Mediterranean Turkey Burgers

• Prep time: 10 minutes (+30 minutes to marinate)

Prepare the Turkey Patties:

• In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes until sizzling hot. Add onions and garlic and sauté until tender and nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes. Set aside on a plate for 5 minutes to cool down slightly.
• In a large mixing bowl, add ground turkey, sautéed onion and garlic, breadcrumbs, dill, lemon juice, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir well with a spatula to combine everything together (or use your hands to press the ingredients together to evenly combine).
• Shape the ground turkey mixture into a firm ball. This helps the mixture bind together to yield firm patties. Cover the bowl with plastic cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to overnight.
• Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal parts and use your hands to roll them into balls. Then, shape them into patties by flattening them in the palm of your hand until they are about 1/2-inch thick.

Cook the Turkey Patties:

• Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling hot, about 2 minutes. Place patties on the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes until nicely seared and starting to brown up the sides. Flip the patties over and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the internal temperature for the patties reaches 165 F as read on a meat thermometer.

Assemble the Turkey Burgers:

• Slice the hamburger buns in half and toast them on the grill, if desired.
• On each hamburger bun, add a piece of lettuce and a turkey patty. Drizzle 1 to 2 tablespoons of tzatziki sauce on top, and top the patty with a slice of tomato. Place the top half of the bun on top to assemble the burger.
• Serve with a side of crispy french fries or a side salad such as coleslaw or macaroni salad.

Make-ahead instructions: You can marinate and store the turkey mixture in an airtight container (or tightly covered in cling wrap), or shape the patties, stack them up between layers of parchment paper and store in an airtight container. Either way, it will keep for up to 1-2 days in the refrigerator.

How to freeze: You can easily freeze uncooked Mediterranean turkey burger patties for up to 3 months. Place them on a parchment-lined baking tray and into the freezer for an hour. Then, stack them up and layer small squares of parchment paper in between. Tightly wrap the stack in plastic cling wrap and store in an airtight container or freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To cook, first defrost overnight in the refrigerator, then follow recipe instructions.

How to tell if the turkey burger is cooked: An instant read meat thermometer is the tool that I recommend using for checking for doneness when cooking turkey. To get a quick measurement, just insert the thermometer halfway inside the patty for a reading.

How to store: Store cooked turkey burger patties (once cooled to room temperature) in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, heat on the stovetop over medium-low heat until warmed through, about 5-10 minutes.

How to cook in the oven: You can also cook these turkey burgers in the oven at 425 F for 15 minutes, or broil on low for 4-5 minutes per side. Either way, the turkey will be done once the internal temperature reaches 165 F.