Best Seasoning for Turkey Burgers (Juicy, Not Bland)
A smoky garlic spice blend mixed right into the meat, with the amounts per pound, five more blends and the tricks that keep turkey burgers juicy.
- Per pound amounts
- 6 blends
- 5-minute mix
- Juicy patties
The best seasoning for turkey burgers has to do more than a beef burger rub, because ground turkey is lean and mild: bold spices for flavor, plus a couple of moist, savory add-ins so the patties stay juicy.
Quick answer
The best seasoning for turkey burgers per pound is 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp each onion powder, cumin and oregano, ¾ tsp kosher salt and ¼ tsp pepper, mixed gently into the meat with 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce and 2 tbsp grated onion.
Seasoned turkey burgers with a smoky garlic spice blend.
Why Turkey Burgers Need More Seasoning
Beef brings its own fat and a strong, savory flavor to a burger. Ground turkey is much leaner and milder, so a sprinkle of salt and pepper on the outside leaves it tasting flat.
The fix has two parts. First, a bolder spice blend mixed into the meat. Second, something moist and savory, such as grated onion or Worcestershire sauce, to do the job that fat does in beef.
Bold spices
Smoked paprika, garlic and cumin stand up to the mild meat.
Season inside
Flavor in every bite, not just the crust.
Add moisture
Grated onion keeps the patty juicy.
Add savoriness
Worcestershire deepens the flavor.
How Much Seasoning Per Pound
Seven pantry spices.
| Ground turkey | Dry blend | Kosher salt | Worcestershire | Grated onion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground turkey1 lb | Dry blend1 tbsp | Kosher salt¾ tsp | Worcestershire1 tbsp | Grated onion2 tbsp |
| Ground turkey2 lb | Dry blend2 tbsp | Kosher salt1½ tsp | Worcestershire2 tbsp | Grated onion¼ cup |
| Ground turkey3 lb | Dry blend3 tbsp | Kosher salt2¼ tsp | Worcestershire3 tbsp | Grated onion6 tbsp |
| Ground turkey4 lb | Dry blend¼ cup | Kosher salt1 tbsp | Worcestershire¼ cup | Grated onion½ cup |
Using fine table salt? Use about half the amount. If your blend already contains salt, skip the extra and taste a small cooked piece before shaping the rest.
Turkey Burger Seasoning Recipe
The card is set for 1 lb of ground turkey, 4 burgers. Tap 2, 3 or 4 lb.
Smoky Turkey Burger Seasoning (With Burgers)
A smoky garlic spice blend mixed into ground turkey with Worcestershire and grated onion, then pan-seared or grilled. Tap the amount of turkey and every amount updates.
Turkey
Ingredients
Turkey burger seasoning- 1 lb2 lb3 lb4 lb ground turkey (93% lean)
- 1 tsp2 tsp1 tbsp4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp2 tsp1 tbsp4 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp1 tsp1½ tsp2 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp1 tsp1½ tsp2 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp1 tsp1½ tsp2 tsp dried oregano
- ¾ tsp1½ tsp2¼ tsp1 tbsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp½ tsp¾ tsp1 tsp black pepper
- a pinch¼ tsp⅓ tsp½ tsp cayenne, optional
- 1 tbsp2 tbsp3 tbsp¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp¼ cup6 tbsp½ cup grated onion, with its juice
- 1 tbsp2 tbsp3 tbsp¼ cup olive oil, for cooking
Season the inside. Turkey needs flavor mixed through the meat, not just on the surface.
Instructions
Mix the seasoning
Stir the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper and cayenne in a small bowl.
Season the meat
Put the turkey in a bowl, add the Worcestershire and grated onion and sprinkle the seasoning evenly over the top.
Mix gently
Fold with your fingertips just until combined. Overworking makes turkey burgers dense and rubbery.
Shape
Divide into 4 patties per pound, about ¾ inch thick, and press a shallow dimple in the center of each. Chill 15 minutes if you have time.
Cook
Heat the oil in a skillet or on a grill over medium-high heat. Cook 5 to 6 minutes per side, until browned and 165°F in the center.
Rest
Rest 3 minutes, then serve on toasted buns.
Gear for Turkey Burgers
A hot pan, a thermometer and jars for the blends.
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Six Turkey Burger Seasoning Blends
Each blend seasons 1 lb of ground turkey; add ¾ tsp kosher salt to each. Tap one:
Classic Smoky
1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, ½ tsp cumin, ½ tsp oregano, ¼ tsp pepper and a pinch of cayenne.
Mediterranean (Greek)
1½ tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp cumin, the zest of ½ lemon and 2 tbsp chopped parsley; fold in ¼ cup crumbled feta.
Southwestern
1½ tsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp smoked paprika, ¼ tsp oregano and the zest of 1 lime.
Asian-Inspired
1 tsp grated ginger, 1 tsp garlic powder, 2 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil and 2 sliced green onions.
Italian Herb
1 tsp dried basil, 1 tsp oregano, 1 tsp garlic powder, ¼ tsp fennel seed and 2 tbsp grated parmesan.
