Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe

This Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli recipe is everything a weeknight meal should be: quick, delightfully easy, and absolutely packed with flavor! The juicy turkey patties, golden caramelized onions, and rich garlic aioli come together to create an unforgettable burger experience. Whether you’re making this for a family dinner or a casual get-together, you’ll love how the sweet onions and creamy aioli elevate the flavors of a classic turkey burger. Bonus? It all comes together in around 40 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Weeknight-Friendly: From caramelizing the onions to cooking the patties, this recipe comes together in well under an hour. Perfect for busy weekdays!
• Flavor Explosion: Between the juicy turkey patties, the luscious garlic aioli, and the buttery-sweet caramelized onions, every bite is a burst of bold yet balanced flavors.
• Customizable and Light: These turkey burgers are a lighter alternative to beef, and there’s plenty of room to play around with toppings or sides!
• Family-Approved: Guaranteed to please adults, kids, and anyone who loves a hearty, flavor-packed burger.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a long shopping list for these Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli, but don’t skip the essentials—they each play an important role!

• Turkey: Ground turkey is lean and juicy, providing the perfect base for these delicious burgers.
• Hamburger Rolls: Sesame seed buns are a classic, but onion rolls add an extra layer of flavor. Toast them lightly for the best results!
• Onions: Sweet or yellow onions work wonders for caramelizing. Take your time with these—they’ll deepen in flavor and sweetness as they cook.
• Butter & Olive Oil: The secret to deeply rich caramelized onions! Butter complements the sweetness, while olive oil ensures they get that perfect golden-brown color.
• Garlic: A must-have for the aioli! The garlicky kick balances beautifully with the creaminess of the sauce.
• Mayonnaise: The base of a perfect garlic aioli—creamy, smooth, and rich.
• Dijon Mustard and Worcestershire Sauce: Bring tanginess and umami for that extra depth of flavor in the aioli.
• Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Season generously; good seasoning is key to making each component shine.

Tip: For the turkey patties, consider adding breadcrumbs, egg, or some fresh parsley if you want an even more tender and flavorful bite!

Variations

• Cheesy Upgrade: Add a slice of your favorite cheese (cheddar, provolone, or smoked gouda work wonderfully) to the patties during the last minute of cooking. Let it melt for gooey perfection!
• Spicy Kick: Mix a teaspoon of chili flakes or diced jalapeño into the turkey mixture for some heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the buns and serve your turkey burger in lettuce wraps for a low-carb alternative.
• Herbed Aioli: Add minced fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the aioli for a refreshing twist.

How to Make Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli

Let’s break it down step by step!

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter with olive oil. Once the mixture is hot, add thinly sliced onions. Stir to coat them evenly. Sprinkle with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Let them cook slowly for about 30 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The result should be golden, soft, sweet onions.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Aioli

While the onions are caramelizing, stir together mayonnaise, minced garlic, dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Let it rest at room temperature to bloom the flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Turkey Patties

In a mixing bowl, shape the ground turkey into patties of equal size (6 large or 8 smaller). Spray a skillet with non-stick cooking spray or lightly oil it. Cook the patties over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 4: Assemble the Burgers

Toast your buns if desired. On the bottom half of each bun, spread a generous dollop of garlic aioli. Add a turkey burger, followed by a heap of caramelized onions. Cap it off with the top bun, and you’re ready to serve!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Low and Slow for Onions: Patience is key when caramelizing onions—turning up the heat will burn them. Stir often and let them do their thing!
• Avoid Over-Mixing Turkey: Overworking the ground turkey can make your patties dense. Mix just until combined.
• Toast Your Buns: This simple step ensures a sturdier base for all those delicious toppings and adds a slight crunch.

How to Serve

Serve these turkey burgers fresh and hot alongside crispy oven fries, a mixed green salad, or even a light coleslaw for a refreshing contrast. For extra toppings, consider sliced avocado, a bit of arugula, or a drizzle of hot sauce. And of course, always have extra aioli on the side for dipping fries or spreading more onto the bun—it’s too good to waste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store fully cooked turkey patties, caramelized onions, and aioli in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

The turkey patties can be frozen either raw or cooked. Place parchment paper between each patty, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking or reheating.

Reheating

Reheat turkey patties in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until just warmed through. Avoid overcooking to maintain their juiciness.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the butter in the caramelized onions for extra olive oil and use a dairy-free mayonnaise.

2. Can I grill the turkey burgers instead of cooking them in a skillet?
Sure! Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the patties for about 4-5 minutes per side.

3. What’s the best way to prevent turkey patties from drying out?
Add a touch of moisture to the patties with ingredients like breadcrumbs, a splash of milk, or a small beaten egg. Avoid overcooking and check for doneness with a thermometer.

4. Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Definitely! The aioli and caramelized onions can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them.

Final Thoughts

These Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli are everything you need in a burger: simple yet packed with unforgettable flavors, perfect for any night of the week. If you’ve been looking for a way to jazz up classic turkey burgers, this is your sign to go all out! Enjoy experimenting with the variations, and don’t forget to savor every bite—you deserve it!

Print