By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on June 13, 2023 | Last Updated on March 24, 2024
Allow me to take you on a culinary journey where flavors dance on your taste buds, and satisfaction knows no bounds. Today, I will unravel the exquisite world of the Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger — a masterpiece crafted with love and expertise.
Picture this – a succulent turkey patty infused with a medley of vibrant flavors, nestled between a fluffy bun and adorned with tantalizing toppings. The Ina Garten turkey burgers are not just a dish; it is an experience that elevates the humble burger to a gourmet delight.
You can also read the following appetizer recipes:
- Barefoot Contessa Tea Sandwiches
- Alfajores de Maicena Copycat Recipe
- Recipe for Barefoot Contessa Tuna Casserole
What Does It Taste Like?
The first bite sends waves of savory goodness enveloping your palate. The rich, umami taste of the ground turkey is complemented by the aromatic blend of garlic, soy sauce, and fresh cilantro. The hint of ginger adds a subtle kick, while the water chestnuts provide a satisfying crunch. Moreover, the sambal oelek or Asian chili paste, if included, lends a fiery note that tantalizes your taste buds.
Want more Burger Recipes? Check them out!
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- Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger
- Jesse Kelly Burger
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Why Does This pioneer woman turkey burger Recipe Work?
- Texture Magic: The water chestnuts, coarsely chopped, are the unsung heroes of this recipe. They add a delightful crunch to every bite, elevating the overall texture of the burger.
- Flavor Symphony: The combination of soy sauce, ginger, and cilantro creates a harmonious flavor profile that is both complex and comforting.
- Heat Factor: Sambal oelek or Asian chili paste, if used, adds a spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the turkey, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
- Juicy Perfection: The ground turkey, when cooked just right, retains its moisture, ensuring that each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Ingredients For Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger:
- Olive oil (for coating the pan): I start by using olive oil to coat the pan, not only to prevent the turkey burgers from sticking but also to impart a subtle richness to the exterior as they cook.
- Onion (cut into 1/4-inch dice): Diced onion adds a sweet and savory depth to the turkey burgers. It not only enhances the overall flavor but also contributes to the juiciness of the patties.
- Salt: A fundamental seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients and ensures a well-balanced taste in the burgers.
- Garlic: The addition of garlic provides a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the turkey and adds a delightful complexity to each bite.
- Ground turkey: The main protein source for the burgers, ground turkey is leaner than beef, offering a healthier alternative while maintaining a juicy and flavorful profile.
- Sambal oelek (optional): For those who enjoy a bit of heat, sambal oelek is included as an optional ingredient. It adds a spicy kick, elevating the overall taste of the turkey burgers.
- Fresh cilantro: Cilantro contributes a bright and fresh herbal note to the burgers, enhancing their overall freshness and adding a layer of complexity to the flavor profile.
- Water chestnuts: These provide a unique crunch and texture to the burgers, offering a delightful contrast to the tender ground turkey.
- Soy sauce: The umami-rich soy sauce serves as a savory flavor enhancer, tying together all the ingredients and creating a cohesive taste experience.
- Fresh ginger: Ginger adds a warm and zesty kick, infusing the turkey burgers with a subtle spiciness and enhancing the overall aromatic profile.
For Toppings:
- Mayonnaise: This creamy condiment adds richness and moisture to the burger, complementing the lean turkey patties.
- Beefsteak tomatoes: Sliced tomatoes contribute juiciness, freshness, and a slightly acidic element to balance the flavors.
- Burger buns: The buns serve as the vessel for the delicious turkey patties, soaking up juices and providing a satisfying base for the toppings.
- Cheddar cheese: Melted Cheddar cheese adds a gooey, savory layer to the burgers, enhancing their overall richness.
- Butter lettuce: With its tender and mild flavor, butter lettuce provides a crisp, refreshing element to the burgers.
- Red onion: Sliced red onion adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch, elevating both the flavor and texture of the turkey burger.
Step by Step Instructions:
Step 1: Heat Things Up
Start by pouring a bit of olive oil into a large sauté pan. Toss in the finely chopped large onion and sprinkle a pinch of salt over it. Let the pan cozy up to medium heat. Cook those onions until they get soft and release that irresistible aroma. It should take around 7 to 8 minutes. Now, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for an extra 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the fragrant mixture cool down.
Step 2: Mix It Up
Grab a roomy mixing bowl and throw in the ground turkey, water chestnuts (make sure they’re drained!), soy sauce, finely chopped cilantro, freshly grated ginger, and the optional but highly recommended sambal oelek. Don’t forget to add the cooled down onion and garlic mix. To keep things moist and juicy, toss in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water. Now, dive in with your hands and mix everything until it’s one harmonious blend.
Step 3: Taste Test
Shape a little bit of the mixture into a small patty – a tester, if you will. Cook it up and give it a taste. If the seasoning needs a tweak, sprinkle in a bit more soy sauce or a dash of salt. Once you’re confident it’s flavor perfection, form the mix into four equally sized patties.
Step 4: Pan Magic
Take a moment to wipe down the sauté pan you used for the onions with a paper towel. Drizzle it with fresh olive oil and let it dance its way to medium-high heat. Place those burger patties in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Look for that beautiful golden brown exterior and make sure they’re cooked through. If you’re working in batches, keep the first batch warm in the oven at a cozy 200 degrees F while the others sizzle away.
