Burger...do I have to use breadcrumbs and yolk?

DizzyLinds
DizzyLinds Posts: 856 Member
Hi,

I want to make some turkey burgers tonight preferably low carb. I keep seeing recipes that suggest using breadcrumbs to help bind it together and some saying to use whole egg, egg white or yolk? Will not using breadcrumb work and what part of the egg do I use?
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Replies

  • isa75
    isa75 Posts: 156 Member
    I think you can pretty much put whatever you want in. Skip the bread if you don't want it. Use whatever egg part you want.
    I don't use bread and use a whole egg. I have also been known not to bother with egg. It may fall apart a little easier, but is still tastes great. You could also add cheese as a binder if you want.
  • chuisle
    chuisle Posts: 1,052 Member
    Do what it says in that recipe - use 1 egg white. I've made them before and they're decent - add sauces for more flavor.
  • jennm72
    jennm72 Posts: 45 Member
    I never put anything in mine and they turn out fine.
  • fiveohmike
    fiveohmike Posts: 1,297 Member
    I personally use neither.

    I use Worcestershire sauce and some different seasonings.

    Another fast, tasty trick:

    Add Worcestershire sauce and 1 packet of dry ranch mix to 1.5lbs of meat and make burgers....Super tasty and quick.
  • Sylkwyrm
    Sylkwyrm Posts: 75 Member
    Putting egg in the burgers will help bind them together and the bread crumbs will make for a softer texture. Not putting these items in your burgers your burgers will be just as tasty but they may be more apt to crumble, but that's what a bun is for right? ;) You can also get pre-made turkey burger patties from the grocery store if your burgers aren't coming out as you'd like.
  • hottbutch
    hottbutch Posts: 46
    I put in an egg and quick oats instead of bread crumbs when I make turkey burgers. I just make them small and with all my flavours and spices, they are delicious!
  • jporte
    jporte Posts: 164 Member
    I don't put anything in mine, they do crumble a little more than ground meat but not too bad....I just add salt, pepper and garlic powder....no one complains.
  • DizzyLinds
    DizzyLinds Posts: 856 Member
    I made it minus breadcrumbs with a whole egg and they were yummy!
  • SandyAnnP
    SandyAnnP Posts: 252 Member
    I put some oats and /or oat bran in mine instead of the bread crumbs. Sometimes I add a bit of sweet chilli sauce.
  • funmonkey13
    funmonkey13 Posts: 5 Member
    I make mine in batches using 2-2 1/2 lbs of ground turkey, like 8 cloves of crushed garlic, some scallions or chopped onions, fresh chopped parsley and sage, whatever other seasonings you like (I love pepper) then only about 1/4 cup bread crumbs or you can use brown rice, and a whole egg, plus I add an ounce of grated parmesan gouda. They cook up super yummy on the BBQ and I have never had any problems with them falling apart...if you use a little bit of BBQ sauce when you cook them, they look just like regular burgers...but smell and taste awesome! Good luck...experiment!!!
  • sofia0586
    sofia0586 Posts: 71 Member
    i don't use breadcrumbs or eggs for burgers.

    just spices and onions/garlic.
  • mulcahya
    mulcahya Posts: 82 Member
    I made turkey burgers with turkey mince, diced onion, chopped parsley, and some seasonings.

    Patties formed nicely and easily and didn't need egg or crumbs!
  • yelpat
    yelpat Posts: 414 Member
    You can also use panko which is a Japanese breadcrumb, but even if you don't use an egg, I would add something for moisture.
  • airangel59
    airangel59 Posts: 1,887 Member
    I never used either in mine, just seasonings.