Ranch
1 tsp dried dill, 1 tsp dried chives, 1 tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder and ½ tsp dried parsley.
| Blend | Flavor | Best toppings |
|---|---|---|
| BlendClassic smoky | FlavorSavory, smoky, lightly warm | Best toppingsCheddar, lettuce, tomato, pickles |
| BlendMediterranean | FlavorHerby and bright | Best toppingsFeta, cucumber, tzatziki |
| BlendSouthwestern | FlavorChili and lime | Best toppingsPepper jack, avocado, salsa |
| BlendAsian-inspired | FlavorGinger, garlic, sesame | Best toppingsSlaw, cucumber, spicy mayo |
| BlendItalian herb | FlavorBasil, oregano, garlic | Best toppingsMozzarella, marinara, basil |
| BlendRanch | FlavorDill, chive, garlic | Best toppingsCheddar, lettuce, ranch |
How to Keep Turkey Burgers Juicy
A dimple in the center keeps the patties flat.
Choose 93% lean
A little fat means a lot more flavor.
Add grated onion
Its juice keeps the patty moist.
Mix gently
Stop as soon as it comes together.
Dimple the center
Stops the burger doming.
Chill before cooking
Fifteen minutes helps them hold.
Do not press
Pressing squeezes out the juice.
Cook to 165°F
Not a degree more.
Rest 3 minutes
The juices settle.
Flavor Boosters to Mix In
| Add-in | Per pound | What it adds |
|---|---|---|
| Add-inWorcestershire sauce | Per pound1 tbsp | What it addsDeep savory flavor |
| Add-inSoy sauce | Per pound2 tsp | What it addsSavory depth and salt |
| Add-inDijon mustard | Per pound1 tsp | What it addsTang and sharpness |
| Add-inGrated onion | Per pound2 tbsp | What it addsMoisture and sweetness |
| Add-inFinely chopped mushrooms | Per pound¼ cup | What it addsJuiciness and a meaty flavor |
| Add-inMayonnaise or olive oil | Per pound1 tbsp | What it addsRichness for very lean turkey |
| Add-inFresh parsley or cilantro | Per pound2 tbsp | What it addsFreshness |
| Add-inGrated parmesan | Per pound2 tbsp | What it addsSalty, nutty depth |
How to Cook Seasoned Turkey Burgers
| Method | Heat | Time |
|---|---|---|
| MethodSkillet | HeatMedium-high, 1 tbsp oil | Time5 to 6 minutes per side |
| MethodGrill | HeatMedium-high, oiled grates | Time5 to 6 minutes per side |
| MethodAir fryer | Heat375°F | Time10 to 12 minutes, flipped once |
| MethodOven | Heat400°F on a sheet pan | Time15 to 18 minutes, flipped once |
Whatever the method, the target is 165°F in the center. Add cheese for the last minute and cover so it melts.
Storing the Seasoning and the Patties
A jar of blend keeps for months.
| What | How | Keeps |
|---|---|---|
| WhatDry seasoning blend | HowAirtight jar, cool dark cupboard | Keeps6 months |
| WhatRaw seasoned patties | HowCovered in the fridge | Keeps24 hours |
| WhatRaw patties, frozen | HowBetween parchment in a freezer bag | Keeps3 months |
| WhatCooked burgers | HowSealed container in the fridge | Keeps4 days |
To make a big jar, multiply the dry spices by eight and keep a tablespoon measure with it: one tablespoon per pound of turkey, plus salt.
Turkey Burger Seasoning: FAQs
What is the best seasoning for turkey burgers?
A blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt and pepper, plus Worcestershire sauce and grated onion mixed into the meat for savory depth and moisture.
How much seasoning per pound of ground turkey?
About 1 tablespoon of dry seasoning blend plus ¾ teaspoon kosher salt per pound.
How do you season turkey burgers so they are not bland?
Season inside the meat, not just on the surface, and add savory boosters: Worcestershire, grated onion, a little Dijon or soy sauce.
What can you put in turkey burgers so they are not dry or spongy?
Grated onion, a tablespoon of olive oil or mayonnaise, or finely chopped mushrooms add moisture. Mix gently and do not cook past 165°F.
What spices go well with ground turkey?
Smoked paprika, garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, thyme, sage, coriander, chili powder and black pepper.
Should I season turkey burgers before or after forming patties?
Mix the seasoning into the meat before shaping, then add a light sprinkle of salt on the outside just before cooking for a better crust.
Should I add egg or breadcrumbs?
They are optional. One egg and ¼ cup breadcrumbs per pound help very lean turkey hold together, but too much makes the burgers bready.
What seasoning goes in Greek turkey burgers?
Oregano, garlic, lemon zest, a little cumin and chopped fresh parsley or dill, with crumbled feta mixed in.
Can I use the seasoning on turkey meatballs or tacos?
Yes. The same blend works for meatballs, taco meat, meatloaf and seasoned ground turkey for bowls.
How do I store homemade turkey burger seasoning?
In an airtight jar in a cool, dark cupboard for up to 6 months. Leave the salt in or out, as you prefer.
What temperature should turkey burgers be cooked to?
165°F in the center, checked with an instant-read thermometer.
Can I use lean 99% ground turkey breast?
Yes, but it dries out fast. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and extra grated onion per pound.
Is Worcestershire sauce necessary?
No, but it adds deep savory flavor. Soy sauce or coconut aminos work in its place.
Can I make the patties ahead?
Yes. Shape and refrigerate up to 24 hours, or freeze between sheets of parchment for up to 3 months.
What toppings go with seasoned turkey burgers?
Avocado, pickled onions, lettuce, tomato, cheddar or pepper jack, and a creamy sauce such as garlic mayo or tzatziki.
More Turkey Burger Recipes
Patties, sauces and the grill.
Season the inside, add moisture, cook to 165°F.
Pin the best seasoning for turkey burgers so all six blends are ready for burger night.