Fire up the grill—these teriyaki turkey burgers are packed with flavor and really easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a backyard BBQ.
Grilling season is in full swing, and this is one of my favorite turkey burger recipes. It’s hard to believe the 4th of July is almost here—summer’s flying by! There’s no better way to celebrate warm evenings than with a big, juicy burger in the backyard. Best of all, everyone loves these—even my picky kids gobble them up every time. They’re a great change from the classic beef cheeseburger.
We’ve been remodeling our kitchen and living without it for the last month and a half, so our grill has been getting a serious workout. I’ve always loved grilling, but this summer I’ve come to appreciate how quick and versatile it is. We’ve tried lots of burger combos, and these teriyaki turkey burgers with pineapple slaw are a favorite.
The teriyaki adds a sweet-and-salty caramelized flavor that gives turkey burgers the extra moisture and taste they often need. I like using ground turkey as a leaner option, but feel free to use beef if you prefer.
Tips for Teriyaki Turkey Burgers
– Use a teriyaki sauce, not a marinade. You can make your own, but I usually grab a store-bought bottle for quick weeknight dinners.
– If you want to be fancy, grill a few thick slices of red onion—grilling removes the bitterness and adds sweet, smoky flavor.
– Divide the meat into 4–5 even patties about 1/2 inch thick. Press a small indentation in the center of each patty with your finger so they cook evenly and don’t puff up.
– Don’t skip the pineapple slaw. It adds great crunch and complements the teriyaki. Fresh pineapple is best, but well-drained canned tidbits work in a pinch (the slaw will be a bit wetter and won’t keep as long with canned fruit). The slaw keeps 2–3 days in the fridge, best within 24 hours for maximum crunch, and it’s also fantastic on fish tacos.
– These burgers can be grilled or pan-fried. Grilling brings extra flavor, but they turn out great in a cast-iron pan during cooler months. Toast the buns on the top shelf of the grill for the last few minutes.
Grilled Teriyaki Turkey Burgers with Pineapple Slaw
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 burgers
Ingredients
Teriyaki Turkey Burgers
– 1 1/2 pounds ground turkey
– 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce (NOT a marinade) — reserve a few tablespoons for brushing
– 1/2 tablespoon minced garlic
– 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
– Sautéed onion slices
– Hamburger buns (Hawaiian buns are great)
Pineapple Slaw
– 12 ounces broccoli slaw
– 1/2 cup chopped pineapple (fresh preferred; if using canned, drain well)
– 1/3 cup Miracle Whip or mayo
– 1/2 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1/4 cup chopped green onions
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Teriyaki Burgers
1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
2. Mix all burger ingredients together until combined.
3. Form into 4–5 even patties, about 1/2 inch thick, and press a small indentation in the center of each.
4. Grill on medium-high for 5–6 minutes per side. Brush with reserved teriyaki sauce during the last 1–2 minutes.
5. Top with pineapple slaw and sautéed onions.
Pineapple Slaw
1. Mix all slaw ingredients together well.
2. Chill in the refrigerator and eat within 2 days.
If you try these teriyaki burgers, I’d love to hear what you think!
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