Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli Recipe

Sink your teeth into these savory, juicy Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli—the kind of burger that will have everyone at your table asking, “When are we making these again?” With a whirlwind of prep and barely 40 minutes from start to finish, these burgers are packed with flavor, giving you the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal without any hassle. Perfect for busy weeknights, you’ll love how effortlessly gourmet dinner can be, right from your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Set yourself up for burger bliss by gathering up these kitchen essentials. No weird ingredients here—just simple, delicious building blocks with a few helpful tips thrown in.

• Turkey Burger Mix: Lean ground turkey for juicy patties. Salt and pepper for balanced seasoning. Bread crumbs and an egg can help bind the patties, though the recipe’s base is foolproof as written.
• Burger Buns: Sesame seed or onion hamburger rolls—choose quality, slightly toasted for structure and subtle crunch.
• Caramelized Onions: Yellow or sweet onions, butter, and olive oil meld to create that irresistible, deeply-sweet flavor. Patience is the secret ingredient here!
• Garlic Aioli: Mayonnaise is your creamy base; fresh minced garlic for real punch. Dijon mustard and Worcestershire sauce add depth, while kosher salt and black pepper bring it all together.

Tip: Don’t shy away from making extra onions or aioli. Both are incredible on sandwiches or as dips later in the week!

Variations

There’s always room to make these burgers your own! Try these tweaks if you’re looking to shake things up:

• Cheese, Please: Top your patty with a slice of sharp cheddar, Swiss, or provolone for delicious meltiness.
• Add Some Greens: Throw on a handful of arugula or baby spinach for a peppery crunch.
• Go Gluten-Free: Swap out the bun for a gluten-free roll or wrap your burger in crisp lettuce leaves.
• Spice It Up: For heat lovers, mix a few dashes of hot sauce into the aioli or stir diced jalapeños into the ground turkey.
• Ditch the Mayo: Swap Greek yogurt for mayo in the aioli if you want a lighter option.

How to Make Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onions and Aioli

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

Start by melting butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and season well with salt and pepper. Cook gently, stirring frequently, for about 30 minutes. Don’t rush—low and slow is key for that deep golden color and sweet aroma.

Step 2: Whip Up the Garlic Aioli

As the onions work their magic, stir together mayonnaise, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Let it sit at room temperature; the flavors will meld and intensify while you finish the burgers.

Step 3: Form and Cook the Burger Patties

Mix the ground turkey and seasoning together and shape into six hearty patties (or eight smaller ones). Give a large nonstick skillet a quick spray, then cook the patties over medium heat for about 5 minutes per side, until cooked through and nicely browned.

Step 4: Assemble Your Masterpiece

Toast your buns if you like (highly recommended for texture!). Place a turkey patty on each bun, slather generously with that zesty garlic aioli, and crown the burger with a heap of caramelized onions. Top with the other half of the bun and prepare for pure satisfaction.

How to Serve

For ultimate enjoyment, serve these turkey burgers hot and fresh, piled high with caramelized onions and a hefty spoonful of garlic aioli. They go perfectly with a side of crisp oven fries, a simple green salad, or even classic coleslaw. Feeling extra fancy? Toss on extra toppings such as crisp lettuce, sliced ripe tomato, or creamy avocado for another layer of flavor.

Pair with a cold, fizzy lemonade or a refreshing iced tea for a true diner-worthy meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place cooled burger patties, onions, and aioli in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to build your burgers fresh just before serving to keep the buns from going soggy.

Freezing

Turkey patties freeze beautifully! Store them cooked or raw (with parchment between), tightly wrapped, for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking or reheating.

Reheating

Popup your cooked patties in a skillet over medium-low heat until warmed through, or microwave in 30-second bursts. Warm the onions gently in a pan or a microwave-safe bowl, and give the aioli a quick stir before use. Always assemble burgers fresh for the best texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully comforting about a perfectly cooked turkey burger, especially with caramelized onions and that luscious, garlicky aioli. This recipe strikes the perfect balance: quick enough for any weeknight, but special enough to wow your crew. Grab those ingredients, trust the process, and treat yourself to a burger night that’s a true highlight of the week—you’ll want to make these turkey burgers again and again!

Print