Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe

Intro

There is something I want to tell you–ya ever felt betrayed by a dry, woe-some turkey burger?… same. The least desired item on cookout menus was turkey burgers, which were, long and long, the I guess choice: well-meaning, the sort of pale stuff and generally overcooked into hockey pucks. 

However, one day, as I continued my never-ending quest of finding weekly dinner meals that are delicious and healthier, I got sucked into the world of the Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe – and, frankly speaking, it altered everything.

Ina Garten (my eternal kitchen fairy-godmother) can make even simple food comfortable, sophisticated, and self-assured. And her turkey burgers? They are fat, full of herbs, onion scented, and perfectly balanced. Not timid, not dry, not at all, but simple, pure, and delicious comfort in a bun.

Now here is mine–warm, informal, gossiping, chatting, and deep-dressed, and with the same heart I give to all my food. And believe me, girl, this is the recipe that makes turkey burgers really worth the effort.

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What Is the Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger?

Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe is one of the best-known recipes by Ina Garten, which is her iconic reinterpretation of a healthier burger, which still has some real flavor (hallelujah). She needs to add flavor, not through fat, but with onions sautéed, Worcestershire, Dijon mustard, and enough seasoning to make a difference, since turkey is notoriously lean.

It is simply a turkey burger emanated into brightness:

• juicy, not dry
  
• savory, not bland
  
• tender, not crumbly
  
• simple, not boring
  

Your pan-seared or grilled to a gorgeous golden and served on toasted buns, these burgers can be topped with anything you want to your heart cold avocado, tomato, pickles, melting cheese… go crazy.

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The Account of My Discovery of This

The Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe was not my choice per se, but rather it chose me.

I recall once walking into a grocery store in the evening, tired and hungry, and as I was doing the mental calculation of what could be cooked within half an hour. I noticed there was ground turkey, and I wondered Why not? As well as PTSD in the past disasters of turkey burgers.

The recipe of Ina popped into my mind like a food angel.

I had gone home, cooked the recipe with some of my own additions to it, and as I ate the first bite, I said aloud: Wait, I can be eating turkey burgers and it can taste like this?

Today, they have become a regular dish in my kitchen.

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Equipment You’ll Need

Nothing fancy — just basics:

• Large mixing bowl
  
• Skillet or grill pan
  
• Wooden spoon
  
• Cutting board and knife
  
• Measuring spoons
  
• Spatula
  
• Small sauté pan
  
• Plate for shaping burgers
  

Optional, yet strongly advised:

• Food thermometer (so they will cook to perfection)
  
• Grill (if you want smoky vibes)
  

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Ingredients For Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe

For the turkey burgers:

• 2 cups of stock (or water)
  
• 1/2 lb portion of ground turkey (choose it, when possible, with 93/7 juiciness)
  
• 1 medium onion, finely diced
  
• 2 tbsp olive oil (greater amount to cook)
  
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  
• ¼ cup parsley, finely chopped
  
• 1 tsp salt
  
• ½ tsp black pepper
  
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
  
• 1 egg (additional, to provide more moisture and binding)
  
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (less depending on consistency)
  

For serving:

• Brioche or whole wheat buns
  
• Lettuce
  
• Tomato slices
  
• Avocado
  
• Red onion slices
  
• Pickles
  
• Cheese (Swiss cheese, cheddar cheese, provolone cheese or pepper jack cheese)
  
• Favorite sauces (mayo, aioli, mustard)
  

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Instructions For Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe

1. Sauté the onions

The trick of Ina is not to add raw onions. Turkey burgers contain raw onions that make the burgers disintegrate and remain bitter.

Heat a little olive oil in a small pan and fry chopped onion till soft and slightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool.

2. Mix the turkey base

In a large bowl, combine:

• ground turkey
  
• sautéed onions
  
• garlic
  
• Dijon
  
• Worcestershire
  
• parsley
  
• spices
  
• egg (if using)
  
• panko
  

Work it by hand; do not overwork it, or they will close up the burgers.

3. Form patties

Mold into 4-6 patties, according to your preference of thickness. Using your thumb, slightly flatten the middle of each patty so that they can cook evenly.

4. Cook the burgers

Stovetop:

Warm some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook burgers 5-6 minutes on a side till golden and cooked.

Grill:

Brush patties using oil and grill 6 to 6 minutes a side on medium heat.

Bake until the interior temperature is 165 o C (74 o F).

