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Spiced zucchini turkey burgers on a plate with charred edges and fresh toppings
Dinner

Spiced Zucchini Turkey Burgers

I totally forgot about this superstar ingredient in turkey burgers. I used to make my turkey burgers this way exclusively! And now that I'm reminded by the superpowers of zucchini when it comes to adding moisture, this is my go-to turkey burger recipe.

5.0 (2)
Prep
15 min
Cook
17 min
Total
32 min
Serves
4
Style
🍽 Elevated

I totally forgot about this superstar ingredient in turkey burgers. I used to make my turkey burgers this way exclusively! Now that I'm reminded of the superpowers of zucchini when it comes to adding moisture, this is my go-to turkey burger recipe.

But we're not stopping there—we're spicing this up with earthy spices and adding umami-boosting ingredients such as miso paste and soy sauce. What a lovely and easy meal!

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 lb (454 g) ground turkey
  • 1 cup (150 g) finely grated zucchini, squeezed really well of all the moisture
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed
  • 1 TBSP miso paste
  • 1 TBSP soy sauce
  • 1 tsp Sambal Oelek, or more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1 TBSP olive oil, for cooking the burgers

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. 2

    Combine the zucchini, chili powder, ancho chili powder, coriander, cumin, garlic, salt, pepper, miso paste, and soy sauce in a bowl until well blended. Add the turkey and gently mix with a fork without overmixing. Form into 4½-inch (11cm) tall patties.

  3. 3

    Heat the oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the patties and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until they're nice and golden brown. Move the pan to the oven and cook for 7–10 minutes until cooked through to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

FAQ

Can I make these turkey burgers ahead of time?+
Yes, you can form the patties up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate them on a parchment-lined plate, or freeze them for up to 3 months—just add a couple extra minutes to the cooking time if cooking from frozen.
Why do I need to squeeze the zucchini so well?+
Excess moisture from the zucchini will make your burgers fall apart and become mushy, so squeezing it really well is essential for burgers that hold together and stay juicy rather than watery.
What can I substitute for sambal oelek?+
You can use sriracha, fresh jalapeño (finely minced), cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes—adjust the amount to your heat preference since sambal oelek is quite spicy.
How do I know when the burgers are cooked through?+
Cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when measured in the thickest part, or cook in the oven at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes until they're no longer pink inside.

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Spiced Zucchini Turkey Burgers | Easy 17-Min | Food 400°