Grilled Turkey Burgers with Smoky Aioli

August 15, 2011

Yes, I’ve shared this one before. But it’s hands down one of my favorite burgers and I decided it deserved a better picture and a second debut. I’m not usually big on putting mayonnaise on anything. Call me a mustard girl. But when you take that mayo, add a little lemon and garlic (and in this case some fabulous spices) and call it aioli, it’s exponentially more appealing. For the juiciest turkey burger I recommend pure ground turkey thigh. And for buttery, soft, and fluffy hamburger rolls (that you’ll want to eat with everything– not just your burger) try this recipe.

8/29/10: This is no girly turkey burger. There’s nothing light or wimpy about it. (OK, it is made with ground turkey breast or thigh, which is much leaner than beef, but you’ll see what I mean.) Because it’s smothered in a blanket of sharp Cheddar cheese and then topped with a dollop of smokey aioli (a spiced mayonnaise-garlic blend). And then there’s tender charred red peppers and onions, peppery arugula, and a soft brioche bun. This is a killer dinner. Thank you Bon Appetit, for making my taste buds sing!

Grilled Turkey Burgers with Smoky Aioli

INGREDIENTS

Smoky Aioli:
1/4 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. ground corinader
3/4 tsp. smoked paprika
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2 clove garlic, minced
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 lb. ground turkey breast or thigh
salt and freshly ground black pepper
extra virgin olive oil
4 thick slices red onion
1 large red bell pepper, quartered
4 slices sharp white cheddar cheese (I used smoked cheddar)
4 whole wheat burger buns
arugula or spring mix

DIRECTIONS

1. To make the aioli, whisk to combine the spices, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and garlic in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Preheat outdoor grill or indoor grill pan to medium-high heat.

3. In a medium bowl, combine the turkey and 2 Tbsp. of the aioli. Form into four evenly sized patties.Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

4. Brush onions and peppers with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Grill until tender and slightly charred on each side.

5. Grill turkey burgers, topping with the cheese before they are done cooking to allow the cheese to melt. Place on a bun and top with peppers, onions, smokey aioli, and arugula.

Makes 4 burgers.

(Adapted from Bon Appetit)

5 thoughts on “Grilled Turkey Burgers with Smoky Aioli

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  3. Kristin

    Okay, thanks for your help!! I think I’ll give it a try. These burgers look so delicious, I’m excited to try them (and have the ease of pulling an already prepped patty from the freezer once baby is here!!) Good luck with everything as you also transition into parenthood!

    Reply
  4. Jessie

    Kristin- I should probably start thinking about making meals, too! You’ve inspired me! I think you could probably freeze them (raw, I’m assuming) and then just defrost before grilling. They might not taste quite as fresh but it’s worth the convenience!

    Reply
  5. Kristin

    Hi Jessie, I’m preparing freezer meals since our baby girl is due in about 6 weeks. Do you think these turkey burger patties would freeze well? I was thinking of freezing the patties in advance and making the smoky aioli at the time we go to eat them. Thanks for the tips!

    Reply

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