These turkey burgers are juicy and packed with flavor, thanks to the sweet and tangy balsamic caramelized onions. It’s a simple twist on a classic!
They’re perfect for a quick dinner or a summer barbecue. I love serving them with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Yellow onions: These sweet onions are perfect for caramelizing. They get deliciously soft and golden. If you’re in a pinch, use sweet onions or red onions, but the flavor will vary a bit.
Balsamic vinegar: This adds sweetness and tang to your caramelized onions. If you don’t have balsamic, apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar can work, but you might want to adjust the sugar to balance the flavors.
Ground turkey: Lean ground turkey is a great choice for a healthier burger. If you prefer, you can use ground chicken or even lean beef. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
Cheese: Swiss cheese is delicious here, but feel free to swap it with cheddar, provolone, or a dairy-free cheese option if you’re looking for lactose-free choices.
How Do You Caramelize Onions Perfectly?
Caramelizing onions takes patience but is worth it for that sweet flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with low heat and add the oil and butter to a skillet.
- Add sliced onions and stir to coat evenly.
- Cook on low for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Don’t rush; let them naturally caramelize.
- Once soft and golden, add balsamic vinegar, optional sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Remember, low and slow is key to getting that rich, caramelized taste!
Easy Balsamic Caramelized Onion Turkey Burgers
Ingredients
For the Caramelized Onions:
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Turkey Burgers:
- 1 pound ground turkey (preferably lean)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion (optional, for moisture)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Additional:
- 4 slices Swiss cheese (or preferred cheese)
- 4 whole wheat burger buns
- Optional: lettuce, tomato slices, mustard or mayo for serving
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish: roughly 25 minutes for caramelizing the onions and 5 minutes for cooking the turkey burgers and assembling them. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Caramelize the Onions
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and stir to coat them well. Allow the onions to cook slowly for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to become soft, golden, and beautifully caramelized. Once they reach that sweet, rich flavor, stir in the balsamic vinegar, brown sugar (if you like it sweeter), salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vinegar thickens and coats the onions nicely. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Prepare the Turkey Burger Patties
In a mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, finely chopped onion (if using), minced garlic, salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Use your hands or a spoon to mix it all together until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Divide this mixture into 4 equal portions and shape them into patties, making them slightly larger than your buns since they’ll shrink slightly as they cook.
3. Cook the Turkey Burgers
Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium heat and lightly oil the surface. Place the burger patties on the grill or skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes on one side. Flip the patties and cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). About 1 minute before removing from the heat, place a slice of Swiss cheese on each patty to melt.
4. Assemble the Burgers
If you’d like, lightly toast your burger buns. Place the cooked turkey patty with melted cheese on the bottom bun, then pile on those delicious balsamic caramelized onions. If you want, add optional toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, mustard, or mayo. Finally, top it all with the other half of the bun.
5. Serve
Dig in right away while the burgers are hot and juicy. Enjoy them with your favorite sides, like crispy fries or a fresh salad. Happy eating!
Enjoy your juicy, savory Easy Balsamic Caramelized Onion Turkey Burgers!
FAQ
Can I Use Chicken Instead of Turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken works just as well as turkey in this recipe. Just be sure to check that it’s cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
How Do I Store Leftover Burgers?
Store any leftover turkey burgers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop until they’re warmed through. The caramelized onions can be stored separately as well!
Can I Make the Caramelized Onions Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can make the caramelized onions in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat them gently on the stovetop before serving to refresh their flavor.
What Can I Substitute for Balsamic Vinegar?
If you don’t have balsamic vinegar on hand, you can use apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different, and you may want to adjust the sugar to balance the taste.
