Question about ground turkey

smwifey
smwifey Posts: 28 Member
in Recipes
I am having a huge craving for a burger so I purchased my first ever pack of ground turkey. My question is do I need to season in a particular manner? Does ground turkey taste at all like ground beef when prepared as a burger or should I set my expectations low and just be glad I have something close? LOL Might be a dumb question but I have no one else to ask.
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Replies

  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    No, it's not going to taste like ground beef. Adding seasoning will add flavor (and you can add whatever you'd like), but don't expect it to taste like a burger.

    Are you avoiding red meat for a reason? If you just think you are making a healthier choice, you might check out this article:

    http://www.cookinglight.com/eating-smart/nutrition-101/nutrition-questions-tips-00412000071626/page6.html
  • Sonnie124
    Sonnie124 Posts: 96 Member
    I am having a huge craving for a burger so I purchased my first ever pack of ground turkey. My question is do I need to season in a particular manner? Does ground turkey taste at all like ground beef when prepared as a burger or should I set my expectations low and just be glad I have something close? LOL Might be a dumb question but I have no one else to ask.

    I love ground turkey and wont eat ground beef at all now. I use 1 pk ground turkey, 2 tsp montreal seasonings, 1/4 cup water and 1 cup lowfat shredded cheddar cheese and it makes 4-5 burgers. It is very good. I use turkey for everything.
  • Angie_1MR
    Angie_1MR Posts: 247
    I love the taste of turkey, but I do flavor it to help keep it moist. I like to add chopped onion and celery, with an egg white, some mustard, garlic, and chipotle seasoning.
  • kaetmarie
    kaetmarie Posts: 668 Member
    I love turkey burgers, but when I want a real burger -- I eat a beef one.

    You can season it however you want, my current favorite is to mix in some fresh dill, carmelized onions, garlic powder, and salt/pepper to taste. It's poultry, not beef, so any seasoning combinations you like with poultry will taste good in a turkey burger.
  • KrystieNye
    KrystieNye Posts: 123 Member
    It won't taste like ground beef, but it IS really good. I actually prefer turkey burgers to regular burgers. Normally, I will either sprinkle a little bit of onion salt or garlic salt onto the patties before I cook them...but it just depends on your taste. :)
  • HotCuppaJo
    HotCuppaJo Posts: 476 Member
    Yeah, I've realized that turkey burgers aren't THAT much less than the lean ground beef. I just like to buy the ones that are already made into patties, so I know EXACTLY how many calories they are. On the turkey burger, I like to put Lawry's seasoning salt on it. (Just as I do w/ the regular burger....) VERY tasty. :)
  • DixiedoesMFP
    DixiedoesMFP Posts: 935 Member
    It doesn't taste the same. If I really want a burger, I buy extra lean beef (96/4). That's only once every few weeks or so. I do use ground turkey in chili, spaghetti, etc. where the sauce flavors it.
  • mfp_junkie
    mfp_junkie Posts: 359
    I eat ground turkey and chicken because I don't (can't) eat red meat.

    I season it the same, but the flavour is a bit milder than beef. I find it delicious. For homemade burgers, I usually take a pound, add a whole egg, bread crumbs to bind, and salt, pepper and garlic to season. Grill as you would a burger, and ensure they are fully cooked before eating.
  • FrugalMomsRock75
    FrugalMomsRock75 Posts: 698 Member
    Depends on what you're doing, and how you like it! When I make turkey burgers, I put it in a bowl and make a well. I addGourmet burger seasoning and a TBSP or two of Dijon or spicy mustard. Mix well and form burgers. They're really delicious. :)
  • dorothytd
    dorothytd Posts: 1,138 Member
    I add sea salt and garlic powder. Family loves them!
  • fh1951
    fh1951 Posts: 441 Member
    try this - mix some salsa in with the ground turkey before you make the patties. salsa turkey burgers!
  • megsi474
    megsi474 Posts: 370 Member
    I love experimenting with turkey burgers. My favorite so far has been chopped raw spinach and gorgonzola cheese.
  • kaetmarie
    kaetmarie Posts: 668 Member
    I love experimenting with turkey burgers. My favorite so far has been chopped raw spinach and gorgonzola cheese.

    YUM!
  • bcattoes
    bcattoes Posts: 17,299 Member
    I like turkey burgers, but they do not taste like a beef hamburger. Not at all. And IMO they need a lot more seasoning. I also shred a fresh onion into the meat and add a splash of olive oil to give it moisture (I do this with lean ground beef too).
  • kelseyhere
    kelseyhere Posts: 1,123 Member
    I'd recommend cooking on a pan rather than a bbq or grill. Turkey drys out much faster than beef. I'd also season it more than you would season beef, ground turkey is pretty bland. The other poster is right it's never going to taste like a traditional beef burger, but you don't have to set your sights low- it can taste very good if you cook it right.

    To spice it up even more, consider non-traditional burger toppings. I like to sprinkle my turkey burger with a little Feta cheese for some extra deliciousness :)
  • jenkidney
    jenkidney Posts: 149 Member
    I use ground turkey for quite a few things instead of beef. I just season it like I usually would (ie - taco season on tacos, lemon pepper for pasta dishes, etc). Personally, I try to sub out chicken or turkey for beef just because for my body red meat makes it harder for me to lose weight. I only eat it here and there. Sometimes you just need a burger in your world!
  • HauteP1nk
    HauteP1nk Posts: 2,139 Member
    Depending on where you get your ground turkey it can be about the same as ground beef (or sometimes worse if you use the leanest ground beef). Depending on what part of the turkey they are grinding up, and how fat their birds are. Butterball turkey is always a little higher in fat.

