Learn how to make the best juicy grilled turkey burgers with a secret ingredient and no breadcrumbs.  This healthy turkey burger recipe is gluten-free, keto and paleo!

Hand holding grilled turkey burgers in a lettuce wrap

It’s almost Labor Day, can you believe it?  I know most years I’m fighting the end of summer tooth and nail, but this year I’m already in the mood for fall.

I’ve been making plenty of fall-inspired recipes behind the scenes, and they’ll be showing up shortly after I push out my last few late summer recipes.

Until then, let’s talk turkey!  Or grilled turkey burgers anyway. 🙂

I love my grass fed beef grilled hamburgers, but I prefer turkey burgers most of the time.  They’re lighter, leaner and when they’re nice and juicy, there’s just nothing better for me.

While the men in my house prefer hamburgers, they would never turn down these healthy turkey burgers!

Keto, paleo, gluten-free turkey burgers wrapped in lettuce with tomato and avocado

Is a turkey burger healthier than a hamburger?

Turkey burgers are generally healthier than a hamburger as ground turkey is leaner, but it also depends on the following:

  • The type of ground turkey that you’re using.   Ground turkey is much leaner than beef, which can result in a drier burger.  For this reason, I normally use ground turkey thighs for my burgers, which are either 80 – 86% lean.  If you’re watching your fat intake, you can certainly choose extra lean ground turkey breast instead.   Make sure your ground turkey is high in quality like Diestel brand turkey as it’s sustainably raised with superior flavor!
  • The ingredients that you add to your ground turkey.   Since ground turkey is leaner than hamburgers, it typically needs more added ingredients to give it extra flavor and juiciness.  Adding quality ingredients to your turkey burgers will still keep them nice and healthy!

How do I keep my turkey burgers from falling apart?  

Similar to meatloaf, turkey burgers require a binder that will help keep them from falling apart.  Egg and breadcrumbs are often used, but in this recipe I chose to use keto and paleo-friendly mayonnaise along with almond flour to make them gluten and grain free.

How long does it take to grill a turkey burger?

I takes 10 minutes to grill turkey burgers.  Simply cook 5 minutes, flip the burger, and cook 5 minutes more.

grilled turkey burgers process shot

What temperature do you grill turkey burgers?

Preheat the grill to medium heat, or around 350 degrees, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

How do you keep turkey burgers from sticking to the grill?

My pro tip here is to place the turkey burger patties on an oil coated plate, brush the top lightly with oil, and chill for 10 minutes.  This is essential if the meat is very sticky, as it will keep the burgers from sticking to plate as well.

If your ground turkey isn’t incredibly sticky, simply brush each side of the burger lightly with oil before cooking.

Turkey burger ingredients

  • 1 lb. lean ground turkey 
  • Almond flour.
  • Mayonnaise.  It helps keep them moist!
  • Coconut aminos.  Adds savory flavor similar to Worcestershire or soy sauce.
  • Garlic salt.  Omit for low FODMAP.
  • Salt and pepper.
front view of grilled turkey burgers with lettuce wrap, tomato and avocado

How to make grilled turkey burgers

This easy turkey burger recipe comes together in minutes with these helpful tips! 

  • Coat a plate with 1 tablespoon of oil.
  • Place all ingredients into a medium bowl.  Using your hands, gently combine the ingredients to avoid overworking the meat.
  • Form the burgers into 1/4 lb. patties and place on the oil coated plate.  Brush a bit more oil over the tops of the burgers and chill for 10 minutes.
  • Preheat the grill to medium high.  Place the turkey burgers on the grill and reduce the heat to medium.  Cook for 5 minutes, then flip and cook 5 minutes more or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.

Recipe notes

  • Form the burgers in advance, cover and chill until 30 minutes before you’re ready to grill.
  • Coconut aminos may be substituted with Worcestershire or soy sauce if you’re not following a paleo, keto or gluten-free diet.
  • Almond flour may be replaced with bread crumbs if you’re not following a gluten or grain free diet.
Hand holding grilled turkey burgers in the air with lettuce wrap and coleslaw in background

See all of my Grilling Recipes.

More burger recipes you’ll love:

What to serve with this recipe

If you make this recipe I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and rating below, or tag me @flavorthemoments on Instagram!

Grilled turkey burgers in lettuce wrap with coleslaw side

Grilled Turkey Burgers (Paleo, Keto and Gluten-free)

Learn how to make the best juicy grilled turkey burgers with a secret ingredient and no breadcrumbs.  This healthy turkey burger recipe is gluten-free, keto and paleo!
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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 lb. lean ground turkey
  • 2 tablespoons almond flour substitute with bread crumbs if desired
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise use keto and paleo-friendly
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder omit for low FODMAP
  • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos you may substitute with Worcestershire sauce or low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
  • Lettuce wraps and your choice of toppings including tomato, avocado, red onion and pickles

Instructions 

  • Coat a plate with the tablespoon of oil.
  • Place the ground turkey, almond flour, mayonnaise, garlic powder, coconut aminos, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Using your hands, combine the mixture gently to avoid overworking the meat. The mixture will be sticky.
  • Form the meat into 4 burgers and place on the oil coated plate, brushing a bit more oil over the top of the burgers as well to prevent sticking. Chill 10 minutes..
  • Preheat the grill to medium high heat. Place the burgers on the grill and reduce the heat to medium. Grill for 5 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees. Remove from heat.
  • Serve in lettuce wraps with your desired toppings and enjoy!

Notes

  • Form the burgers in advance, cover and chill until 30 minutes before you're ready to grill.
  • Coconut aminos may be substituted with Worcestershire or soy sauce if you're not following a paleo, keto or gluten-free diet.
  • Almond flour may be replaced with bread crumbs if you're not following a gluten or grain free diet.

Nutrition

Calories: 345kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 32g, Fat: 24g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g, Cholesterol: 121mg, Sodium: 742mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Did you try this recipe?Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

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