Gluten Free Smoky Balsamic Barbecue Turkey Burgers
What are some of your favorite burger toppings? These Gluten Free Smoky Balsamic Barbecue Turkey Burgers are as much about the toppings as they the juicy burgers.
For these show stopping burgers I am going to give you tips on how to create a juicy mouthwatering turkey burger as well as how to create amazing toppings.
Let’s Talk Turkey
How do you feel about turkey burgers? Ground turkey is such a great canvas for big, bold flavors. Lean in fat yet yet high in protein it’s the perfect base for these Gluten Free Smoky Balsamic Barbecue Turkey Burgers.
While ground turkey takes on flavors well, it can easily dry out. I have three tips for keeping these fully stacked burgers tender and juicy. First, add egg whites to your burger mixture. Not only do they help bind the burger, they also add a layer of moisture.
Second, be careful not to over mix the burger ingredients. You want to mix everything until it’s just combined. Be gentle!
Lastly, after searing the burgers on one side, you are going to cover them. After cooking for a few minutes you will flip them and cover them again. This will help retain moisture and allow them to cook evenly.
Putting the BBQ In Gluten Free Balsamic Barbecue Turkey Burgers
Let’s talk toppings, starting with the easy and bold barbecue sauce that decadently cascades down this burger. With just a few pantry staples this sauce comes together quickly.
Starting with a ketchup base, you’re going to add brown sugar for sweetness. For that pop of umami saltiness Worcestershire sauce joins the party. However the true star of the sauce is smoked balsamic. That hint of smoke really drives home the barbecue flavors. There’s no need to cook the sauce. Just mix everything up and set it aside.
From there, it’s all about playing with flavors. I love caramelized onions on my burger. They add a nice sweetness to balance all of the savory notes. Don’t rush making your caramelized onions. Think of them as the same concept as barbecue, low and slow. If they get too dry as they’re cooking, give them a splash of water.
Bacon, are you team bacon when it comes to burgers? If bacon is an option, it’s always the right answer. It adds that crisp bite and smoky saltiness. Feel free to use turkey bacon in this recipe. For this recipe I am using Niman Ranch Bacon. Created in small batches it comes in both cured and uncured.
Last but certainly not least, cheese. I top my Gluten Free Smoky Balsamic Turkey Burgers with a Dairy Free smoked provolone for yet another layer of smoky flavor.
Holding all of these glorious toppings together is my favorite Gluten Free buns from Canyon Bakehouse. For that extra layer of flavor and texture make sure you always toast those buns! Now, the only question is, how you are topping your burgers?
Love burgers? Make sure you check out my recipe for Gluten Free General Tso’s Pineapple Pork Burgers.
Gluten Free Smoky Balsamic Barbecue Turkey Burgers
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- skillet with lid
Ingredients
Smoky Balsamic Barbecue Sauce
- 1 cup ketchup
- 1/8 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/4 cup Smoked Balsamic vinegar
Turkey Burgers
- 1 lbs ground turkey
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 cup Gluten Free panko bread crumbs
- 2 egg whites
- 1/2 tsp Korean chili flakes
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- pinch of pepper
Burger Toppings
- Cooked bacon
- Dairy Free smoked provolone cheese
- caramelized onions
- pickle chips
- Toasted Gluten Free buns
Instructions
Smoky Balsamic Barbecue Sauce
- Mix all of the ingredients together and set aside.
Turkey Burgers
- Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl. Gently mix until everything is just incorporated.
- Make 4 even patties from the turkey mixture.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tbsp of olive oil.
- Gently place burgers in pan. Allow to brown for a couple of minutes and then cover with lid.
- Cook for about 5 minutes and then flip.
- Cover and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. The internal temp should read 165.
- To assemble the burgers top buns with burger, cheese, caramelized onions, pickles, bacon, and drizzle on the homemade balsamic barbecue sauce. Enjoy!