These turkey burgers are juicy and tasty, topped with sweet caramelized onions and a splash of balsamic vinegar. They are quick to prepare and perfect for a grill-out!
Whenever I make these, my family can’t get enough! I like to serve them on a fresh bun with some lettuce and tomato—it makes for a delicious meal everyone enjoys!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A must for cooking the onions, but you can use butter or avocado oil for a different flavor. I love the richness of butter—it adds a nice touch!
Onions: Yellow onions are great for caramelizing, but red onions can add a sweeter taste and a pop of color. If you need to avoid onions, try sautéing mushrooms instead for a different but delicious topping.
Balsamic Vinegar: This vinegar gives the onions a sweet tang. If you don’t have it, a mix of apple cider vinegar and a little sugar can work in a pinch. I’ve even used red wine vinegar before and liked the results!
Ground Turkey: Lean turkey keeps the burgers light, but feel free to use ground chicken or even lean beef. I’ve made these with ground chicken when turkey was not available, and they still turned out juicy!
Cheese: Provolone or Swiss melts beautifully over these patties, but feel free to use any cheese you love. Pepper jack adds a great kick if you’re a fan of spice!
How Do You Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions is all about patience and low heat. Here’s how to do it right!
- Start with a large skillet on medium heat. Add the olive oil and then the onions. Sprinkle with a bit of salt to help them release moisture.
- Stir occasionally, allowing them to soften. This can take 15-20 minutes. The aim is for them to turn golden brown and sweet, so don’t rush!
- Add the balsamic vinegar toward the end, letting it reduce to create a sticky glaze. This will enhance the natural sweetness of the onions.
Remember, the slower you cook, the more flavor you’ll extract, so enjoy the process!
Easy Balsamic Caramelized Onion Turkey Burgers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for onions)
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 pound ground turkey (preferably lean)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to season turkey patties
- 4 slices of cheese (e.g., provolone, Swiss, or mozzarella)
- 4 whole wheat burger buns, toasted
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, giving it a total time of about 40 minutes. It’s a quick and tasty option for dinner or a weekend BBQ that everyone will love!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelizing the Onions:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. Stir them occasionally, allowing the onions to soften and become golden brown. This process will take about 15-20 minutes. Patience here is key!
2. Adding Balsamic Vinegar:
Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the balsamic vinegar. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until the vinegar reduces and becomes sticky. When done, remove the skillet from the heat and set the onions aside.
3. Mixing the Turkey Patties:
In a medium bowl, combine the ground turkey with garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme (if you’re using it), salt, and pepper. Mix gently with your hands or a spoon, but be careful not to overwork the meat!
4. Forming the Patties:
Divide the turkey mixture into 4 equal portions and form them into patties. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty – this will help them cook evenly.
5. Cooking the Patties:
Preheat a grill or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the turkey patties for about 5-6 minutes on each side or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures they are fully cooked while remaining juicy.
6. Melting the Cheese:
In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Cover the grill or skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt beautifully.
7. Toasting the Buns:
While the cheese melts, toast your burger buns lightly on the grill or in a toaster until they’re golden brown. This adds a nice texture to your burgers!
8. Assembling the Burgers:
Now, it’s time to assemble! Place each cheesy turkey patty on the bottom half of a toasted bun. Top it generously with the balsamic caramelized onions, then crown it with the top bun.
9. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Easy Balsamic Caramelized Onion Turkey Burgers are ready to be devoured! Serve them immediately with your favorite sides, and enjoy the sweet-tangy flavors!
FAQ for Easy Balsamic Caramelized Onion Turkey Burgers
Can I Use Ground Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Yes, ground chicken works perfectly as a substitute! It will yield similar results, and you can follow the same cooking instructions to ensure they are juicy and flavorful.
What If I Don’t Have Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar, you can use apple cider vinegar mixed with a little sugar or honey for sweetness. Red wine vinegar can also work in this recipe for a slightly different but still delicious flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover turkey burgers and caramelized onions in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on a skillet until heated through, adding a splash of water to keep them moist if needed.
Can I Make the Caramelized Onions Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can caramelize the onions up to 2 days in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat them in a skillet before serving on your burgers to bring back that delicious, rich flavor!
