If you’re looking for a turkey burger with a little more personality, these Mediterranean turkey burgers are definitely worth trying. They’re packed with feta, fresh herbs, green olives, garlic, and a hint of lemon, so every bite is full of bright, savory flavor.
They’re easy enough for a weeknight dinner and work just as well on the grill as they do in a skillet. Make a batch, add your favorite toppings, and you’ve got a burger that’s anything but boring.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs. ground turkey
- ¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup finely grated onion
- 2 garlic cloves, grated or minced
- ¼ cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
- ¼ cup finely chopped green olives
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Directions
Step 1: Mix the Burger Ingredients
First, add the ground turkey, feta, grated onion, garlic, parsley, mint, olives, egg, panko breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, oregano, salt, pepper, and olive oil to a large bowl. Using your hands (or a fork), gently mix everything together until the ingredients are combined. Try not to overwork the mixture though.
Step 2: Shape the Patties
Next, divide the turkey mixture into 6 equal portions and then shape each portion into a patty about ½ inch thick. After that, you’ll want to press a small indentation into the center of each patty with your thumb. This little trick actually helps the burgers cook more evenly and keeps them from puffing up in the middle.
Step 3: Chill the Burgers
Once the patties are shaped, place them on a plate or baking sheet and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. This gives the patties time to firm up, which makes them easier to handle and helps them hold their shape while they cook. It’s a small step, but it’s worth it!
Step 4: Heat Your Cooking Surface
While the burgers are chilling, heat a large skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill over medium heat. Once it’s hot, lightly oil the cooking surface. This will help prevent the burgers from sticking and make flipping them much easier.
Step 5: Cook the Burgers
Now it’s time to cook. Place the chilled patties on the hot cooking surface and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until they’re nicely golden brown and cooked through. Because these are turkey burgers, be sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before taking them off the heat. (A meat thermometer is the easiest way to check.)
Step 6: Let Them Rest
Once the burgers are cooked, transfer them to a clean plate and let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. During this short resting period, the juices have a chance to settle back into the burgers, helping keep them moist and flavorful.
Step 7: Serve Them Up
Finally, pile the burgers onto your favorite buns and add whatever toppings you like. Fresh greens, juicy tomato, crisp cucumber, red onion, and a creamy sauce all pair beautifully with the Mediterranean flavors. If you’re skipping the bun, you can also serve the burgers over a fresh salad for a lighter option.
With salty feta, fresh herbs, briny olives, and a bright little pop of lemon, these turkey burgers bring plenty of Mediterranean flavor to the table without requiring much extra effort. They’re simple enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to make you look forward to leftovers!
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