 1 cup, can use fresh or thawed frozen)
- Additional sliced jalapeño for garnish (optional)
- Extra chopped red onion
- Fresh cilantro sprigs
- Lime wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This entire recipe takes about 30 minutes to prepare, including the cooking time. You’ll spend around 10-15 minutes mixing and forming the patties, and another 15-20 minutes cooking them to juicy perfection! Quick and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Turkey Burger Mixture:
In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped jalapeños, honey, chopped red onion, minced garlic, cilantro, cumin, smoked paprika, along with salt and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly; just make sure not to overwork the meat to keep the burgers tender!
2. Form Patties:
Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions. Shape each portion into a patty that’s about 3/4 inch thick. Place the patties on a plate and pop them into the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. This helps them firm up and hold their shape while cooking.
3. Make the Avocado Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro leaves, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Blend until everything is nice and smooth. If it’s too thick, just add water a tablespoon at a time until you get a creamy, spreadable consistency. Taste and adjust with more salt or lime juice if needed!
4. Cook the Turkey Burgers:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Place the patties in the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Toast the Buns:
While the burgers are cooking, lightly toast the brioche buns in a separate skillet or toaster until they are golden and slightly crispy. This adds great texture!
6. Assemble the Burgers:
Spread a generous layer of the creamy avocado sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a turkey patty on top, then add fresh corn kernels, extra sliced jalapeños if you like, chopped red onion, and cilantro leaves. Finally, cap it with the top half of the bun.
7. Serve:
Dig into your healthy honey jalapeño turkey burgers right away, served with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Feel free to drizzle on more avocado sauce if you’re feeling indulgent!
Enjoy your flavorful and healthy Honey Jalapeño Turkey Burgers with creamy avocado sauce—perfect for a fresh, vibrant meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Yes! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will work just as well. It may have a different flavor profile, but it will still be deliciously flavorful when mixed with the jalapeños and spices.
Can I Make the Avocado Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the avocado sauce up to a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent browning, make sure to press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce before sealing the container.
How to Adjust the Heat Level?
If you prefer a milder burger, use just one jalapeño or remove the seeds and membranes before chopping. Alternatively, if you want more heat, feel free to add more jalapeños or use a spicier pepper!
What is the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover burgers and avocado sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the patties in a skillet or microwave, and give the avocado sauce a stir before using it again!
