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A Spicy Mexican Turkey Burger with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and melted cheese on a bun sits on a wooden surface beside a red and white striped cloth.
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5 from 1 vote

Spicy Mexican Turkey Burgers + Vegan Chipotle Cream Sauce

Spicy Mexican Turkey Burgers that are tender, juicy, and flavorful. It's perfect for a Summer BBQ, or all year round.
Prep Time30 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Servings: 4 burgers
Author: Nisha Kapur

Ingredients

for the Vegan Chipotle Cream Sauce

  • 1 avocado
  • 2 tbsp cilantro
  • 1 1/2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • pinch of black pepper
  • 6 tbsp water

for the Turkey

  • 1 pound ground turkey 93% lean, 99% lean will work too
  • 3 cloves chopped garlic
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro finely chopped
  • 1/2 jalapeno deseeded finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper

for the Burger

  • 4 brioche buns use whole wheat or gluten-free buns for a healthier option
  • fresh lettuce leaves I like Organic Living
  • tomato round slices
  • red onions thin round slices
  • 4 havarti cheese slices muenster or pepper jack would work well too

Instructions

Make the Vegan Sauce / Chop Veggies

  • Add all the chipotle sauce ingredients to a food processor. Set aside.
  • Slice the tomatoes and onions into rings. Set aside lettuce - I use Organic Living Butter Lettuce.

Prepare the Turkey

  • In a large bowl, add the ground turkey and spices. Use your hands to mix everything up.
  • Split the turkey mixture into 4 sections, so roughly 1/4 pound each.
  • Form 4 patties. Heat a skillet on medium heat, once hot, spray avocado oil. Place 2 patties on a cast-iron skillet. Cook on each side for 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, you can barbecue the turkey burgers.
  • Flip. You should have a nice sear.
  • Once flipped, place a slice of cheese on the burger. Cover with a lid, and the cheese will melt. At this time, you can lower the heat very slightly if need be.
  • On a heated skillet/grill, place the buns. I used brioche, but for a healthier option go for whole wheat, or your favorite gluten-free bun.

Build your Turkey Burger

  • Spread chipotle sauce on the bottom half of the bun.
  • Then place the burger patty and cheese, followed by lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Spread chipotle sauce on the other half of the bun and top. Your burger is ready to devour.

Notes

  • for a dairy-free option, skip the cheese.
  • for a healthier burger, skip brioche bread and opt for a whole wheat bun, or gluten-free bun.
  • for a paleo / low-carb option, skip the bun and go for a lettuce bun.

Nutrition

Calories: 685kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Cholesterol: 231mg | Sodium: 1388mg | Potassium: 671mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1273IU | Vitamin C: 11mg | Calcium: 256mg | Iron: 3mg