Turkey Burgers with Grated Zucchini and Carrot

8 Reviews
ADD YOUR REVIEW
Photo: Quentin Bacon
Prep Time
25 Mins
Yield
Makes 4 servings
By Kate Merker
June 2007
RECIPE BY Real Simple

Take a break from ground beef and use ground turkey for these open-faced burgers.  Add grated carrot and zucchini to the turkey mixture for extra flavor and nutrients.

Ingredients

  • 3/4 pound ground turkey
  • 1 medium zucchini, grated
  • 1 medium carrot, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 slices crusty bread
  • 4 small leaves Boston lettuce
  • 4 tablespoons mayonnaise (optional)
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (optional)

Nutritional Information

  • Calories 303
  • Caloriesfromfat 42%
  • Fat 14g
  • Satfat 1g
  • Cholesterol 94mg
  • Sodium 633mg
  • Carbohydrate 20g
  • Fiber 2g
  • Sugars 2g
  • Protein 26g

How to Make It

Heat broiler.

In a large bowl, combine the turkey, zucchini, carrot, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, and egg. Form the mixture into 4 patties.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties, turning once, until no trace of pink remains, 4 to 5 minutes per side.

Meanwhile, place the bread on a baking sheet and brush with the remaining oil. Broil until golden brown and crisp, about 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer the bread to individual plates. Top with the lettuce leaves and burgers. If using, combine the mayonnaise and lemon juice in a small bowl and serve with the burgers.

Upgrade: For extra zest, rub the bread with the cut side of a peeled, halved garlic clove immediately after removing the bread from the oven.

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Ratings & Reviews

not bad!

JackJr
February 21, 2017
I wasn't expecting too much by these 'plain' ingredients. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the flavor! My only issue was that my burgers fell to pieces-should've read the reviews that stated to add some breadcrumbs and perhaps squeeze out moisture from the zucchini. I did add a small handful of chopped scallions. yummy

JessicaKeay's Review

JessicaKeay
June 04, 2012
This turned out excellent...tasted delicious. Was too lazy to drain excess moisture & thought about adding breadcrumbs but still turned out great. Will definitely make again.

dsecrist's Review

SwtHeart122
July 12, 2011
My kids love these burgers!

Hdbellarosaco's Review

DanaSam
December 21, 2010
Fantastic recipe. Very yummy! I actually squeezed half a lemon into the burger mix and added a bit more thyme. Would be a great way to get kids to eat their veggies.

JackJr's Review

roni
July 04, 2010
Makes very delicious and flavorful turkey burgers. Got many compliments when I served at 4th of July BBQ. Be sure to drain excess moisture from grated veggies. I also added some plain bread crumbs to get to the perfect consistency for the grill.

dena9472's Review

dena9472
May 28, 2010
This is an excellent recipe. Definitely dry the excess water off the veggies. I also add about 1/4 cup seasoned breadcrumbs to pick up any remaining moisture. I've made this several times and love it, as does my boyfriend. It's a great way to sneak in the veggies :)

DanaSam's Review

Hdbellarosaco
June 15, 2009
this did not turn out for me...the burgers were too wet and one fell apart in the pan. I tried these because the meatball recipe, done the same way, turned out awesome. Maybe, I need to try again and tweak something...or drain the veggies on a papertowel, first.

SwtHeart122's Review

dsecrist
April 23, 2009
This recipe was ok. watch adding too much thyme! mine were too tymey. Also, did anyone else have a problem with the burgers still looking pinkish in the middle? I cooked the heck out of them and still saw pink. I think maybe it's from the carrots? I used extra carrots. Maybe they would have been better if I hadn't cooked them so much. Over all good flavor though. I'm going to throw away the extras though due the pinkness. I'm just neurotic. I will probably try again someday.