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Greek-Style Turkey Burgers With Tzatziki – Fresh, Juicy, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Ground turkey (93% lean is ideal; about 1.5 pounds)
  • Feta cheese, crumbled (about 1/2 cup)
  • Red onion (1 small; half grated for patties, half sliced for topping)
  • Garlic (4–5 cloves)
  • Fresh herbs: Dill and parsley (or mint), about 1/4 cup each, chopped
  • Dried oregano (or Greek seasoning blend)
  • Lemon (zest and juice)
  • Breadcrumbs (plain or panko, about 1/2 cup)
  • Egg (1, to bind)
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Greek yogurt (plain, whole-milk or 2%)
  • Cucumber (English or Persian)
  • Fresh toppings: Tomato, cucumber slices, lettuce or arugula
  • Buns or pita, lightly toasted

Method
 

  1. Make the tzatziki. Grate half a cucumber on the large holes of a box grater. Squeeze out excess water with your hands or a clean towel. Stir with 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1 grated garlic clove, 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1–2 tablespoons chopped dill, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Chill while you prep the burgers.
  2. Prep aromatics. Grate half a small red onion. Finely chop 2 tablespoons parsley and 2 tablespoons dill (or mint). Zest 1 lemon.
  3. Mix the patties. In a large bowl, combine 1.5 pounds ground turkey, the grated onion, 1 egg, 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup crumbled feta, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, lemon zest, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil for moisture. Gently mix until just combined—don’t overwork.
  4. Shape and chill. Divide into 4–6 patties about 1/2–3/4 inch thick. Press a shallow dimple in the center of each to prevent puffing. Chill the patties for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
  5. Cook your way. Grill: Preheat to medium-high, oil the grates, and cook 5–6 minutes per side, flipping once, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  6. Stovetop: Heat a film of olive oil in a skillet over medium. Cook 5–7 minutes per side, covering for the last few minutes to help them cook through.
  7. Oven: Bake at 400°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 15–18 minutes, then broil 1–2 minutes to brown. Check for 165°F.
  8. Toast and assemble. Lightly toast buns or warm pita. Add lettuce, tomato, and sliced red onion. Top each patty with a generous spoonful of tzatziki and, if you like, extra feta and herbs.
  9. Serve. Add cucumber slices or a simple Greek salad on the side. A squeeze of lemon over the burger before serving brightens everything.