Perfect Turkey Burger

Ingredients:

1 head garlic

2 1/2 pounds (1.1 kg) ground dark-meat turkey

1 tablespoon (15 ml) Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons (10 ml) soy sauce

1/4 cup (15 g) chopped fresh parsley

1 egg, beaten

1/2 cup (60 g) fine dry bread crumbs

Vegetable oil, for cooking

6 Katie’s Burger Buns or whole wheat sesame buns

Recommended condiments: romaine lettuce, Kewpie mayonnaise, Sriracha, Quick-Pickled Onions, chopped scallions.

Method:

Preheat oven to 325°F (170°C, gas mark 3). Wrap the garlic in tin foil and roast for 1 hour. Squeeze out the cloves and mash with a fork.

In a large bowl, mix the ground turkey with the mashed garlic, Worcestershire and soy sauces, and parsley. Fold in the egg and half of the bread crumbs. Gradually add the remaining bread crumbs until the turkey mixture is no longer sticky. You may not have to add the full 1/2 cup (60 g).

Divide the mixture into 6 even portions and shape into patties according to the technique in chapter 1. Refrigerate until ready to cook.

If grilling, prepare the grill according to the instructions for Wood Fire and Charcoal Grilling in chapter 1 (page 18). Clean the grill grate well with a stiff wire brush.

When the fire is ready, remove the burgers from the refrigerator. Brush the oil on the grill grate. Set the burgers on the grate directly over coals and grill for 5 minutes per side.

If you’re cooking indoors, preheat the oven to 325°F (170°C, gas mark 3).

Heat a heavy, cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. If you have an infrared thermometer, the skillet should register at least 500°F (250°C). You can also test by brushing a bit of oil on the skillet. When the skillet starts to smoke, it is ready. Brush the griddle with vegetable oil to cover completely.

Place the patties in the skillet without overcrowding. Cook for 3 minutes. Turn the patties over and cook for 2 minutes on the other side. Transfer the patties to a baking sheet and bake for 7 to 8 minutes or until their internal temperature registers 160°F (71°C). Remove from the oven and tent the burgers with foil for 3 to 5 minutes.

While the burgers are on the grill or in the oven, set the condiments out in individual bowls.

To serve: Arrange the buns on a platter and place a burger on each bun. Allow guests to dress their own, using the condiments listed here or other Wicked Killer Burger Toppings. Serve with Glo’s Bean Salad on the side.

Perfect Turkey Burger