Basil Lemon Turkey Burgers

A lot of my family and friends are starting to cut red meat from their diets. With all of the literature going around about the environmental and health impacts that red meat has, I can completely understand why! So when I was thinking up the perfect burger for July 4th festivities, I decided to test out some turkey burger options. When I came up with these basil lemon turkey burgers I knew I had a big winner on my hands! They had loads of bright and fresh flavor from the basil and lemon for that Italian flair that I love so much.

I made an easy, homemade lemon basil mayonnaise first! It was going to tie in to the same basil and lemon flavor going on in the turkey burgers to really bring it all together into one big flavor bomb. I love making different flavors of homemade mayonnaise so much!
I made an easy, homemade lemon basil mayonnaise first! It was going to tie in to the same basil and lemon flavor going on in the turkey burgers to really bring it all together into one big flavor bomb. I love making different flavors of homemade mayonnaise so much!
Now, turkey burgers get a bad rap sometimes as always being too dry. I wanted to make sure that didn't happen in these basil lemon turkey burgers! So I made sure to stir all of the ingredients but the turkey together first. That way when I added my turkey I wouldn't have to mix it as much. That kept the mixture more tender and juicy! Also, the (not so) secret trick here was to also add a little mustard. Mustard always has an amazing effect on any poultry.
Now, turkey burgers get a bad rap sometimes as always being too dry. I wanted to make sure that didn’t happen in these basil lemon turkey burgers! So I stirred all of the ingredients but the turkey together first. That way when I added my turkey I wouldn’t have to mix it as much. That kept the mixture more tender and juicy! Also, the (not so) secret trick here was to also add a little mustard. Mustard always has an amazing effect on any poultry.
I formed 4 generously sized 1/4 pound basil lemon turkey burgers out of the mixture. Then I made an indentation in the middle of each of them. That way they would become even when they puffed up as they cooked!
I formed 4 generously sized 1/4 pound basil lemon turkey burgers out of the mixture. Then I made an indentation in the middle of each of them. That way they would become even when they puffed up as they cooked!
I used my beloved griddle here and cooked the basil lemon turkey burgers for about 6 minutes on each side. Smoked mozzarella seemed like the perfect, super creamy cheese option to me!
I used my beloved griddle here and cooked the basil lemon turkey burgers for about 6 minutes on each side. Smoked mozzarella seemed like the perfect, super creamy cheese option to me!
The trick to melting the mozzarella was to cover the burgers with my huge stainless steel bowl on the second side. It trapped the steam and just melded everything together gorgeously!
The trick to melting the mozzarella was to cover the burgers with my huge stainless steel bowl on the second side. It trapped the steam and just melded everything together gorgeously!

Then I just assembled the burgers on toasty potato rolls with the gorgeous mayo and peppery arugula on top! Oh my goodness, it was the perfect combination. The basil lemon turkey burgers were so juicy with that luscious mayo and melty mozzarella. The arugula gave it that needed green freshness to bring it all together. I loved how summery they tasted with all of that amazing basil and lemon flavor. I can’t wait to serve these babies on the Fourth!! Enjoy! xoxo

Basil Lemon Turkey Burgers
Basil Lemon Turkey Burgers
5 from 3 votes
Basil Lemon Turkey Burgers
Basil Lemon Turkey Burgers
Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
12 mins
Total Time
32 mins
 

These basil lemon turkey burgers are incredibly juicy and flavorful with a homemade mayo, fresh smoked mozzarella and peppery arugula on top! 

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Basil Lemon Turkey Burgers, Turkey Burgers
Servings: 4
Calories: 525 kcal
Author: Jeanie and Lulu's Kitchen
Ingredients
FOR THE HOMEMADE LEMON BASIL MAYO
  • 1 whole lemon zested and juiced
  • 1 whole egg
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 whole basil leaves finely chopped
  • 1 pinch truffle salt
  • 1 cup canola oil
FOR THE TURKEY BURGERS
  • 1/3 cup fresh basil packed and finely chopped
  • 1 whole egg
  • 1 whole lemon zested
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 thin slices fresh smoked mozzarella
  • 4 whole hamburger buns
  • baby arugula as needed
Instructions
  1. First, make the homemade mayo. Wrap a large bowl in a cold, wet towel to help it emulsify. Combine the lemon zest, lemon juice, egg, Dijon, basil and salt in the bowl and whisk them together well. Continue to whisk while you slowly pour in the canola oil. Keep whisking until it is a creamy, pale mayonnaise! Set the bowl aside while you make the turkey burgers. There will be lots leftover and this stuff will keep for days in a sealed container to put on sandwiches and other yummy things!
  2. For the burgers, combine the basil, egg, lemon zest, Dijon, salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir it all together. Add in the ground turkey and mix it thoroughly with your clean hands. Then pre-heat an electric griddle to 350 or heat up a grill pan or griddle pan over medium high heat. Divide the burger mixture equally into quarters and form each of them into patties. Make a little thumb indentation in the middle of each of them so that they are even when they puff up as they cook.
  3. Grease the griddle with the butter and cook the patties for 5-6 minutes on the first side. Flip them over to be close together and top each of them with the slice of mozzarella. Place a large stainless steel bowl over the patties on the griddle like a dome to steam them and really melt the cheese while they cook for another 5-6 minutes. While they cook, toast the buns. When they're done place each burger on a bun, top them with a spoonful of the mayo and a small handful of the arugula. Serve immediately with sides and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Basil Lemon Turkey Burgers
Amount Per Serving (1 burger)
Calories 525 Calories from Fat 257
% Daily Value*
Fat 28.6g44%
Saturated Fat 7.6g48%
Cholesterol 167mg56%
Sodium 586mg25%
Potassium 414mg12%
Carbohydrates 27.1g9%
Fiber 3.9g16%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 42g84%
Calcium 230mg23%
Iron 3.1mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Basil Lemon Turkey Burgers
Basil Lemon Turkey Burgers

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10 thoughts on “Basil Lemon Turkey Burgers”

  1. 5 stars
    I’m so excited I found this recipe! I am free of dairy, grain, and soy so it’s often hard to find recipes that work for me. This is perfect! I can’t wait to try it and grill it up.

  2. Thanks for the tip about adding mustard! I’ll have to try that. The mayonnaise looks so good! I have never made homemade mayonnaise, but this makes me want to try it!

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