Juicy Turkey Burgers with Fresh Parsley and Smoked Paprika Recipe
Introduction
These turkey burgers are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make. Packed with seasonings and fresh parsley, they offer a delicious, healthier alternative to traditional beef burgers. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend cookout.

Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey thighs (93% lean)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon other salt)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chopped parsley. Mix gently until evenly incorporated.
- Step 2: With moist hands for easier handling, form the mixture into four patties, each about ½-inch thick.
- Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Step 4: Add the patties to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side.
- Step 5: Serve the turkey burgers immediately with your favorite toppings and buns.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey thighs for more moisture and flavor compared to lean breast meat.
- For added spice, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder.
- Try serving the burgers with avocado or a slice of cheese for extra richness.
- To keep patties from sticking, make sure your hands are moist when forming them.
Storage
Store cooked turkey burgers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through to maintain juiciness. You can also freeze cooked patties for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but ground turkey breast is leaner and can result in drier burgers. Adding a bit more mayonnaise or an egg can help keep them moist.
How do I know when the turkey burgers are fully cooked?
Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. The burgers should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside.
PrintJuicy Turkey Burgers with Fresh Parsley and Smoked Paprika Recipe
This flavorful turkey burger recipe features lean ground turkey thighs combined with aromatic spices and fresh parsley, pan-fried to juicy perfection. It’s a quick and delicious alternative to beef burgers, perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Turkey Burger Mixture
- 1 pound ground turkey thighs (93% lean)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (or ½ teaspoon other kosher salt)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
For Cooking
- 4 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine ground turkey, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all flavors.
- Form Patties: With slightly moist hands to prevent sticking, shape the mixture into four ½-inch-thick burger patties, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Heat Oil: Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil, allowing it to warm until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook Burgers: Place the patties in the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Serve: Remove the burgers from the skillet and serve immediately while hot, with your favorite burger buns and toppings if desired.
Notes
- Use ground turkey thighs for juicier, more flavorful burgers compared to lean breast meat.
- Moistening your hands helps prevent the meat from sticking when forming patties.
- Ensure the burgers reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F to avoid foodborne illness.
- Feel free to customize toppings such as lettuce, tomato, avocado, or cheese.
- Leftover cooked patties can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Keywords: turkey burgers, ground turkey, healthy burger, pan-fried turkey patties, lean turkey recipe

