Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy burger that's not just delicious, but packed with hidden nutrition and surprising flavors! These Zucchini Apple Turkey Burgers are about to change everything you thought you knew about healthy eating. By ingeniously blending ground turkey with sweet apples and moisture-rich zucchini, this recipe transforms the classic burger into a mouthwatering meal that will have your family begging for seconds - without the guilt!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 cup grated zucchini
- 1 apple, grated
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables and fruit: Wash the zucchini and apple thoroughly. Using a box grater, grate the zucchini and apple, then place the grated ingredients on a clean kitchen towel and gently squeeze out excess moisture to prevent burgers from becoming soggy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, grated zucchini, grated apple, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix ingredients gently but thoroughly using your hands, being careful not to overwork the meat to maintain a tender texture.
- Form the mixture into 4 equal-sized patties, each about 3/4 inch thick. Create a slight indentation in the center of each patty to help them cook evenly and prevent bulging.
- Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium-high heat. Lightly coat the cooking surface with olive oil to prevent sticking and promote a golden-brown crust.
- Cook the turkey burgers for approximately 5-6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure food safety and proper doneness.
- Let the burgers rest for 3-4 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, which helps maintain moisture and flavor.
- Serve hot on your choice of bun or lettuce wrap, and garnish with additional toppings like sliced tomatoes, lettuce, or a light yogurt sauce if desired.
Tips
- • Always squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini and apple to prevent soggy burgers • Use your hands to mix ingredients gently - overworking can make the meat tough • Create a small indentation in the center of each patty to ensure even cooking • Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the 165°F internal temperature for food safety • Let burgers rest after cooking to lock in those delicious juices • For extra flavor, experiment with herbs like fresh thyme or parsley in the mixture • If you're watching carbs, serve on a crisp lettuce wrap instead of a traditional bun
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 95mg
