Delicious & Healthy BBQ Turkey Burgers with Creamy Greek Yogurt Slaw
Craving a burger that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly light? Look no further than our **BBQ Turkey and Greek Yogurt ‘Slaw Burgers**! These aren’t just any turkey burgers; they’re packed with a fantastic blend of spices, a rich barbecue kick, and topped with a refreshing, creamy coleslaw made with tangy Greek yogurt. You get all the juicy satisfaction of a traditional burger, but with a fraction of the fat and an explosion of taste that will have you coming back for more.
The Irresistible Appeal of a Healthier Burger
Our kitchen has been buzzing with requests for more delicious, hearty burger recipes, especially after the runaway success of our Sweet Chilli and Sour Cream Chicken Burgers. We heard you loud and clear: less fuss with salads, more focus on a truly satisfying, juicy patty. This recipe delivers exactly that, but with a smart twist. By opting for lean ground turkey and a Greek yogurt-based coleslaw, we’ve created a burger that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture while offering a healthier alternative to its beefier counterparts.
Turkey burgers often get a bad rap for being dry or bland, but with the right ingredients and cooking techniques, they can be incredibly moist and bursting with flavor. Our recipe ensures each patty is not just thick and juicy, but also infused with aromatic garlic, zesty red onion, a hint of Worcestershire, and a vibrant blend of paprika and chili flakes. The result is a robust, savory turkey burger that stands proudly on its own, enhanced by a sweet and smoky barbecue sauce.
The Secret to a Luscious Slaw: Greek Yogurt Perfection
What truly elevates these BBQ Turkey Burgers is the ingenious use of a Greek Yogurt ‘Slaw. Forget heavy, mayo-laden coleslaw that can overwhelm your palate. Our version incorporates Greek yogurt, adding a delightful tang and a velvety creaminess that perfectly complements the rich turkey patty. Not only does it significantly reduce the fat content, but it also boosts the protein, making your meal even more satisfying. The mixture of crisp cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers in the coleslaw mix provides an essential crunchy texture with every single bite, creating a beautiful balance against the tender burger.
Mastering Your Turkey Burger Patties: Tips for Success
Creating the perfect turkey burger starts with the patty itself. The key is to combine all the ingredients thoroughly without overworking the meat. In a large bowl, mix the extra lean ground turkey with crushed garlic, grated red onion (which adds moisture and flavor), a binding egg, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, panko breadcrumbs for structure, fresh parsley, ground paprika, and red chili flakes for that irresistible kick. Don’t be shy – use your hands to ensure everything is evenly distributed. This hands-on approach helps integrate the spices and seasonings into every fiber of the turkey, preventing bland spots and ensuring a cohesive patty.
Once mixed, divide the mixture into five equal portions and press them firmly into shape. A common mistake is to make turkey patties too thin, which can lead to dryness. Aim for a thickness that allows for a juicy center while still cooking through efficiently. A good trick is to make a slight indentation in the center of each patty; this prevents them from puffing up in the middle during cooking, ensuring a flat surface for toppings.
Cooking Your Turkey Burgers: Grill or Stovetop?
Whether you prefer the smoky char of the grill or the even sear of a stovetop pan, these turkey burgers are incredibly versatile. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The direct heat will create a beautiful crust and juicy interior.
If you’re cooking indoors, a nonstick pan or griddle works wonderfully. Preheat it with a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook until they are nicely seared on both sides and cooked through. If you find them browning too quickly, simply lower the heat and partially cover the pan with a lid. This traps steam and helps the burgers cook evenly through the center without drying out. Just before removing them from the pan, place a slice of light cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese) on top of each patty. The residual heat will melt the cheese into a gooey, delicious layer, ready to embrace its bun.
Assembling Your Perfect BBQ Turkey Burger Experience
Once your flavorful turkey patties are cooked to perfection and topped with melted cheese, it’s time to assemble your masterpiece. Start with your chosen rolls – sourdough bread adds a wonderful chewiness and tang, but any soft burger bun will do. You can lightly toast them under the grill or broiler for a slightly crisp texture, or leave them soft for a classic feel – it’s entirely up to you! This small step adds another layer of texture and warmth to your burger.
