Perfect Turkey Burger

A moist turkey burger! Charcoal grilling makes everything taste better, but I never thought I could also achieve a moist turkey burger. It really is the perfect turkey burger. I paired it with my first attempt at grilled corn and some greens, and the meal was a big big hit. Even Jillie had some. And liked it! Winning.

The only thing I did differently was use regular hamburger buns rather than English muffins. And, of course, I didn't get a picture because they were gone before I realized I should have taken one. I doubled the recipe though, so hopefully I will remember to take a picture of the ones in my freezer that I'll be making soon.

Perfect Turkey Burger
Courtesy of Food Network Magazine

1 large portobello mushroom cap
1 tablespoon coarsely chopped shallot
3 tablespoons lightly packed fresh parsley
1 1/4 pounds 85% to 93% lean ground turkey
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
8 thin slices manchego or white cheddar cheese
4 English muffins, split
Dijon mustard, mayonnaise and sliced avocado, for topping

Use a spoon to scrape out the gills from the underside of the mushroom cap. Cut the cap into 1-inch pieces and transfer to a food processor. Add the shallot and parsley and pulse until chopped.

Transfer the mushroom mixture to a large bowl. Add the turkey, olive oil, Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste; gently mix with your hands until just combined. Divide into 4 balls, then lightly press into 4-inch-wide, 1-inch-thick patties. Put on a large plate, cover and refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes.

Preheat a grill to medium. Brush the grates with olive oil. Grill the patties, undisturbed, until marked on the bottom, 4 to 5 minutes. Give the patties a quarter turn and cook until marked again, 4 to 5 more minutes. Flip the patties and grill until cooked through, 6 to 7 more minutes; top each with 2 slices cheese during the last 3 minutes of cooking and cover with a disposable aluminum pan to melt.

Toast the English muffins on the grill, then spread with mustard and mayonnaise. Serve the patties on the English muffins; top with avocado.