Step 5: Tantalizing Toppings
Mix together the mayonnaise and sambal oelek in a small bowl – that’s your spicy mayo magic. Toast those burger buns to perfection. Now, assemble the masterpieces: place the burgers on the buns and let your creativity run wild with toppings. Add a slice of American or Cheddar cheese, a leaf of butter lettuce, a juicy slice of beefsteak tomato, and a ring of red onion. Finally, crown it all with a generous dollop of tantalizing spicy mayo.
Notes:
– Don’t Overmix: Avoid overmixing the turkey mixture to prevent a dense patty.
– Cooking Time: Ensure the turkey patties are cooked through to avoid any risks of foodborne illnesses.
– Customization: Feel free to experiment with different toppings and condiments to suit your taste preferences.
– Serving Suggestion: Pair the Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger with a side of sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information:
– Serving Size: 1 Burger
– Calories: 480
– Protein: 32g
– Carbohydrates: 32g
– Fat: 25g
– Fiber: 3g
How To Store The Leftovers?
Store any leftover turkey patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a skillet or microwave before serving for the best taste and texture.
Sides For Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger:
- Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries complements the savory flavors of the turkey burger.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy and tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty burger.
- Grilled Corn on the Cob: The smoky charred flavor of grilled corn pairs beautifully with the juicy turkey patty.
- Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado salad with lime dressing provides a creamy and citrusy touch to the meal.
What are some alternative choices to the ingredients in case they are not in your pantry?
- Ground Chicken: Substitute ground chicken for turkey if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
- Chili Flakes: Replace sambal oelek with chili flakes for a different level of heat.
- Parsley: Use parsley as a substitute for cilantro if you’re not a fan of its flavor.
- Pine Nuts: Swap water chestnuts with pine nuts for a similar crunchy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese for the burger?
A1: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheese varieties such as provolone, Swiss, or Gouda to customize the flavor profile of the burger.
Q2: Can I freeze the uncooked turkey patties for later use?
A2: Yes, you can shape the turkey patties and freeze them individually. Thaw them in the refrigerator before cooking for best results.
Q3: Is it possible to make the turkey burger patty ahead of time?
A3: Yes, you can prepare the turkey mixture in advance and shape the patties. Keep them refrigerated until ready to cook for a convenient meal prep option.
Q4: Can I make the Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger without the sambal oelek or Asian chili paste?
A4: While sambal oelek adds a unique flavor to the burger, you can omit it if you prefer a milder taste. Feel free to adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
Conclusion:
Embark on a culinary adventure with the Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger, where every bite tells a story of flavor and passion. With a perfect balance of textures and tastes, this recipe is a testament to the art of creating a simple yet indulgent meal.
Let your taste buds revel in the symphony of ingredients and savor the goodness of a well-crafted burger that promises to tickle your senses and leave you craving for more.
Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger Recipe
Equipment
- bowls
- large skillet
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- 1 large onion
- Salt
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
- 2 tablespoons sambal oelek or Asian chili paste optional (but recommended)
- 1/2 bunch of fresh cilantro leaves finely chopped
- One 8-ounce can water chestnuts
- 1- inch piece of ginger freshly peeled and grated
Toppings:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 4 leaves butter lettuce
- 4 slices beefsteak tomatoes
- 4 burger buns
- 2 teaspoons sambal oelek
- 4 slices American of Cheddar cheese
- 4 slices red onion
Instructions
Step 1: Heat Things Up
- Start by pouring a bit of olive oil into a large sauté pan. Toss in the finely chopped large onion and sprinkle a pinch of salt over it. Let the pan cozy up to medium heat. Cook those onions until they get soft and release that irresistible aroma. It should take around 7 to 8 minutes. Now, add the minced garlic and let it sizzle for an extra 1 to 2 minutes. Turn off the heat and let the fragrant mixture cool down.
Step 2: Mix It Up
- Grab a roomy mixing bowl and throw in the ground turkey, water chestnuts (make sure they’re drained!), soy sauce, finely chopped cilantro, freshly grated ginger, and the optional but highly recommended sambal oelek. Don’t forget to add the cooled down onion and garlic mix. To keep things moist and juicy, toss in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water. Now, dive in with your hands and mix everything until it’s one harmonious blend.
Step 3: Taste Test
- Shape a little bit of the mixture into a small patty – a tester, if you will. Cook it up and give it a taste. If the seasoning needs a tweak, sprinkle in a bit more soy sauce or a dash of salt. Once you’re confident it’s flavor perfection, form the mix into four equally sized patties.
Step 4: Pan Magic
- Take a moment to wipe down the sauté pan you used for the onions with a paper towel. Drizzle it with fresh olive oil and let it dance its way to medium-high heat. Place those burger patties in the pan, making sure not to overcrowd. Cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Look for that beautiful golden brown exterior and make sure they’re cooked through. If you’re working in batches, keep the first batch warm in the oven at a cozy 200 degrees F while the others sizzle away.
Step 5: Tantalizing Toppings
- Mix together the mayonnaise and sambal oelek in a small bowl – that’s your spicy mayo magic. Toast those burger buns to perfection. Now, assemble the masterpieces: place the burgers on the buns and let your creativity run wild with toppings. Add a slice of American or Cheddar cheese, a leaf of butter lettuce, a juicy slice of beefsteak tomato, and a ring of red onion. Finally, crown it all with a generous dollop of tantalizing spicy mayo.
Notes
Cooking Time: Ensure the turkey patties are cooked through to avoid any risks of foodborne illnesses.
Customization: Feel free to experiment with different toppings and condiments to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestion: Pair the Barefoot Contessa Turkey Burger with a side of sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
