Maybe you think a beef burger is yummier than a turkey burger. Turkey burgers can be “Meh…” Dry. Flavorless. Well, these Greek Turkey Burgers are a really good turkey burger. We love Greek food and often chicken or lamb gyros or bowls. This is such a fun fusion of Greek and American cuisines.
How To Make the Burgers
Combine all the burger ingredients in a mixing bowl. Use a large wooden spoon to mix together, or our preferred method is to use our hands.
Wear a pair of gloves is not required but recommended. We keep a box of latex gloves in the kitchen for this kind of job.
The panko gives these burgers good texture while helping to bind and hold together. We used panko made from rice so these are Gluten-Free! The little bit of milk softens the panko a bit and also helps to bind the ingredients together. The feta and red onion add a really good punch to the flavor along with the other seasonings.
I love to double this recipe so I can cook 8 patties and freeze 8 patties. If you are a smaller household you can freeze even more and cook or grill them straight from the freezer! This makes a GREAT freezer meal! Freeze the patties individually, like shown below. After freezing for a couple of hours remove the frozen patties from the Silpat or parchment paper used for freezing, and place in a vacuum seal or freezer bag. Immediately put back into the freezer.
We believe that every kitchen needs a couple of Silpats. Check these ones out HERE for a good deal! They are great for baking, freezing and food prep.
While the burgers are cooking, it’s time to prep the pita and toppings. Cut in half, or if the pita is smaller like these ones, just cut about an inch off the top. Then, warm in the oven for a few minutes.
In a hot skillet or on a hot grill, cook the burgers 5-6 minutes on each side. Turkey should not be eaten raw at any level. make sure they are fully cooked.
How to Assemble
We love to add a little extra feta on top right after they are done cooking, while they are still hot. This can be done while they are still in the skillet. Also, you can skip this step if you like.
Spread 1-2 Tablespoons of tzatziki around the inside of a pita.
Next, place a burger inside with your choice of toppings. Our favorites are feta, tomato, cucumbers add a really nice crunch and a soft lettuce like butter or bib lettuce. Spinach, arugula or mixed greens are also good.
My favorite topping is pickled red onion. These REALLY make the burger! I try to keep them ready in the fridge for salads, sandwiches, hummus snack plates etc. I made these ones today because we were out and I knew I would want them to go with dinner. See the recipe card below.
If you like this recipe, you will love these others –
- Greek Pasta Salad
- Lamb (or beef) Gyros
- Cucumber Tomato Salad
- Greek Chicken
- Lamb Kebabs & Mediterranean Bowls
- Pastitsio – Greek Pasta Casserole
- Greek Chicken Bowls
- Mediterranean Couscous
- Tuscan Chicken Sammies
Greek Turkey Burgers
Equipment
- skillet or grill
- mixing bowl
- latex gloves
Ingredients
Burgers
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- ½ cup panko crumbs
- 2 TBSP milk
- ½ cup feta, crumbled
- â…“ cup red onion, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper, ground
Fixings
- 8 pita pockets (if the pita is regular sized, 4 pieces cut in half should be enough.)
- tzatziki
- tomato slices
- cucumber
- pickled red onion, recipe below can also use fresh
- soft lettuce – like bibb, butter, mixed greens, spinach
Instructions
- In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, and the rest of the burger ingredients. We recommend using your hands to dig in and mix it all together. We like to wear gloves while doing this. You could also use a large wooden spoon. However, you will have to use your hands to form the patties.
- After the turkey and all ingredients are well mixed together, form into 8 equally sized patties.
- To cook on a grill – Lightly spray or rub olive oil on the grill to prevent sticking. Or use a grill mat. Heat grill to 400℉. Place patties on the grill and 4-5 minutes. Flip over and grill for another 4-5 minutes. Turkey must be cooked all the way through. Do not eat at any level of rawness.
- To cook on stovetop – Heat a large skillet. Drizzle a little olive oil over the hot skillet. Carefully set down as many patties will comfortably fit. Let them cook over medium heat for 4-5 minutes. Flip over and cook another 4-5 minutes.
- If you wish, sprinkle a little extra crumbled feta on each patty while still in the skillet or on the grill till the cheese is a little melty.
- If the pita is regular sized, cut it in half. If it is smaller pita, then cut about an inch off the top. Warm the pieces in the oven at 350℉ for about 4-5 minutes.
- Prepare all the toppings you would like. We like sliced tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, lettuce and pickled or fresh red onion. Extra feta if desired.
- Assemble a burger by spreading a little Tzatziki sauce around inside a pita pocket. Slide a burger into the pocket. Add in your other toppings with the burger. Enjoy!
Pickled Onions And Cauliflower
Ingredients
- 2 red onions, peeled and sliced thinly
- 1 small head cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 cups vinegar
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a saucepan. Turn to high heat. Stir until sugar and salt are completely dissolved and mixture comes to a boil.
- Set aside to cool about 15 minutes.
- Fill sealable containers with onions and cauliflower. Pour pickling mixture over veggies, filling to the top. Secure lid. Turn the container upside down a couple of times.
- Place in refrigerator, The onions will be ready in a couple of hours.The cauliflower may be better overnight.
- Store in your refrigerator and use throughout the week.