If you’re craving a juicy, flavorful burger that’s a little lighter but still totally satisfying, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe. Each patty is seasoned to perfection, stacked with golden-sweet onions, then slathered with a zesty homemade aioli—trust me, this burger is anything but ordinary. It’s ideal for impressing friends at a backyard cookout or simply upgrading your weeknight dinner. Every bite is full of savory depth and bright, creamy flavor, and you won’t even miss the beef!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The wonderful thing about this recipe is how a few pantry and fridge staples transform into such an irresistible meal. Each ingredient has a job to do—whether building umami, adding moisture, providing crunch, or bringing bright, fresh color to your plate. Here’s what brings this Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe to life:
- Ground turkey (1 1/4 lbs, 93% lean): A fantastic lean protein that stays juicy when handled with care—perfect for holding all those seasonings.
- Breadcrumbs (1/4 cup): These help bind the patties, keeping them tender without drying out.
- Egg (1): Just one creates the ideal texture and keeps everything together as it cooks.
- Worcestershire sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds that unmistakable, almost “meaty” undertone—don’t skip this for maximum flavor.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Amplifies the savory notes in every bite.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Brings sweet, rounded depth to the patties.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) & black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just the basics, but critical for drawing out all the other flavors.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Essential for gently sautéing the onions—they turn sweet and golden as they cook.
- Yellow onions (2 medium, thinly sliced): The stars of the caramelized topping, these become rich and jammy with patient frying.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): For extra flavor and to help get those onions just right.
- Burger buns (4): Choose your favorite—brioche, potato, or whole wheat all work wonderfully, just make sure they’re sturdy.
- Lettuce & tomato (for serving): Freshness and crunch—these finish the burger with color and snap.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup, for the aioli): Creamy and luxurious, it’s the backbone of this tangy spread.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): A touch of sharpness for balance in the aioli.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds essential brightness and keeps the aioli from feeling too heavy.
- Garlic clove (1, minced, for the aioli): Raw, pungent garlic infuses the aioli with that unmistakable zing.
- Salt & pepper (to taste, for the aioli): Just a pinch makes all the flavors pop without overwhelming.
How to Make Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe
Step 1: Caramelize the Onions
Start by heating the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your thinly sliced onions, and give them a good stir to coat. Patience is the secret! Let them cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 to 25 minutes. As the onions lose their bite, they’ll turn soft, golden, and irresistibly sweet—a little slice of burger heaven, perfect for this Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe.
Step 2: Mix and Form the Patties
While your onions slowly work their magic, grab a big bowl and mix together the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Don’t overmix! Just gently combine until the ingredients are dispersed. Divide into 4 equal patties using damp hands for less sticking—they should be firm but not packed too tightly.
Step 3: Make the Aioli
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This quick homemade aioli is a game-changer, tying everything in the Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe together with bright, garlicky flair.
Step 4: Cook the Burger Patties
Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil if needed, then lay down the patties. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, turning once golden brown, until fully cooked through—no pink in the center. Avoid pressing with a spatula to keep them juicy!
Step 5: Toast the Buns & Assemble
For best results, lightly toast your burger buns until golden and slightly crisp. Slather both the top and bottom buns with your homemade aioli. Pile on a leaf or two of crisp lettuce, a slice of ripe tomato, then that juicy patty. Top with a generous heap of caramelized onions and crown with the bun. The Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe is ready to enjoy warm, right away.
How to Serve Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your burger with a little extra flair! A big, crunchy lettuce leaf or a thick slice of heirloom tomato is classic, but adding a few thin slices of pickled cucumber or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right before serving really elevates the Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe. And don’t forget, a little extra aioli on the side is never a bad thing.
Side Dishes
Balance out the savory richness with sides that complement (but don’t overpower) the burger. Sweet potato fries have that perfect bit of caramelized crunch, while a simple green salad keeps things light and fresh. Roasted vegetables or crisp, oven-baked potato wedges are also brilliant alongside your Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe, making your plate just as showstopping as the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bun! Try mini slider versions for party appetizers, or serve the patty and onions atop a bed of mixed greens for a bunless burger bowl. For a weeknight twist, swap in whole-grain buns or tuck a slice of sharp cheese under the onions for a gooey surprise. The possibilities with the Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe are truly endless and all delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with extra burgers or onions, you’re in luck—they keep well! Store the cooked patties and caramelized onions separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The patties will stay delicious for up to 3 days, and the onions for the same, making it easy to enjoy the Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe for quick lunches or repeat meals.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap the cooked patties individually and freeze them for up to 2 months. Flash freezing the caramelized onions in small portions works great, too, so you can thaw just what you need. Be sure to let everything cool completely before you store, and always label with the date.
Reheating
To keep patties moist, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in a microwave, covered, until hot throughout. Onions can be rewarmed in a skillet or briefly in the microwave. If you’ve frozen patties or onions, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best flavor and texture in your Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely! While it’ll change the flavor a bit, you can easily substitute ground chicken for the turkey, following the same instructions for this Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe. Just make sure it’s not too lean so your patties stay juicy.
What’s the secret to super juicy turkey burgers?
The breadcrumb and egg in the recipe work wonders for moisture, but the real trick is not overcooking your patties. Pull them off the grill as soon as they’re cooked through, and let them rest a couple of minutes before assembling.
Can I make the aioli ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, the flavors only get better if you refrigerate the aioli for a few hours before serving. Whip up a batch a day ahead to streamline your Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe dinner prep.
Are these burgers gluten-free?
The base recipe contains breadcrumbs and standard buns, so it’s not gluten-free as written. However, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs and your favorite gluten-free buns to enjoy a safe and tasty version.
Do I have to use a grill, or can I cook these indoors?
No grill? No problem! A stovetop skillet or grill pan works beautifully. Just make sure it’s hot before you add the patties to get that gorgeous sear. This means you can enjoy the Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe year-round, rain or shine.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a burger recipe that combines comfort, character, and pure flavor, you owe it to yourself to try this Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe. It’s perfect for shaking up your burger routine and guaranteed to win hearts at any table. Grab your apron and dig in—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite.
Print
Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe combines juicy ground turkey patties with sweet caramelized onions and a flavorful aioli. Perfect for a delicious and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 lbs ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 medium yellow onions (thinly sliced)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce and tomato for serving
For the Aioli:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and butter. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until golden and caramelized.
- Prepare Turkey Patties: Mix turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Form into 4 equal patties.
- Make Aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Patties: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook patties for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Assemble Burgers: Toast buns. Spread aioli on top and bottom bun. Layer with lettuce, tomato, turkey patty, and caramelized onions. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a slice of sharp cheddar or provolone.
- You can make the caramelized onions ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Serve with sweet potato fries or a simple green salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with bun and toppings
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
