Ingredients
Turkey Burgers
- 2 jalapeños
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
- 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 slices smoked gouda or cheddar cheese
- 4 burger buns, toasted
- 2 avocados, lightly mashed
- Juice from 1 lime
- Chipotle mayo, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, for serving
Crispy Onions
- 2 large white onions, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Oil, for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- Char Jalapeños: Preheat the broiler to high. Place the whole jalapeños on a baking sheet and broil until charred all over, approximately 5 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool, then seed and finely chop.
- Make Burger Patties: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped jalapeños, ground turkey, grated cheddar, panko bread crumbs, egg, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined. Shape the mixture into four evenly sized burger patties.
- Grill Burgers: Preheat an outdoor grill or grill pan to high heat. Grill the patties for about 5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through. In the last minute of cooking, place a slice of smoked gouda or cheddar on each patty to melt.
- Prepare Crispy Onions – Heat Oil: Heat a large pot with oil to 375°F (190°C). Test the temperature by sprinkling a pinch of flour into the oil—it should sizzle immediately.
- Soak Onions: Place the thinly sliced onions in a large bowl and cover with buttermilk. Use your hand to fully submerge and soak the onions for a few minutes.
- Coat Onions & Fry: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour and a pinch of kosher salt. Remove a handful of onions from the buttermilk, dredge them thoroughly in the flour mixture, and shake off excess. Carefully drop them into the hot oil and gently separate them with a spoon. Fry for 1–2 minutes until golden brown.
- Drain Onions: Remove the fried onions with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with remaining onions. Serve immediately or keep warm in a 300°F oven for up to 5 minutes before serving.
- Assemble Burgers: Spread chipotle mayo on the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Place the grilled turkey burger topped with melted cheese on top. Add a layer of lightly mashed avocado mixed with fresh lime juice and a pinch of salt. Top with crispy onions and fresh cilantro, then cover with the bun tops.
- Serve: Serve the burgers immediately while warm and enjoy the perfect balance of smoky, spicy, creamy, and crunchy flavors.
Notes
- Charred jalapeños add smoky heat; adjust quantity according to spice preference.
- Make sure oil is at the correct temperature (375°F) before frying to achieve crispy onions.
- Crispy onions are best served fresh but can be kept warm briefly in the oven.
- Substitute ground chicken for turkey if preferred.
- Use gluten-free panko or flour for a gluten-free version, but adjust diet label accordingly.
- Leftover crispy onions can be stored in an airtight container but will lose crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