    That being said, a good trick so you know what is in your turkey is to buy skinless boneless turkey breasts and grind it yourself... All you need is a food processor.

    I personally can't stand the taste of ground turkey. I will just go with the extra lean ground beef if I want a burger...OR get yourself a veggie burger. There are some veggie burgers out there that are so good!
  • memmers
    memmers Posts: 112
    It taste similar but i actually perfer turkey burger. I cant notice the difference when i put it in chili or spaghetti. I do add a few spices some salt n pepper maybe a little garlic powder. They do tend to get dry since theres not a lot of fat so i will add a little bit of olive oil. Good luck!!
  • AFreeheart
    AFreeheart Posts: 87 Member
    I am having a huge craving for a burger so I purchased my first ever pack of ground turkey. My question is do I need to season in a particular manner? Does ground turkey taste at all like ground beef when prepared as a burger or should I set my expectations low and just be glad I have something close? LOL Might be a dumb question but I have no one else to ask.

    Quality of ground turkey varies much more than the quality of ground beef.
    Ground white turkey is much healthier and tastier than ground brown turkey.

    The ground turkey that comes fresh from the meat dept. display case is much, much better than the kind that comes in frozen tubes or frozen patties.

    Turkey burgers should be made thinner than beef burgers.

    I like to season turkey burgers or turkey crumbles (for sauces or pasta dishes) with basil,oregano, and/or black pepper.
  • 78brownie_wechanged
    78brownie_wechanged Posts: 291
    A beef burger will taste like a beef burger and a turkey burger will taste like a turkey burger. I love them both and never tried to get one to taste like the other. You can dress them up the same. However I prefer my turkey burgers without cheese. Working from ground turkey you can try chopped onions, black pepper, and a little marjoram seasoning.

    I say try it, you may like it
  • krismonaco
    krismonaco Posts: 21 Member
    Ground turkey is good because its not as greasy and has a lot of good flavor. Add some chopped up jalepenos and dress it up with good condiments and it will be wonderful!
  • megsi474
    megsi474 Posts: 370 Member
    I love experimenting with turkey burgers. My favorite so far has been chopped raw spinach and gorgonzola cheese.

    YUM!

    I've also done Italian seasoned ground turkey with a spoonful of natural tomato sauce and shredded mozzarella rolled into a ball and put in the middle of the meat as pizza burgers for the kids.
  • amymt10
    amymt10 Posts: 271 Member
    I add ketchup, a lil bit of bread crumbs, onion & pepper sometimes garlic... grill, tastes really good!! Sometimes I use an egg instead of ketchup. I find that you do need to add something liquid or it can be a bit dry. It wont taste like a reg hamburger, but it is really good. I use ground turkey about 75% of the time, its great in spaghetti, tacos, lasagna, casseroles etc as well.
  • MaybeAMonkey
    MaybeAMonkey Posts: 247
    I love turkey burgers, but no - they don't taste like just like beef. It's great lean protein. We always add McCormick's Poultry Seasoning (low sodium version) to the raw meat and use avocado for a spread on the bun (instead of mayo) and a white cheese (usually havarti). I really like chipotle bbq sauce on my turkey burgers as well because it gives my burger a nice kick. Turkey burgers are very versatile - countless topping options because of the mild flavor of the meat.
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,329 Member
    thankfully ground turkey does NOT taste like ground beef (i hate beef ).

    please season your food and dont serve bland boring stuff, mmmkay? :laugh:

    good seasoning with turkey : cumin, thyme, red pepper, cilantro and garlic. nutmeg is also good as well..

    dont be afraid to experiment with spices
  • TheNewDodge
    TheNewDodge Posts: 607 Member
    Mix it with 5 parts beef
  • debussyschild
    debussyschild Posts: 804 Member
    Season like a regular burger :) Turkey is a bit leaner and will have less of that yummy greasy taste, so sometimes you need to do a little more to spruce it up. I recommend minced garlic, pepper, fresh herbs, anything really. Minimize salt before cooking so it doesn't overdry.
  • rebeccap13
    rebeccap13 Posts: 754 Member
    I thought the question was going to be, "Why does it taste so bad?"

    I prefer elk or bison if I want to go lean with burgers or just lean beef. I think it's more of a texture thing actually.
  • amanda3588
    amanda3588 Posts: 422 Member
    I love using turkey as a beef/pork substitute. Turkey isn't as flavorful as beef, but seasoning goes a long way. I make buffalo burgers by mixing chopped onion, shredded carrot, breadcrumbs and hot sauce with the turkey (just watch the sodium!)

    Try a turkey brat - so good and a fraction of the calories/fat!
  • caiialily
    caiialily Posts: 28
    Rehashing what everyone else is already saying, the turkey will not taste like the ground beef. You can season it the same way as ground beef or use a poultry-type seasoning. Either way it tastes great.

    I wanted to chime in and say depending on the fat content of the turkey you bought, just be really careful not too overcook it or it will get tough. Like ground beef, ground turkey comes in a variety of fat/meat ratios. There's regular ground turkey, lean (usually about 10 to 7% fat), and extra lean (3 to 1% fat). The less fat there is, the more carefully you have to avoid overcooking since fat adds to the moistness. That said, make sure you cook it thoroughly to avoid foodborne illness.

    Hope you enjoy it!

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