This is another weeknight, healthy gem given to me by my awesome sister-in-law. I'm kind of addicted to these guys because they're sooooooooo yummy and they're only about 250 calories each! They're super quick and easy to make, too. We usually forgo the buns for these babies because we're on the diet train, but I bet you could build a wicked burger with some tzatziki, lettuce, and a little EVOO on top.
I know - raw meat ain't cute - but... I took a picture of the formed patties for 2 reasons.
#1 - I made these bad boys during nap time (aka - you can make them ahead, cover with plastic wrap, throw them in the fridge, and be on your merry way).
#2 - You ALWAYS want to put a thumbprint in the middle of your patties. This helps them to hold their shape while they're cooking versus the ballooned-looking patties you sometimes might get.
Jon puts ketchup on his burger, but I LOVE this stuff on top. My in-laws threw this on theirs one night, and I literally can't stop thinking about how delicious the combo of the cool, creamy sauce is mixed with the tangy, juicy burger. #nomnom #pardonmyfooddream
These bad boys also freeze well if you're not going to eat them all within a couple of days. Just wrap individually in foil, throw in a Ziploc [def label it because I always forget what's in mine], and then thaw in the fridge the night before you want to eat them again.
We have this oven-proof grill pan that I use for ours, but a regular oven-proof skillet would be fine, too. You just wouldn't get the grill marks. You could also fire up the grill and do it the old fashioned way if that's your thing. Either way - golden rule of burgerdom is that you only flip 'em once.
Mediterranean Turkey Burgers
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup (1 oz.) crumbled Feta cheese
1 tbs. red onion, minced or shredded
2 tbs. green pesto
1/4 tsp. Kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 lb. ground turkey breast
1 garlic clove, minced
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl; mix just until combined. Divide into 4 equal portions, and shape into patties. Place your thumb in the middle of each patty to allow for even cooking.
For indoor grilling:
Preheat the oven to 350.
Spray an oven-safe grill pan with cooking spray. Heat the pan over medium-high heat until the pan is hot enough so that if you drop a bit of water on it, you can hear a sizzle (about 5 minutes depending on you stove). Sear the burgers until brown on both sides (about 3 minutes per side). Only flip the burgers once during this time.
Once both sides are brown, transfer the pan (carefully) to the oven. Bake until burgers are cooked through (about 10 minutes). Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with Greek yogurt tzatziki sauce - so delish!
