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Jalapeño Pepper Jack Turkey Burgers

Jalapeño Pepper Jack Turkey Burgers combine ground turkey, pepper jack, jalapeño, garlic, and smoky spices.Chill the patties for 30 minutes before grilling.Cook to 165°F and serve with cheese, guacamole, and your favorite toppings.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • 1/3 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 garlic cloves finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1 jalapeño pepper finely diced
  • 2 teaspoons soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 pounds 93% lean halal ground turkey
  • 6 slices pepper jack cheese optional

For serving:

  • Hamburger buns
  • Sliced jalapeños
  • Spicy mayo
  • Guacamole
  • Sliced tomato
  • Lettuce

Instructions
 

  • Add the egg, shredded pepper jack, onion, garlic, cilantro, jalapeño, soy sauce, lemon juice, salt, smoked paprika, cumin, and black pepper to a large mixing bowl. Whisk or stir until well combined.
  • Add the ground turkey. Using clean hands, a silicone spatula, or a wooden spoon, gently mix until the seasonings are evenly distributed. Avoid overworking the meat.
  • Divide the mixture into 6 equal portions and form them into thick, compact patties, approximately 6 ounces (170 g) each.
  • Press a shallow indentation into the center of each patty with your thumb. This helps the burgers cook more evenly and maintain their shape.
  • Arrange the patties on a parchment-lined baking sheet or plate. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.
  • When ready to cook, lightly grease the grill grates with a high-heat cooking oil and preheat the grill to high.
  • Place the chilled Jalapeño Pepper Jack Turkey Burgers on the hot grill. Close the lid and grill for approximately 5 minutes.
  • Carefully flip the patties and continue grilling for approximately 3 minutes, or until the centers reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • If using additional pepper jack cheese, place one slice over each patty during the final 30–60 seconds of cooking. Close the grill briefly to help the cheese melt.
  • Transfer the burgers to buns and finish with sliced jalapeño, spicy mayo, guacamole, tomato, lettuce, or your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.

Notes

For extra-cheesy pepper jack turkey burgers, use both shredded cheese inside the patties and sliced pepper jack on top.
Guacamole works especially well because its cool, creamy texture balances the heat from the jalapeños and pepper jack. You can also add avocado slices instead.
To make the burgers lower in carbohydrates, skip the traditional bun and serve the patty in a lettuce wrap or over a salad.