5. Toast the buns

This is non-negotiable. The burger is made to look deliberate and high-end with a toasted bun.

6. Assemble and serve

Make your own dream burger – add cheese to the burger when it is hot because it will melt perfectly.

Serve immediately.

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Flavor Breakdown: Why Are These Burgers So Good

Now, about flavor, we can discuss it because a turkey burger that is not well-seasoned is simply turkey mush.

And this is what makes this recipe interesting:

• Onions (cooked, not raw)
  They add sweetness, moistness, and softness.
  
• Dijon mustard
  Gives it that gustation and flavor – it revives the turkey.
  
• Worcestershire sauce
  Umami bomb! Enriches turkey and makes it beef-ier, without beef.
  
• Parsley
  Fresh, herby brightness.
  
• Garlic
  Since everything belongs to garlic.
  
• Smoked paprika
  Some warmth, some smoke, some magic.
  
• Panko
  Assists the burgers not to be hard but to be soft.
  
• Egg
  Someone can add it, but it is good to stick together and juicy.
  

All these combine to bring out the flavor without making the turkey too salty.

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Serving Ideas: Build-Your-Own Turkey Burger Bar

If you’re hosting? This is a super fun setup.

Toppings:

• Sliced avocado
  
• Caramelized onions
  
• Sautéed mushrooms
  
• Jalapeños
  
• Pickles
  
• Lettuce, tomato, red onion
  
• Bacon strips
  

Cheeses:

• Cheddar
  
• Provolone
  
• Pepper jack
  
• Swiss
  

Sauces:

• Garlic aioli
  
• Sriracha mayo
  
• Dijon mustard
  
• BBQ sauce
  
• Ranch (truth to tell, ranch does everything)
  

It is just to line everything up and leave people to create their own masterpiece.

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How to Keep Turkey Burgers Juicy Every Time

The thing is that here, turkey would like to be dry. That is simply the character of lean meat. But here are my chief tips as a cook to preserve that juiciness:

1. Don’t overmix
   
2. Add moisture (onions + egg)
   
3. Bake at medium heat – never at high heat.
   
4. Don’t press the patties
   
5. Rest the burgers for 3 minutes
   

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Variations to Play With

As turkey burgers are a blank canvas, make attempts with the following:

Mediterranean Turkey Burgers.

• Add feta cheese
  
• Chopped spinach
  
• Dill + oregano
  
• Lemon zest
  Serve with tzatziki.
  

Hot Chipotle Turkey Burgers.

• Chipotle in adobo
  
• Red pepper flakes
  
• Pepper Jack cheese
  

Turkey Burgers in the Italian Style.

• Parmesan
  
• Basil
  
• Italian breadcrumbs
  Garnish with marinara on top.
  

Garden Veggie Turkey Burgers.

• Grated zucchini
  
• Shredded carrot
  
• Fresh basil
  

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Side Dishes That Love Turkey Burgers

Some perfect pairings:

• Sweet potato fries
  
• Caesar salad
  
• Corn on the cob
  
• Roasted garlic potatoes
  
• Cucumber tomato salad
  
• Baked zucchini fries
  
• Mac & cheese (yes, please)
  

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Storage & Freezing Tips

To Store:

Patties may be stored in a container, airtight:

• 3–4 days in the fridge
  

To Freeze (raw or cooked):

Patties should be frozen separately and stored in a freezer bag.

• Raw patties: freeze no more than 3 months.
  
• patties cooked: freeze not more than 2 months.
  

Reheat:

Heat in a skillet using a splash of water and a cover. Keeps them soft and juicy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to substitute with ground chicken?
Yes! Ready, same recipe, same instructions.

Why are my turkey burgers disintegrating?
You should add more binder: egg, sauteed onions, or some additional panko.

Can I grill these?
Yes, but put the patties on ice to stiffen them.

Can I make them spicy?
Add hot sauce, cayenne, or sliced jalapeño.

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Final Thoughts

The Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe is evidence that does not mean that light food should be light in taste. It may be insolent, fat, fragrant, and most fulfilling. To this day, this recipe has become one of my weeknight dinner fixes, my meal prep Sundays, or even a weekend cookout.

And as a cook, I am admittedly much fond of the food that seems to be effortless to cook but tastes so good and tasty, and these turkey burgers fit the definition perfectly.

More Delicious Recipes:

• Blue Dog Soda Recipe
• Edgar’s Strawberry Cake Recipe
• Cajun Ninja Crawfish Etouffee Recipe