Description
These spicy turkey and zucchini burgers are moist, flavorful, and packed with fresh herbs and warm spices. Served with a bright lemony sour cream sauce, they make a lighter yet satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or summer dinners.
Ingredients
- For the burgers:
- 1 pound (450 g) ground turkey
- 1 3/4 cups (180–200 g) coarsely grated zucchini, lightly packed
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for frying)
- For the lemon sour cream sauce:
- 1/4 cup (60 g) sour cream
- 1/3 cup (80 g) plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix sour cream, Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate.
- In a large bowl, combine grated zucchini, green onions, mint, cilantro, garlic, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Add ground turkey and gently mix until evenly combined without overworking the meat.
- Form mixture into 8 patties about 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook patties in batches for 5 minutes per side, or until browned and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat with remaining patties.
- Serve warm with lemon sour cream sauce.
Notes
- If zucchini is very watery, lightly squeeze excess moisture before mixing.
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs if mixture feels too loose.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes if preferred.
- Grill over medium heat, flipping carefully.
- Store sauce separately and stir before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Fried
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 burger with sauce
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