Next, pile that glorious Greek Yogurt ‘Slaw high on your burger. The contrast between the warm, savory patty and the cool, crunchy slaw is simply divine. Don’t be shy with the slaw; its freshness cuts through the richness of the burger, creating a perfectly balanced bite. A generous drizzle of extra barbecue sauce over the slaw or patty amplifies that signature BBQ flavor, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and herbaceous freshness.
For a truly unforgettable meal, pair these incredible burgers with my amazing Potato Salad. The creamy, comforting potato salad is the ideal complement to the spicy, tangy burgers, making for a robust and satisfying feast that you’ll be dreaming about long after the last bite. You can also explore other sides like sweet potato fries, a light green salad, or corn on the cob to complete your meal.
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Bbq Turkey and Greek Yogurt ‘Slaw Burgers
Ingredients
- 1 lbs ground turkey extra lean
- 2 cloves garlic crushed
- 1/2 large red onion grated
- 1 x-large egg
- 2 tablespoons barbecue sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red chilli/pepper flakes powder
- 1 pinch salt and pepper
- 5 slices light cheddar cheese or your cheese of choice
- 5 rolls sourdough bread or your rolls of choice, halved
- extra barbecue sauce to serve
- extra parsley to garnish
Greek Yogurt Coleslaw:
- 3 tablespoons greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon (light) whole egg mayonnaise
- 1 cup coleslaw mix sliced cabbage, carrots, red capsicum/bell peppers, and red cabbage
- 1 pinch salt to season
Instructions
Make your patties:
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In a large bowl, combine the ground turkey, crushed garlic, grated red onion, egg, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire sauce, panko breadcrumbs, finely chopped parsley, ground paprika, and red chili/pepper flakes powder. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Using your hands, thoroughly mix all the ingredients to ensure they are well combined into the turkey. Divide the mixture into five equal portions and firmly press each into a patty shape.
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Preheat a nonstick pan or griddle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the turkey patties to the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until they are cooked through and beautifully seared on both sides. (If you notice the patties browning too quickly, reduce the heat and partially cover the pan with a lid to ensure even cooking without burning). Just before removing the patties from the pan, place a slice of light cheddar cheese (or your cheese of choice) on top of each to melt and warm through.
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Halve the sourdough rolls (or your preferred burger buns). You can optionally toast them under a grill or broiler for a few minutes until lightly golden, or serve them soft.
Make your ‘Slaw:
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt and light whole egg mayonnaise until smooth. Add the coleslaw mix (which typically includes sliced cabbage, carrots, red capsicum/bell peppers, and red cabbage) and toss until all vegetables are evenly coated. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
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To serve, place a cheesy turkey patty on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Pile a generous amount of the creamy Greek Yogurt ‘Slaw on top of the patty. Drizzle with extra barbecue sauce for an added layer of flavor and garnish with extra fresh parsley, if desired. Cover with the top half of the bun and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Why These BBQ Turkey & Greek Yogurt Slaw Burgers Will Become Your Favorite
These BBQ Turkey and Greek Yogurt ‘Slaw Burgers are more than just a meal; they’re a celebration of flavor, texture, and mindful eating. They demonstrate that healthy doesn’t mean boring, and light doesn’t mean lacking. With every bite, you’ll experience the savory depth of the barbecue-spiced turkey, the creamy coolness and crunch of the Greek yogurt coleslaw, and the satisfying warmth of a perfectly toasted bun. It’s a symphony of tastes that caters to both your cravings and your health goals.
Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, looking for a weeknight dinner solution, or simply want to enjoy a delicious burger without the guilt, this recipe is a winner. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your preferences, and guaranteed to impress. So, fire up that grill or heat your pan, gather your ingredients, and prepare to discover your new favorite burger!
More Delicious Burger & Taco Recipes to Explore:
If you loved these healthy turkey burgers, you might also enjoy exploring these other fantastic recipes:
Korean Bulgogi Bbq Beef Tacos – A sweet and savory Korean BBQ experience in taco form.
Slow Cooker Barbacoa Slow Cooker Short Rib Tacos – Tender, melt-in-your-mouth short ribs perfect for taco night.
Carne Asada Guacamole Burgers – A Mexican-inspired burger packed with rich flavors and creamy guacamole.
Drunken Aussie Beef Burgers – A hearty and unique beef burger for those who love bold flavors.