    Now for meatloaf, yes, used egg (one whole) and breadcrumbs or other binder. Have not made since been on MFP though.
  • souperficial
    souperficial Posts: 122 Member
    I put an egg in turkey burgers last night (spinach and feta turkey burgers! they were delicious), and it definitely didn't need it. I might just use a splash of liquid egg whites when I make them next time, just so they don't fall apart.
  • hesn92
    hesn92 Posts: 5,966 Member
    I don't put anything in mine besides maybe some spices. They stay together just fine.
  • Freyja2023
    Freyja2023 Posts: 158 Member
    I make mine with one whole egg, salsa, seasonings, and half burger and italian sauage. Cooked great and tasted really good.
  • You can also use crushed up crackers instead of breadcrumbs. Wholegrain, gluten free, whatever.
  • Bahet
    Bahet Posts: 1,254 Member
    If you want to avoid the carbs of bread crumbs (or oats or any other filler) use crushed pork rinds.
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    I use nothing. I smoosh it together good, then cook it. Cook one side before flipping.

    I've no idea how other people are struggling.
  • Good idea! (I usually don't use anything) The egg boosts the protein content. I'll try it!
  • shoesalwaysfit
    shoesalwaysfit Posts: 48 Member
    I pour chicken stock over mine and bake them in muffin tins. I don't use egg or breadcrumbs, and I mix fresh parsley, spinach and onion in them. They come out really juicy.
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    My favorite thing to mash with the meat? Egg, a few (1/4 cup?) crumbled tortilla chips (good for those busted up shards in the bottom of the bag), a little bit of salsa, some cilantro, a few diced jalapeno slices, and black beans. Holy yum, with extra fiber.
  • IronSmasher
    IronSmasher Posts: 3,908 Member
    Good idea! (I usually don't use anything) The egg boosts the protein content. I'll try it!

    Erm... Adding more meat would boost protein content?
  • Crisred
    Crisred Posts: 7 Member
    I don't put anything additional in. One way to reduce the crumbling is to make them tighter by tossing back and forth between your hands with a bit of force,as you are shaping them. Also, try to seer the outside a bit at first then reduce the heat and cook a little slower to finish the inside. Tasty with some cheddar cheese and avocado on top!
  • fatmom51
    fatmom51 Posts: 173 Member
    I use the super lean (99% fat free) and then mix it with garlic powder, pepper, and about a tablespoon of teriyaki sauce per burger. I brush it with a little bit of olive oil (just enough so it won't stick) and then cook it in my George Foreman grill.
    Super yummy with a slice of pineapple over it and served on a bun.
  • emmeylou
    emmeylou Posts: 175 Member
    I do this all the time!! I add in greek yogurt. You do NOT taste it, but it keeps it really moist and helps bind the meat together. I just add a dollop to about half a pound, I don't really measure it. It also adds protein and a very minimal amount of carbs. It comes out great! Just add whatever seasoning you want and voila.

    Can I also suggest, if you have the time, to mix everything together and then let it sit for a few hours. With turkey meat, this really increases the flavour as the turkey soaks up the seasoning. Just tastes less turkey-ish IMO.
  • I see a lot of references to breadcrumbs as a binder but this is simply false. Yolk is a binder as when it is either cook or set at room temperature it solidifies as a (sort of) food glue. Breadcrumbs on the other hand do quite the opposite as in it helps to add separation between food particles such as meet and veggies. To put it simply; bread is used for texture to make foods such as meatloaf fall apart more easily. A meatloaf without breadcrumbs (or rice) is simply a square burger.
  • if you are honestly looking to stay lean, avoid sugar at all costs. Look at the ingredients of all condiments such as ketchup & teriyaki and make sure it does not contain any kind of syrup. Sugar in any form will spike your insulin levels and cause you to store fat. If you were to go without any form of sugar for a period of 72 hours your body would go into a state of ketosis in which it would start to drop fat rapidly. This may seem weird to a lot of people but just think about it. Most people are accustomed to eating food out of a bag, bottle or box. This is not the way were are supposed to live. The reason that food is so affordable is because it is made in a lab. Eat natural and you will be ahead of the game.
  • Gidzmo
    Gidzmo Posts: 905 Member
    Hi, I want to make some turkey burgers tonight preferably low carb. I keep seeing recipes that suggest using breadcrumbs to help bind it together and some saying to use whole egg, egg white or yolk? Will not using breadcrumb work and what part of the egg do I use?

    You can always try oatmeal. We've usually used whole eggs (but that is personal preference). I've heard that egg whiites freeze well, but I've never tried it.