Name: Classic Turkey Burgers
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1½ pounds ground turkey; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter , melted and cooled; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon table salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 2 teaspoons vegetable oil , if using skillet; 4 slices cheese (4 ounces) (optional); 4 hamburger buns , toasted if desired

Why This Recipe Works

To start, we took a close look at the ground turkey sold in supermarkets and found a few kinds: ground white meat, ground dark meat, and 93 percent lean ground turkey. Our tasters preferred the flavor of 93 percent lean ground turkey. Melted butter provided welcome richness and ensured moist, juicy burgers. A little bit of Worcestershire and Dijon mustard added plenty of flavor and a pleasant tang to the mild meat.

Before You Begin

Be sure to use 93 percent lean ground turkey, not 99 percent fat-free ground turkey breast, or the burgers will be tough. You can serve these burgers simply with classic condiments, lettuce, and sliced ripe tomatoes.

Instructions

Break ground turkey into small pieces in large bowl. Add melted butter, Worcestershire, and mustard and gently knead with hands until well combined. Divide turkey mixture into 4 equal portions, then gently shape each portion into 3/4‑inch-thick patty. Using your fingertips, press center of each patty down until about 1/2 inch thick, creating slight divot.

FOR A SKILLET: Season patties with salt and pepper. Heat oil in 12‑inch skillet over medium heat until just smoking. Transfer patties to skillet, divot side up, and cook until well browned on first side, 4 to 6 minutes. Flip patties, top with cheese, if using, and continue to cook until browned on second side and meat registers 160 degrees, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer burgers to platter and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve burgers on buns.FOR A CHARCOAL GRILL: Open bottom vent completely. Light large chimney starter filled with charcoal briquettes (6 quarts). When top coals are partially covered with ash, pour evenly over grill. Set cooking grate in place, cover, and open lid vent completely. Heat grill until hot, about 5 minutes. Clean and oil cooking grate. Season patties with salt and pepper. Place patties on grill, divot side up, and cook until well browned on first side and meat easily releases from grill, 4 to 6 minutes. Flip patties, top with cheese, if using, and continue to cook until browned on second side and meat registers 160 degrees, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer burgers to platter and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve burgers on buns.