Mouthwatering Turkey Smashed Burgers are a Guilt-Free Flavor Explosion
Indulge in guilt-free dining with our flavorful recipe for turkey smashed burgers served in crisp lettuce wraps. This wholesome alternative to traditional burgers combines turkey ground meat with extra virgin olive oil, fresh thyme, garlic, shallots, and a homemade umami spice mix. These savory patties, flattened to perfection, are pan-fried in avocado oil for a delectable crust, or you can opt for a quick broil.
The delectable flavor profile for these healthy turkey smashed burgers begins with the magical umami seasoning spice mix. With the help of a mini nut grinder, dried porcini mushrooms, cumin seeds, juniper berries, and red pepper flakes for a spicy twist cozy up to a fine grind. The resulting powder further invites smoked paprika powder to the flavor party. Moreover, just a small amount of the umami spice seasoning mix is all it takes to elevate the turkey burgers flavor profile. What’s more, the spice mix can be stored in a spice jar and reserved for up to three months. If it lasts that long. Importantly, the spice mix can be used to level up the flavors of chicken , vegetables, soups and even vinaigrette.
How to retain moisture and improve flavor in these healthier version of turkey burgers
Furthermore, the seasoned lean meet takes advantage of adding back healthy extra virgin olive oil. Additionally, the patties are smashed, unlike our broiled turkey burgers that are simply shaped as regular burgers. Importantly, the pre-smashing process allows the healthy smashed turkey burgers to sear very quickly in a hot cast iron skillet. Hence, enhancing the flavor. Moreover, the pre-smashing invites the retention of the natural juices, keeping the burgers juicy and tender. Not to mention, the slight crust from pan frying along with the umami spice seasoning results in the most outrageously mouthwatering smashed burgers.
What’s in the toppings and how to add versatility to the burgers?
The accompanying salad, features organic arugula, campari tomatoes, and thinly sliced Granny Smith apple which adds a burst of freshness and health benefits. Furthermore, simply drizzle the vegetables with lime juice and extra virgin olive oil, season to taste with salt and pepper, for a vibrant and tangy topping to your turkey patties. The salad isn’t limited to just these veggies. Therefore feel free to experiment with spinach or kale and even add cheese if that’s your thing. Avocado slices works well too. Lastly assemble the burger patties on top of Romain lettuce topped with the salad and enjoy the awesome juiciness and crunch in each bite.
Some of the healthy reasons to eat these healthy turkey smashed burgers!
First, turkey meat offers lean protein, essential for muscle health. Second, extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil contribute to heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Third, Nutrient-Rich Greens like arugula provide vitamins and minerals, enhancing overall nutritional value. Lastly, Tomatoes and Granny Smith apples offer antioxidants that support your immune system.
In summary, these mouthwatering healthy turkey smashed burgers explodes with umami flavor and certainly allows for a guilt-free indulgence. Not to mention they are super easy to make. Therefore they are the perfect weekday lunch or dinner. Your family will thank you! Enjoy. Happy Cooking.
Healthy Smashed Turkey Burgers
Equipment
Ingredients
For th Umami spice mix
- 5 small dried porcini mushrooms or 3 large
- 1 teaspoon juniper berries
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika may substitute sweet paprika
For the Burgers
- 2 pounds turkey ground meat white or dark
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves finely minced
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- 1 – 2 teaspoons homemade umami spice mix recipe included
- 3 – 4 tablespoons avocado oil for frying
- romaine lettuce leaves for serving the burgers
For the Salad
- 1 – 2 cups organic arugula
- 4 -5 campari tomatoes sliced
- 1 small lemon juiced
- 1 – 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Make the umami spice mix
- Add the dried porcini mushrooms, juniper berries, cumin seeds, and red pepper flakes into a small nut grinder. Grind into a powder.5 small dried porcini mushrooms, 1 teaspoon juniper berries, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Transfer the porcini powder spice mix into a small bowl. Add in the smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly. Use as desired.Note: The spice mix can be stored for up to three months in a spice bottle. Use to season meats, fish, vegetables and add to soups and even vinaigrette.3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Season and shape the turkey burgers
- Add the ground meat to a medium mixing bowl. Add in the olive oil, salt, thyme, garlic and 1 to 2 teaspoons of the umami seasoning mix. Mix well to incorporate.2 pounds turkey ground meat, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, 2 cloves garlic, 1 – 2 teaspoons homemade umami spice mix
- Divide the meat into 10 equal portions. Or your desired size. Use the palm of our hand to flatten each portion as flat as desired.Note: the flatter the better – I usually aim for 1/8 of an inch or less.1 teaspoon juniper berries
- Heat a cast iron skillet over medium high heat. Add in the avocado oil. Carefully add 3 to 4 patties to the hot oil. Cook 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove the patties to a plate and repeat the process with the remaining patties.Note: Do not press the patties while cooking because you'll end up squeezing out the delicious juices. And depending on the size of the cast iron pan, you'll need to cook the patties in two to three batches.3 – 4 tablespoons avocado oil for frying
While the patties are cooking:
- Add the salad ingredients to a mixing bowl. Toss to coat the greens.Note: Only add enough juice and oil to coat the veggies.1 – 2 cups organic arugula, 4 -5 campari tomatoes, 1 small lemon, 1 – 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil, salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Assemble the burgers:
- Assemble the burgers by laying a patty on top of one side of a romaine lettuce. Add a heap full of the salad greens to the empty part of the lettuce. To eat and enjoy, flip the side of the lettuce with the patty onto the salad greens side. Enjoy the crunchy, moist and deliciousness.romaine lettuce leaves for serving the burgers
Nutrition
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