Description
Craving a juicy, healthy burger with a Greek twist? These Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce are your perfect choice! Featuring lean turkey patties packed with sweet onion, garlic, parsley, and oregano, paired with a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce, crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion on whole-wheat buns, this dish is a delightful blend of savory, herbaceous, and fresh flavors
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce. Each ingredient adds to the savory, tangy, and fresh magic.
Turkey Burgers
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (1 Tbsp): Enhances sautéing and flavor.
- Sweet Onion (1, minced): Adds sweet, savory depth.
- Garlic Cloves (2, minced): Brings bold, aromatic flavor.
- Egg (1): Binds the patties for structure.
- Fresh Parsley (½ cup, chopped): Infuses vibrant, herbaceous notes.
- Dried Oregano (½ tsp): Adds classic Greek flavor.
- Red-Pepper Flakes (¼ tsp): Provides a subtle spicy kick.
- Ground Turkey (1 lb): Offers lean, tender protein.
- Bread Crumbs (¾ cup): Adds texture and helps bind patties.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Balances flavors.
Tzatziki Sauce
- Greek Yogurt (1 cup): Creates a creamy, tangy base.
- European Cucumber (½, diced): Adds cool, crisp texture.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (1 Tbsp): Enhances richness.
- Lemon Juice (2 Tbsp): Brings bright, tangy acidity.
- Garlic Powder (1 pinch): Adds subtle savory depth.
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (to taste): Balances flavors.
- Fresh Parsley (¼ cup, chopped): Infuses herbaceous freshness.
Burger Toppings
- Whole-Wheat Hamburger Buns (4): Provide a hearty, slightly nutty base.
- Red Onion (½, sliced): Adds sharp, crunchy contrast.
- Boston Lettuce Leaves (8): Offer crisp, fresh greens.
- Tomatoes (2, sliced): Provide juicy, sweet flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
- Ground Turkey: Swap with ground chicken, beef, or plant-based meat for vegetarian.
- Bread Crumbs: Use gluten-free bread crumbs or almond flour for keto (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
- Whole-Wheat Buns: Replace with gluten-free buns, keto buns, or lettuce wraps for keto.
- Greek Yogurt: Swap with vegan yogurt for dairy-free or sour cream for non-vegan.
- Keto Adjustment: Use almond flour, keto buns or lettuce wraps, and reduce onion (~2–3g net carbs per serving).
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bread crumbs and buns; ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
- Vegan Version: Swap turkey with plant-based meat and yogurt with vegan yogurt.
- Spicy Version: Increase red-pepper flakes to ½ tsp or add a sliced jalapeño to toppings.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Turkey Mixture
- Heat 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add 1 minced sweet onion and cook until tender, 3–4 minutes.
- Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
- In a medium bowl, mix the cooled onion mixture with 1 egg, ½ cup chopped parsley, ½ tsp dried oregano, ¼ tsp red-pepper flakes, and 1 lb ground turkey.
- Add ¾ cup bread crumbs, season with kosher salt and black pepper, and mix until just combined.
Tip: Cool onion mixture fully to avoid cooking the egg; mix gently to keep patties tender.
Step 2: Cook the Burgers
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Form the turkey mixture into four equal patties.
- Heat a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and spray generously with nonstick cooking spray.
- Sear patties for 4–5 minutes per side until well browned.
- Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake until burgers reach 165°F internally, 15–17 minutes.
Tip: Press patties gently to ensure even thickness; use a meat thermometer to check doneness.
Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
- In a medium bowl, mix 1 cup Greek yogurt, ½ diced European cucumber, 1 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, and a pinch of garlic powder.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper, then stir in ¼ cup chopped parsley.
Tip: Dice cucumber finely for a smooth sauce; refrigerate until ready to use for best flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Burgers
- Place each cooked burger on the bottom half of a whole-wheat bun.
- Top each with ~¼ cup tzatziki sauce, 2 Boston lettuce leaves, 2 tomato slices, and a few red onion slices.
- Add the top half of the bun.
Tip: Toast buns lightly for extra texture; assemble just before serving to keep buns fresh.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve immediately with extra tzatziki sauce on the side.
Tip: Offer extra toppings like pickles or olives for customization; serve hot for the best experience.